Abstract: A vehicle, such as an automobile, is provided with friction and regenerative braking systems. A sensor detects an obstacle in the vehicle's path and a brake controller, when operated by a user, automatically deploys either or both braking systems to decelerate the vehicle so that its speed corresponds to that of the obstacle when the vehicle is a predetermined distance from the obstacle. The brake controller is arranged to deploy the braking systems in order to optimize recovery of kinetic energy by the regenerative braking system. The brake controller may be operated in a standard mode, in which it deploys the braking systems to provide a retarding force on the vehicle which depends on a driver's input. The brake controller may be controlled by a brake pedal. The pedal may have a position part way along its travel at which resistance to further travel temporarily increases and operation of the pedal beyond that position causes the brake controller to operate in the standard mode.

Abstract: A roof rail (20) is adapted to be attached to the roof (21) of a vehicle, to allow items to be carried on the roof via a crossbar (22) clamped thereto. The roof rail (20) includes a trim attachment portion (23), to which a trim (24) formed of brightware or the like can be attached. The trim attachment portion (23) extends between a top wall and a projecting portion of an outboard sidewall of the rail (20).

Abstract: The invention provides an electrically driven stowable and deployable table mounted on a support structure, wherein the table comprises a switch mechanism operable by a user to select between a first, automatic, operation for stowing and deployment of the table, and a second, user adjustable operation for user adjustment of the deployed position of the table.

Abstract: A seat structure 6 for mounting to the load space 3 of an automobile 1 includes a seat cushion 9 which, in use, may be positioned to extend out an opening to the load space to provide a seat for a person outside the automobile. The structure is particularly intended to provide a seat to the rear of an estate car, SUV or other automobile fitted with tailgate 4. The seat structure may be removably mountable to the load space of an automobile. The seat structure may comprise mounting assemblies 8 arranged to mount the structure to points at opposite sides of the load space of an automobile. A divider assembly 7 may be pivotally mounted to the mounting assemblies 8 for movement between upright and flat positions. The seat cushion 9 may be movably mounted to the divider assembly for movement between storage and deployed positions.

Abstract: A balancer for a wheel and tire assembly includes one or more tubes 101 containing a movable mass 104. The tube or tubes is/are mounted to a resiliently deformable support 102 with an outer dimension that substantially matches an inner dimension of the tire. the support being arranged to position and support the or each tube within the tire. The/or each tube may be annular. The support may be formed from a plastics mesh 102.

Abstract: An adaptive braking system for a motor vehicle includes an assisted braking system and a controller arranged to determine, in response to one or more driving condition parameters and in advance of a brake application, the braking assistance to be provided. Braking assistance is defined by a function which maps a brake actuation parameter to be applied from a detected brake pedal actuation parameter. Each driving condition parameter includes an environmental condition parameter. The controller may also adjust the braking assistance in response to one or more braking response signals.