Abstract: A lid assembly for a motor vehicle having an articulating closure member which is retractable into a cavity below the level of the floor of the vehicle. The lid assembly includes a lid member and a conveyance assembly having a support structure and a drive assembly. The lid member is supported over the cavity by the support structure and the drive assembly moves the lid member between a first position wherein the lid member substantially covers the cavity, and a second position wherein the lid member at least partially clears the cavity.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a motor vehicle includes a centerpiece assembly which indexes to a predetermined orientation during rotation of a rim. The wheel assembly includes a spindle rotatably attached to the rim which defines a spindle axis. The centerpiece assembly is attached to the spindle. A first plurality of magnets is attached to the centerpiece assembly and a second plurality of magnets is fixedly positioned behind the rim. The second plurality of magnets creates a magnetic field which aligns with a magnetic field created by the first plurality of magnets and thereby indexes the centerpiece assembly to the predetermined orientation. The centerpiece assembly is preferably inertially neutral with respect to the spindle axis.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a closure panel fully retractable below the level of the floor of the vehicle. Typically, the motor vehicle includes a body having a rear bumper assembly and first and second laterally spaced apart sides. The body defines a rear opening. A floor extends between the pair of laterally spaced apart sides. A rear storage area is at least partially defined by the first and second laterally spaced apart sides and the floor. The rear storage area is accessible through the rear opening. The closure panel is a rear closure panel operative for selectively closing the rear opening. The closure panel is attached to the body for movement between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the closure panel at least partially closes the opening and is positioned immediately above the rear bumper assembly. In the open position the closure panel is disposed completely below the floor.