Abstract: Consumer safety of repaired vehicles can be improved by providing systems and methods for generating vehicle repair estimate reports based on predictive estimating and transmitting these reports to clients. A master server serviced by a vehicle manufacturer generates a vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating and transmits this report to a client via a web-based graphical user interface. Also, a master server serviced by a vehicle manufacturer generates a vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating and transmits this report to a client via a vehicle repair claims management user interface. The vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating may comprise repair packages and repair information relating to recommended replacement parts and quantities thereof, the part numbers for the suggested replacement parts, the price estimate for the suggested replacement parts, manufacturer-recommended repair instructions, and other relevant information.

Abstract: Consumer safety of repaired vehicles can be improved by providing systems and methods for generating vehicle repair estimate reports based on predictive estimating and transmitting these reports to clients. A master server serviced by a vehicle manufacturer generates a vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating and transmits this report to a client via a web-based graphical user interface. Also, a master server serviced by a vehicle manufacturer generates a vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating and transmits this report to a client via a vehicle repair claims management user interface. The vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating may comprise repair packages and repair information relating to recommended replacement parts and quantities thereof, the part numbers for the suggested replacement parts, the price estimate for the suggested replacement parts, manufacturer-recommended repair instructions, and other relevant information.

Abstract: Devices and methods in a configurable human machine interface (HMI) for multiple vehicle display devices are disclosed. An example of the method includes, in the HMI control unit for a plurality of vehicular display devices, receiving action input data from a configurable application input module in a first operational mode. In the first operational mode a first vehicular display device operates as a master vehicular display device relative to a second vehicular display device. The second vehicular display device is mirrored to the first vehicular display device. When action input data indicates a transition from the first operational mode to a second operational mode, the method continues by generating a control message based on the action input data.

Abstract: A system for ignition control and gear selection of a vehicle is described herein. The system comprises a removable device, a docking portion of the vehicle, and a control module of the vehicle. The removable device comprises identification circuitry; and a body housing the identification circuitry. The docking portion of the vehicle is configured to receive the removable device. The control module of the vehicle is configured to identify the removable device prior to ignition of the vehicle, the removable device identified based, at least in part, on the identification circuitry; cause ignition of the vehicle in response to detecting a first interaction with the removable device; and cause the vehicle to change from a first gear to a second gear in response to detecting a second interaction with the removable device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for customer relationship management are disclosed. In one example, a customer relationship management system can receive, from a customer device, a customer location and a request for a sales representative. In response, the customer relationship management system can send, for display to a sales representative device, the customer location and then receive, from the sales representative device, a request for customer profile information. In response to this request, the customer relationship management system can send, for display to the sales representative device, at least some of the customer profile information.

Abstract: Described herein is a control console. The control console may have a first contextual knob configured to control a first system, a display encompassing the first contextual knob, and a control module configured to update a first portion of the display responsive to detecting a first input. The first portion of the display may be adjacent to the first contextual knob.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for enabling telematics in a vehicle. A telematics system for enabling telematics in a vehicle including multiple user interface elements that operate one or more telematics devices. The multiple user interface elements include a respective user interface element. The telematics system includes one or more sensors configured to provide driver control information and passenger presence information and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is connected to the one or more sensors. The electronic control unit is configured to obtain the passenger presence information and the driver control information. The electronic control unit is configured to enable the respective user interface element during operation of the vehicle based on the driver control information and the passenger presence information.

Abstract: Methods for tracking and analyzing transaction data relating to the sales of automotive parts, and automatically generating and sending comprehensive reports thereof at a pre-determined frequency. In particular, a processor generates a report having analyzed sales performance data and sending the report to a recipient at a pre-determined frequency. The report having sales performance data can include key sales performance metrics, performance ratings, and inactivity alerts. The processor also generates a report having business development activity data and sending the report to a recipient at a pre-determined frequency. The report having business development activity data can include a compilation of previously performed business development activities, upcoming business development activities, and prospect status.

