Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a hub and a collar. The hub extends longitudinally inward from a wheel. The collar is disposed over the hub and is mounted for translation relative to the hub. The vehicle also includes a panel assembly having a support and first and second panels. The support extends radially outward from the collar, and the first and second panels are each pivotally connected to opposing lateral edges of the support. The panels pivot between an expanded position and a collapsed position and translate radially for selectively closing a wheel opening.

Abstract: A vehicle grille assembly is provided with a grille and a close-out assembly. The close-out assembly is adapted to at least partially block an airflow opening in the vehicle grille is moveable to translate and rotate with respect to the airflow opening.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a center console that extends longitudinally between two rear seats and two front seats and defines a cavity with a receptacle disposed therein. An adjustment mechanism is disposed within a rearward portion of the center console, and a panel is disposed over an intermediate portion of the center console. The panel includes a proximal end that is connected to the adjustment mechanism and a rearward end supported slidably by the center console. The panel is movable in a fore-and-aft direction between a forward position over the receptacle and a rearward position for providing access to the receptacle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a liftgate that opens and closes to provide access to a rear storage compartment of the vehicle. A rotatable crossbar is attached to an upper portion of the vehicle and is connected to the liftgate via a bracket. A lever extends from an outer end of the crossbar. A retractable arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the vehicle body, and the second end is pivotally connected to the lever. Retraction of the arm pivots the lever, which rotates the crossbar and opens the liftgate. The arm and the lever are substantially concealed by a rear pillar of the vehicle so as to not be visible when operating to open and close the liftgate.

Abstract: A vehicle grille assembly is provided with a grille and a close-out assembly. The close-out assembly is adapted to at least partially block an airflow opening in the vehicle grille is moveable to translate and rotate with respect to the airflow opening.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a hub and a collar. The hub extends longitudinally inward from a wheel. The collar is disposed over the hub and is mounted for translation relative to the hub. The vehicle also includes a panel assembly having a support and first and second panels. The support extends radially outward from the collar, and the first and second panels are each pivotally connected to opposing lateral edges of the support. The panels pivot between an expanded position and a collapsed position and translate radially for selectively closing a wheel opening.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a center console that extends longitudinally between two rear seats and two front seats and defines a cavity with a receptacle disposed therein. An adjustment mechanism is disposed within a rearward portion of the center console, and a panel is disposed over an intermediate portion of the center console. The panel includes a proximal end that is connected to the adjustment mechanism and a rearward end supported slidably by the center console. The panel is movable in a fore-and-aft direction between a forward position over the receptacle and a rearward position for providing access to the receptacle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a liftgate that opens and closes to provide access to a rear storage compartment of the vehicle. A rotatable crossbar is attached to an upper portion of the vehicle and is connected to the liftgate via a bracket. A lever extends from an outer end of the crossbar. A retractable arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the vehicle body, and the second end is pivotally connected to the lever. Retraction of the arm pivots the lever, which rotates the crossbar and opens the liftgate. The arm and the lever are substantially concealed by a rear pillar of the vehicle so as to not be visible when operating to open and close the liftgate.

Abstract: A retractable air dam assembly for a vehicle is provided. The air dam assembly has an air deflector panel adapted to be mounted adjacent a front bumper of a vehicle. A linear actuator is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle. At least one rocker arm is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, and coupled to the linear actuator at a first end, and coupled to the panel at a second end. The linear actuator translates the panel linearly between a stowed position, in which the panel is at least partially concealed by the front bumper, and a deployed position, such that the panel at least partially extends a distance below a bottom surface of the front bumper to reduce airflow beneath the vehicle. A counter-balance is connected to a third end of the rocker arm to offset a weight of the panel.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate is provided with a rack having a transverse cross-member extendable vertically between raised and lowered positions with telescoping supports. A powered cable-drive is connected to the supports move the cross-member between the raised and lowered positions. When the rack is in the lowered position, the cable-drive and supports are concealed within the tailgate and the cross-member forms at least a portion of a top surface of the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transformable vehicle body having a first body configuration and a second body configuration. The first body configuration resembles a wagon-style vehicle that includes a fully enclosed passenger space and cargo area. The second body configuration resembles a pickup truck that includes a contracted enclosed passenger space and an open cargo area behind the contracted enclosed passenger space.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transformable vehicle body having a first body configuration and a second body configuration. The first body configuration resembles a wagon-style vehicle that includes a fully enclosed passenger space and cargo area. The second body configuration resembles a pickup truck that includes a contracted enclosed passenger space and an open cargo area behind the contracted enclosed passenger space.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transformable vehicle body having a first body configuration and a second body configuration. The first body configuration resembles a wagon-style vehicle that includes a fully enclosed passenger space and cargo area. The second body configuration resembles a pickup truck that includes a contracted enclosed passenger space and an open cargo area behind the contracted enclosed passenger space.

Abstract: A trunk assembly (10) is provided, including a cargo compartment (22) and a deck lid (12), moveable between an open position (14), a closed position (16), and a stowed position (18), such that the stowed position 18 allows the cargo compartment 22 to be used as a pick up box.