Abstract: A method of fabricating a vehicle door includes providing a lower door structure, providing an upper door structure having a pair of spaced apart frame rails, installing a window member between the frame rails, installing a window regulator to the window member and the upper door structure, and coupling the lower and upper door structures to one another. The window regulator may include a powered lead screw regulator, a rack and pinion regulator or a cable and drum regulator.

Abstract: A motor vehicle for transporting passengers includes a body defining a passenger compartment, a first row of seats positioned within the passenger compartment, a second row of seats positioned within the passenger compartment rearward of the first row of seats, and a third row of seats positioned within said passenger compartment rearward of said second row of seats. The second and third rows of seats have seat backs and a seat bottoms. A first door is hingedly coupled to the vehicle for providing access to the first row of seats. A second door is positioned rearward and adjacent to the first door. The second door selectively encloses an opening formed in the body. The opening extends from a point forward of the seat bottom of the second row of seats to a point at least partially exposing the seat bottom of the third row of seats.

Abstract: A vehicle door and a method for its fabrication. The vehicle door includes a lower door structure that is configured to be pivotally coupled to a vehicle body and which includes a hollow cavity. The vehicle door also includes an upper door structure having a frame that defines a window aperture. A window member and a window regulator mechanism are coupled to the upper door structure such that the window member is movably mounted within the window aperture. The window regulator mechanism is of type that is easily packaged into the vehicle door. Suitable alternatives include mechanisms that include powered lead screws, rack-and-pinion drives and/or cable-and-drum type mechanisms. The assembled upper door structure or cassette is thereafter coupled to the lower door structure to form the vehicle door.

Abstract: A closure member for a closing an aperture in a vehicle body. The closure member includes a frame structure and a seal member. The frame structure has an upper frame member that defines a window aperture. The seal member is formed onto at least a portion of the frame member and includes a body seal portion and a window seal portion. The body seal portion forms a seal between the vehicle body and at least a portion of the upper frame member. The window seal portion forms a seal between the at least a portion of the upper frame member and a window member that is movable relative to the frame structure. A method for forming a closure member is also provided.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle. The door assembly includes a frame structure and an intrusion structure. The frame structure includes an inner panel member and an outer panel member. The intrusion structure has an impact absorbing portion and is coupled to the frame structure such that the intrusion structure abuts an exterior surface of the outer panel member. A method for fabricating a vehicle door assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A closure member assembly for a vehicle having a vehicle body that defines an aperture. The closure member assembly is positionable between a first position wherein the closure member assembly substantially closes the aperture and a second position wherein the closure member assembly substantially clears the aperture. The closure member assembly includes a first structure, a second structure and a drive mechanism. The first structure is movably coupled to the vehicle body. The second structure is pivotably coupled to the first structure about a generally horizontal pivot axis. The drive mechanism is coupled to one of the first and second structures and operable in an actuated condition for pivoting the second structure about the generally horizontal pivot axis.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly including a tailored steel inner panel and an panel spaced apart by a belt-line reinforcement member. The tailored steel inner panel includes an intrusion beam which bridges first end and second ends of the inner panel.