Abstract: A central computer includes a first processor and a first memory. A portable computer includes a second processor and a second memory. The portable computer is programmed to: obtain an identifier of a vehicle via a scanner included in the portable computer, and transmit the identifier and first validation data to the central computer, and transmit a message to the central computer for a destination computer. The central computer is programmed to receive the identifier and the first validation data from the portable computer, determine second validation data; identify a destination computer based on the identifier, and upon determining that a comparison of the first validation data and the second validation data meets a specified criterion, transmit the message from the portable computer to the destination computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for coordinating and executing bidirectional energy transfer events between electrified vehicles and one or more participating electrified recreational vehicles. Energy may be transferred from an electrified vehicle to one or more electrified recreational vehicles, from the one or more electrified recreational vehicles to the electrified vehicle, or both during bidirectional energy transfer events. The proposed systems and methods may further be configured to provide various charging configurations between the electrified vehicle and the one or more electrified recreational vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle body defining a cabin interior and comprising a front row of seats and a rear row of seats, a plurality of seats located within the cabin interior, and a monitoring system for detecting and monitoring a pet or passenger within the cabin interior. The vehicle also includes a movable center console positioned between a pair of the forward row of seats and forward of the rear row of seats and comprising a holder for holding a drink container, and a controller processing signals generated by the monitoring system and determining a location of the detected pet or passenger on the rear row of seats based on the processed signals, the controller further controlling the movable console between a forward first position and a rearward second position closer to the rear row of seats.

Abstract: A water heating system for a vehicle includes, among other things, a container and an assembly of a vehicle. The assembly has a thermal energy level that increases as a result of operating the vehicle. The system further includes a path that communicates water back-and-forth between the container and the assembly to increase amount of thermal energy within water that is in the container, and an outlet configured to dispense water from the container for use by a user.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises user inputs, a monitoring system for detecting and monitoring a pet within the vehicle, and a controller processing signals generated by the monitoring system and determining a location of the pet based on the monitored signals. The controller controls activation of the user input controls based on the determined location of the pet to disable an operating mode of one or more of the user inputs when the pet is detected proximate to the user inputs.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle body defining a cabin interior, a plurality of seats located within the cabin interior, each seat having an adjustable seat base and an adjustable seat back, a monitoring system for detecting and monitoring a pet within the cabin interior, and a controller processing signals generated by the monitoring system and determining a location of the pet based on the monitored signals, the controller further controlling at least one of the adjustable seat base and adjustable seat back of a seat based on the determined location of the pet so that the seat is configured to accommodate the pet.

Abstract: A water heating system for a vehicle includes, among other things, a container and an assembly of a vehicle. The assembly has a thermal energy level that increases as a result of operating the vehicle. The system further includes a path that communicates water back-and-forth between the container and the assembly to increase amount of thermal energy within water that is in the container, and an outlet configured to dispense water from the container for use by a user.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle comprises first and second closure panels of the vehicle that are operable between open and closed positions, and at least one sensor coupled to the first closure panel that detects an obstruction in a pivot path of the second closure panel. The first closure panel forms at least a portion of a rear gate assembly of the vehicle. A controller receives data from the at least one sensor and prompts a vehicle action based on the received data.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a first closure panel of the vehicle operable between open and closed positions, a second closure panel of the vehicle operable between open and closed positions, at least one sensor that is coupled to the first closure panel and that detects precipitation, and a controller that prompts movement of the first closure panel from a first open position to a second open position based on the detected precipitation.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a rear gate assembly of the vehicle that includes a closure panel operable to pivot vehicle-downward from a closed position to an open position. The system also includes a support feature coupled to the closure panel and operable to move relative to the closure panel between a retracted position and a deployed position. In the open position of the closure panel, the position of the support feature in the deployed position is further vehicle-downward than the position of the support feature in the retracted position. The system also includes a sensing system of the vehicle that detects a living being proximate to the rear gate assembly. The system further includes a controller that authenticates an identity and determines a position of the living being based on data received from the sensing system and prompts movement of the support feature from the retracted position to the deployed position based on the authenticated identity and determined position of the living being.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle having a trailer coupled thereto includes a rear gate assembly of the vehicle having a first closure panel operable between an open position and a closed position. The system also includes at least one sensor coupled to the first closure panel. The system further includes a controller that prompts execution of a security measure in response to the at least one sensor detecting a person within a predetermined proximity of at least a portion of the trailer.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a human-machine interface, a microphone that detects sound, a sound source device that emits sound, and a controller that prompts pairing of the sound source device and the microphone, such that the sound source device emits sound corresponding to the sound detected by the microphone. The controller prompts pairing of the sound source device and the microphone in response to at least one of (i) the vehicle entering a reverse mode, and (ii) receiving a user input entered into the human-machine interface via selection of an input option by a user, wherein the input option is made accessible for selection by the user in response to the vehicle entering the reverse mode.

