Abstract: Water management for vehicles with an open top cargo bed are described. A plurality of vehicle components can form a portion of the open-top cargo bed. The plurality of vehicle components can define a gap. A seal plug can be received in the gap. The seal plug can sealingly engage the first and/or second lateral side of the gap. The seal plug can be configured to direct water away from the vehicle. For instance, the seal plug can include a deflection surface. The deflection surface can be angled downwardly and away from the gap. The seal plug can include a water drainage channel. The water drainage channel can include a first end opening to an upper surface of the seal plug and the second end opening to the deflection surface and/or other surface that slopes downwardly and away from the gap.

Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a bumper upper member that is reinforced in a vehicle vertical direction against a bumper energy absorber structure. The bumper upper member includes a vertical rigidity flange that extends outwardly toward the bumper energy absorber that limits movement of the bumper upper member in response to a downward vertical force, which can improve static subjective rigidity, while maintaining pedestrian performance.

Abstract: A process for the alkylation of picolinamides with substituted chloroacylals to produce a structure of Formula (III), wherein the reaction is performed in the presence of a phase-transfer catalyst and an inorganic halide co-catalyst.

Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a bumper upper member that is reinforced in a vehicle vertical direction against a bumper energy absorber structure. The bumper upper member includes a vertical rigidity flange that extends outwardly toward the bumper energy absorber that limits movement of the bumper upper member in response to a downward vertical force, which can improve static subjective rigidity, while maintaining pedestrian performance.

Abstract: A hood assembly includes an outer panel that is connected to an inner panel. The inner panel includes one or more elongated slots that extend lengthwise in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The elongated slots can provide a line of weakness to reduce deceleration of an impacting body. A slot protector is fitted within the elongated slots. The slot protector is formed of a flexible material that facilitates an interference fit within the slot.