Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the energy consumption of a motor vehicle having at least one electric on-board power supply system to which at least one electric consuming device is connected. For implementing an efficient on-board power supply system which, in addition, contributes to the reduction of the energy consumption of a motor vehicle, the voltage level and/or power level of the electric on-board power supply system is kept at a first, low level during a first operating condition of the motor vehicle. The voltage level and/or power level of the electric on-board power supply system is temporarily raised to a second, higher level in a second operating condition of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method of authorizing external devices that can be optionally connected with a data bus of a motor vehicle is provided. At least a first code can be entered by an operator in an external device that can be connected with the data bus, and is sent by the external device by way of the data bus to an authorization device of the motor vehicle. The first code is compared with a second code by the authorization device and, if the first code corresponds to the second code, the device connected with the data bus is authorized for coupling to the data bus. The second code is defined on the motor vehicle side independently of the external device. The second code, or a replacement code suitable for its determination, is emitted by an output unit in the motor vehicle interior.

Abstract: A load-bearing rail is provided for the cargo space of a motor vehicle, which is used for accommodating a load-bearing eyelet that can be guided therein in a movable and lockable manner. To provide a load-bearing rail for the cargo space of a motor vehicle, which may assume additional functions in order to both keep the weight low and to reduce the number of parts and thus to lower the cost of production, the load-bearing rail is provided with a bracket, which sticks out laterally and which serves as a support for a floor of the cargo space.