Abstract: A light-off and close coupled catalyst assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of conically shaped catalysts disposed adjacent to the exhaust ports of a combustion engine. The assembly also includes a main brick catalyst disposed downstream of the conically shaped catalysts. The main brick catalyst includes an angled front face and a conically shaped downstream end.

Abstract: An auxiliary heat source for a vehicle having a driving source is provided. The auxiliary heat source includes a drive mechanism, an auxiliary machine and a heat generating unit. The drive mechanism is adapted for receiving a rotational driving force from the driving source and includes a first drive structure and a second drive structure. The auxiliary machine for the vehicle includes a first shaft, which is coupled for rotation with the first drive structure and which is operable for providing a power input to the auxiliary machine. The heat generating unit using a shearing force to generate heat. The heat generating unit includes a rotor and a second shaft. The second shaft is coupled for rotation with the second drive structure and operable for providing a power input to the rotor.