Abstract: A vehicle including a sensor unit and a processor is disclosed. The sensor unit may be configured to detect a presence of a user in proximity to the vehicle. The processor may be configured to determine a user presence in proximity to the vehicle based on inputs obtained from the sensor unit, and obtain a user preference associated with a preferred vehicle activation mode, from a plurality of vehicle activation modes, responsive to determining the user presence. The processor may further activate the preferred vehicle activation mode, and control an operation of a vehicle component based on the preferred vehicle activation mode.

Abstract: A vehicle determines that a vehicle enhanced driving mode has been requested. The vehicle determines whether a condition for engaging such a mode has been met. Additionally, the vehicle offers a user-override, when the condition has not been met and the condition is a condition defined as over-rideable and responsive to override acceptance, engaging the requested driving mode. In other instances, the vehicle monitors mode usage against predefined maximum usage constraints, and may facilitate excess mode usage if constraints are exceeded.

Abstract: This disclosure details motor vehicles equipped with vehicle exterior components. One or more of the vehicle exterior components can be used both for their primary function when attached to the vehicle and for use as sand ladders when removed from the vehicle. In the first configuration, the vehicle exterior components may be configured as running boards, hood vents, grill inserts, bumper inserts, tailgate inserts, and/or door beams, etc.

Abstract: Tailgate position management systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example method includes determining that a tailgate of a vehicle is in a down position, the tailgate comprising a tailgate camera, and selectively adjusting an automatic vehicle assistance feature of the vehicle based on the tailgate being in the down position.

Abstract: A vehicle determines that a vehicle enhanced driving mode has been requested. The vehicle determines whether a condition for engaging such a mode has been met. Additionally, the vehicle offers a user-override, when the condition has not been met and the condition is a condition defined as over-rideable and responsive to override acceptance, engaging the requested driving mode. In other instances, the vehicle monitors mode usage against predefined maximum usage constraints, and may facilitate excess mode usage if constraints are exceeded.

Abstract: This disclosure details motor vehicles equipped with vehicle exterior components. One or more of the vehicle exterior components can be used both for their primary function when attached to the vehicle and for use as sand ladders when removed from the vehicle. In the first configuration, the vehicle exterior components may be configured as running boards, hood vents, grill inserts, bumper inserts, tailgate inserts, and/or door beams, etc.