Abstract: Systems and methods for customer relationship management are disclosed. In one example, a customer relationship management system can receive, from a customer device, a customer location and a request for a sales representative. In response, the customer relationship management system can send, for display to a sales representative device, the customer location and then receive, from the sales representative device, a request for customer profile information. In response to this request, the customer relationship management system can send, for display to the sales representative device, at least some of the customer profile information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for crowd sourcing current traffic conditions using an image sensor on a vehicle to record traffic conditions at the vehicle location, date and time stamp the images, and transmit the images along with selected vehicle operating conditions and vehicle coordinates through a network to a central crowd sourcing traffic condition control. The control stores the images and, upon receiving an image request from a vehicle, transmits traffic condition images to the requesting vehicle through the network for a specified roadway segment. A vehicle opted-in to the control can select another opted-in vehicle to have an image taken by the any selected vehicle of a desired road location. The control handles the exchange of a request and an image between the requesting vehicle and the selecting vehicle to enable an instantaneous image of a desired road location to be displayed in the requesting vehicle.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle that provides personal convenience reminders to a user of a vehicle. The system accesses an off board system such as a personal electronic device of the user to display the personal convenience reminders. The system can also access various off board applications in response to the personal electronic device of the user to further refine the personal convenience reminders in response to a user selection.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle includes receiving, at a wearable article, a first input from a user indicating a vehicle function to be performed on a vehicle, receiving a second input indicating a gesture by the user for authentication, and generating, at the wearable article, a control signal for performing the vehicle function on the vehicle based on a successful authentication of the user.

Abstract: A vehicle including a vehicle cable spacer coupled to an outboard arm of a suspension bracket and including: a body; a first face, directed toward the suspension bracket; a first anti-rotation tab extending inboard from the first face and engaging an edge of the suspension bracket; a second face spaced apart from the first face by a width of the body; and a second anti-rotation tab extending outboard from the second face; a cable cuff coupled to the second face of the vehicle cable spacer, an edge of the cable cuff engaging the second anti-rotation tab of the vehicle cable spacer; and a vehicle cable extending through the cable cuff such that the vehicle cable is spaced from the vehicle cable spacer.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing vehicle problems that may include a client device and central device. The client device may include a connector to connect to a vehicle and a vehicle interface to send and receive information from the vehicle. The client may also include an input/output system, a processor, and a communication system to communicate with the central device. The client device may capture a vehicle identification number (VIN) and may transmit the captured VIN along with geographic information to the central device. In response to received instructions from the central device, the client device may passively capture diagnostic information from the vehicle and transmit the diagnostic information to the central device. In response to the diagnostic information, the central device may transmit further instructions to the client device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using audible tones generated by a vehicle driver's use of a tone actuator in a vehicle. The vehicle generates an audible tone which is capable of being heard by the driver as well as being received by a processor in the vehicle, the processor accessing a memory table correlating each distinct tone with a distinct vehicle control function. The processor outputs a signal to select the vehicle control function corresponding to the generated tone.

Abstract: A GPS gate system is described for triggering transmission of a message. The system may include a GPS receiver determining a location of the GPS receiver based upon signals received from a GPS satellite system. The GPS receiver determines if the GPS receiver has passed through a GPS gate based upon the received signals. The GPS system may further include a communications system to connect the GPS receiver with a GPS gate communications system to receiver a message generated by the GPS receiver based upon the crossed GPS gate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for providing friendly maintenance and recall notifications. Drivers can have personalized online driver profiles that indicate preferences for one or more notification classes, each notification class having a consistent theme or style. When a maintenance or recall condition arises, the driver can be presented with a notification that is both specific to the particular maintenance condition and associated with the notification class for which the driver has indicated a preference. Maintenance conditions can be detected by one or more sensors. Notifications for recall conditions can be sent from a remote server and received at the vehicle. A plurality of notifications related to a particular condition can be stored in a notification database, and the driver can be presented with a random notification, consistent with the driver's preferences, from the plurality of available notifications.

Abstract: Automotive vehicles may be manufactured and delivered in accordance with the following process: A computer system containing at least one processor may query one or more databases of social media postings in one or more social media computer networks for social media postings that: identify one or more vehicles or series of vehicles; indicate an intent to purchase the one or more vehicles or series of vehicles; and contain a geocode indicating a location of the author of the social media posting. The computer system may, for each social media posting returned by the querying, determine the one or more vehicles or series of vehicles identified in the social media posting; determine the location of the author of the social media posting based on the geocode contained within the social media posting; and determine what preference or preferences the social media posting expresses for a particular vehicle or configuration of vehicle.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a user identification subsystem operable to detect a driver; and an interactive display subsystem operable to generate output for display on a vehicle window based on detection of the driver, the output associated with a reminder specific to a questionable driving habit of the driver.

Abstract: A system and method for a vehicle includes a user identification subsystem operable to detect an individual proximate to the vehicle and a display subsystem operable to generate output for display on a vehicle window in response to detection the. The system and method distinguish between authenticated and non-authenticated vehicle users and, in the event of a non-authenticated user, display the image on the display along with an optional printed and/or audible warning. If both an authenticated and non-authenticated user are identified, the system displays both images along with an optional warning. The images along with the vehicle coordinates and date and time information can be transmitted remotely from the vehicle to a pre-defined contact list. The system and method allow for a camera mode to enable an authenticated user to use the image sensor on the vehicle to take a photograph or video.