Abstract: A vehicle closure assembly actuating method includes, among other things, detecting a user approaching the vehicle, and assessing an approach speed of the user. The approach speed is a speed at which the user is approaching the vehicle. The method further includes opening a closure assembly of the vehicle based, at least in part, on the approach speed from the assessing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for queueing transportation providers and passengers are described. A method includes queuing in a first queue, first broadcast messages received from passenger mobile devices and queuing in a second queue, second broadcast messages received from transportation provider mobile devices. The method also includes comparing, via a processor, each of the first broadcast messages in the first queue to the second broadcast messages in the second queue to identify a match between one of the first broadcast messages and one of the second broadcast messages.

Abstract: A computer that includes a processor and memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The computer may be programmed to: determine feature-selection data; determine that a mobile device is within a proximity threshold of a vehicle; and in response to the determinations, control a vehicle display in accordance with the feature-selection data.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a vehicle hammock and a thermal energy adjustment device of the vehicle hammock. A method of controlling thermal energy within a hammock includes, among other things, providing a vehicle hammock having a thermal energy adjustment device, and adjusting the thermal energy level of the vehicle hammock based, at least in part, on a thermal energy level outside the vehicle hammock.

Abstract: A vehicle door control system includes a door assembly, which includes a side door and a liftgate. The door assembly includes an actuation assembly that adjusts each of the side door and the liftgate between opened and closed positions. A sensor assembly defines a rear sensor field, a first side sensor field, and a second side sensor field. A controller determines whether a person in at least one of the rear sensor field, the first side sensor field, and the second side sensor field is a recognized passenger, determines a speed of the recognized passenger, determines whether the recognized passenger is carrying an object, and activates the actuation assembly to open at least one of the liftgate and the side door based on whether the recognized passenger is carrying an object, where timing of activation of the actuation assembly is based on the speed of the recognized passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo management system includes, among other things, an outer member of a cargo retention frame and an inner member of the cargo retention frame. The inner member is at least partially received within the outer member. A locking device is transitionable back and forth between a locked position and an unlocked position. The outer and inner members are slideable relative to each other when the locking device is in the locked position. The outer and inner members are fixed relative to each other when the locking device is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a wall of a cargo bed, and a storage system. The wall has an inner panel spaced from an outer panel to provide a cavity. The storage system has a first bin and a second bin that are each at least partially disposed within the cavity when in an installed position. The first bin provides a first cargo area within the cavity when in the installed position. The first bin is configured to be moved to the installed position through an aperture in the inner panel. The second bin provides a second cargo area within the cavity when in the installed position. The second bin is configured to be moved to the installed position without moving through the aperture in the inner panel.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for coordinating and executing in-flight energy transfer events between vehicles. Energy may be transferred from a towing or leading vehicle to a towed or trailing vehicle, from the trailing vehicle to the leading vehicle, or both during the in-flight energy transfer events. The proposed systems may further be configured to coordinate the terms and conditions of a service agreement between the leading and trailing vehicles, coordinate the publication of a service experience rating from a user of the leading and/or trailing vehicle, and/or coordinate the termination of the in-flight charging event by either user.