Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a stem and a base with wheels. The base is at a first end of the stem, with symmetrical elements of the base opposed across a stem axis. Elements on each side include a wheel, a drive motor, a platform and pivot joints. The wheel has an axis of rotation. The drive motor is connected to the wheel. The platform is between the wheel and the stem. A first pivot joint connects the stem and the platform. A second pivot joint connects the platform and the wheel. In a first orientation, the platforms are substantially perpendicular to the stem and in a second orientation the platforms are substantially parallel to the stem. The wheel axes are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially perpendicular to the stem axis in the first orientation and the second orientation.

Abstract: A parking space can be identified. A lateral clearance can be identified when a vehicle is parked in the parking space based on identifying a first door of the vehicle to be provided the lateral clearance when the vehicle is parked. A parking position of the vehicle in the parking space can be determined, including a parking bias angle ? between a vehicle longitudinal axis and a parking space longitudinal center axis, and a lateral offset of the vehicle with respect to the parking space longitudinal center axis, based on dimensions of the parking space and the lateral clearance.

Abstract: A wind noise reduction apparatus for a motor vehicle includes a mirror housing, a mirror held in the mirror housing and a control module. That control module is configured to displace the mirror housing to reduce wind noise while simultaneously displacing the mirror to maintain a constant visual field.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer for attaching to a vehicle and analyzing operating characteristics of the vehicle is provided. The trailer includes a frame having a tongue configured to attach to a vehicle. The trailer has its own designated powertrain configured to propel and brake the trailer independent from the vehicle. A connecting member is configured to attach to an exhaust pipe of the vehicle and includes an emissions sensor configured to detect emissions from the exhaust pipe. At least one controller is coupled to the emissions sensor and is configured to analyze the emissions. The trailer can also be attached to the vehicle via an attachment member and configured to propel the vehicle across a range of increasing speeds while a powertrain of the vehicle is in neutral, and measure forces required to propel the vehicle across the range of speeds utilizing a force gauge on the attachment member.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring cylinder valve deactivation in an engine operating with a plurality of cylinder valves. One example method comprises, sensing a plurality of cylinder valve positions of a plurality of cylinder valves; and combining the plurality of sensed positions to form a combined cylinder valve signal. The method may further include identifying valve degradation and differentiating valve degradation among the plurality of cylinder valves based on the combined cylinder valve signal and an expected value of the signal, and further based on a crank angle at which the expected value differs from the combined signal.