Abstract: A control system for a vehicle has a powertrain system that includes electric power propulsion system and a second propulsion system, a geographical position sensing system, a geographic map database, and a controller. The controller monitors a geographic location of the vehicle determine the geographic location of the vehicle in relation to a first predefined region and a first user-identified region. The powertrain system is controlled to generate propulsion power employing only the electric power propulsion system when the geographic location of the vehicle is within the first predefined region and when the geographic location of the vehicle is within the first user-identified region. The powertrain system is controlled to generate propulsion power employing the second propulsion system when the geographic location of the vehicle is outside the first predefined region and outside the first user-identified region.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle has a powertrain system that includes electric power propulsion system and a second propulsion system, a geographical position sensing system, a geographic map database, and a controller. The controller monitors a geographic location of the vehicle determine the geographic location of the vehicle in relation to a first predefined region and a first user-identified region. The powertrain system is controlled to generate propulsion power employing only the electric power propulsion system when the geographic location of the vehicle is within the first predefined region and when the geographic location of the vehicle is within the first user-identified region. The powertrain system is controlled to generate propulsion power employing the second propulsion system when the geographic location of the vehicle is outside the first predefined region and outside the first user-identified region.

Abstract: An exhaust tip assembly conducts hot engine exhaust from a muffler through an opening in a molded plastic bumper fascia. An exhaust pipe defining a cross-sectional flow area for the exhaust flow and has an inlet end attached to the muffler and an outlet end. The exhaust pipe has a flexible coupling portion intermediate the inlet end and the outlet end. A heat shield has a cross-sectional flow area greater than the pipe, and an inlet end attached to the outlet end of the pipe. A decorative bezel is attached to the heat shield at the outlet end of the heat shield. Fasteners fasten the heat shield to the fascia with the bezel located in the opening in the rear bumper fascia. During movement of the muffler, the bezel remains in the center of the opening as the flexible coupling portion of the exhaust pipe flexes.

Abstract: A sound dampening assembly adapted to engage an exhaust pipe in an automotive engine exhaust system adjacent an outlet of an internal combustion engine. The assembly includes a bottle portion having a single opening and an interior defining a predetermined amount of volume and a neck portion having a first end attached to the opening of the bottle portion and extending from the bottle portion. The neck portion is in fluid communication with the bottle portion interior and includes a second end adapted to be attached to the exhaust pipe. The neck portion has an interior defining a predetermined amount of volume and the bottle portion and the neck portion are sized to attenuate vibration at a predetermined frequency in the exhaust system.