Abstract: Methods for preparing thermoplastic automotive appliques include applying heat from an auxiliary heater to a tool cavity of a forming tool. The auxiliary heater is activated for a period of time until a temperature of the heated tool cavity is heated to less than or equal to about a melting temperature of the thermoplastic. The heated tool cavity is filled with the thermoplastic, and a cooling fluid is pulsed through the forming tool. The thermoplastic applique is then removed, and the supply of cooling fluid is turned off.

Abstract: A disclosed light activation system includes a movable lighting element movable to adjust a direction of light, an actuator for moving the movable lighting element, a driver detection device and a controller configured to command operation of the actuator for moving the movable lighting element based on a detected direction of sight of the driver. A disclosed method of operating a vehicle lighting system includes monitoring a direction that a driver of a motor vehicle is looking, determining a lighting element within a region corresponding with the direction the driver is looking, and actuating a lighting element within the region based in response to the determined direction that the driver is looking and in response to a secondary condition being fulfilled.

Abstract: Methods for preparing thermoplastic automotive appliques include applying heat from an auxiliary heater to a tool cavity of a forming tool. The auxiliary heater is activated for a period of time until a temperature of the heated tool cavity is heated to less than or equal to about a melting temperature of the thermoplastic. The heated tool cavity is filled with the thermoplastic, and a cooling fluid is pulsed through the forming tool. The thermoplastic applique is then removed, and the supply of cooling fluid is turned off.

Abstract: This disclosure details vehicle windshield wiper systems and methods for controlling windshield wipers in a manner that reduces the buildup of frozen precipitation on the vehicle windshield. In exemplary embodiments, a windshield wiper can be automatically commanded to wipe a windshield at a pre-calculated wiping interval rate when precipitation is detected on a vehicle surface, a vehicle ambient temperature is below a predefined ambient temperature threshold, and a vehicle interior temperature exceeds a predefined interior temperature threshold.

Abstract: A storage and charging system for a motor vehicle includes a drawer assembly front portion comprising a portion of the front grille. The drawer assembly is movable between open and closed positions by an actuator and provides a storage space that may be used for a charging cable. An electrical connection is disposed within the drawer assembly and provides an electrical coupling between a charging cable and a battery of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A disclosed light activation system includes a movable lighting element movable to adjust a direction of light, an actuator for moving the movable lighting element, a driver detection device and a controller configured to command operation of the actuator for moving the movable lighting element based on a detected direction of sight of the driver. A disclosed method of operating a vehicle lighting system includes monitoring a direction that a driver of a motor vehicle is looking, determining a lighting element within a region corresponding with the direction the driver is looking, and actuating a lighting element within the region based in response to the determined direction that the driver is looking and in response to a secondary condition being fulfilled.

Abstract: A storage and charging system for a motor vehicle includes a drawer assembly front portion comprising a portion of the front grille. The drawer assembly is movable between open and closed positions by an actuator and provides a storage space that may be used for a charging cable. An electrical connection is disposed within the drawer assembly and provides an electrical coupling between a charging cable and a battery of the motor vehicle.