Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an air conditioning system, a motorized directional air flow control feature, a display, and a controller configured to initiate a variable air flow routine. Initiation of the variable air flow routine prompts execution of a predetermined actuation sequence of the motorized directional air flow control feature such that the direction of air flowing from the air conditioning system into a cabin of the vehicle is varied sequentially by the motorized directional air flow control feature. Initiation of the variable air flow routine further prompts the display to display an air flow graphic having a directional quality that corresponds with the orientation of the motorized directional air flow control feature such that the directional quality of the air flow graphic varies sequentially with the direction of the air flowing from the air conditioning system.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling temperature in an automotive vehicle having a driver-side area, a front passenger-side area, and a climate control system with at least one interface. The interface allows a user to select a driver-side temperature setting and a passenger-side temperature setting. The system includes a seat occupancy sensor and at least one computer-based controller. In operation, the seat occupancy sensor generates a sensor signal indicative of passenger seat occupancy in the passenger-side area of the vehicle. Based on the sensor signal, the controller controls the climate control system. When the passenger-side area is unoccupied, the climate control system distributes conditioned air according to the driver-side temperature setting to both the driver-side and passenger-side areas.