Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor, the instructions including receiving an alert signal, deploying a drone from a host vehicle in response to receiving the alert signal, and commanding the drone to follow the host vehicle and to present a perceptible alert.

Abstract: A drawer assembly is provided. That drawer assembly includes a drawer incorporating an integral latch and a bezel incorporating an integral spring. Thus, the drawer assembly includes an integral latch mechanism to hold the drawer in a closed position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for commercial operation of autonomous vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed method includes determining that an owner of a personal autonomous vehicle has authorized the autonomous vehicle for commercial use. The disclosed method also includes identifying a time period when the autonomous vehicle is to be operated in the commercial use, determining a zone within which the autonomous vehicle is to operate during the commercial use and directing, using a processor, the autonomous vehicle based on the time period and the zone.

Abstract: An apparatus is for use in connection with a side of a seat base including a mounting bracket. The apparatus includes a shield adapted for shielding the side of the seat base. The shield includes at least one strengthening rib forming at least a portion of a receiver for receiving at least a portion of the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor, the instructions including receiving an alert signal, deploying a drone from a host vehicle in response to receiving the alert signal, and commanding the drone to follow the host vehicle and to present a perceptible alert.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving articles in a vehicle cargo area is provided. A collapsible carrier includes at least one locator projection, and a support for supporting the carrier includes a receiver for receiving the locator projection of the carrier to restrict movement of the carrier laterally while allowing the carrier to be separated from the support for removal from the vehicle cargo area. The support may be a platform adapted for raising during movement from a stowed, non-erect position in the vehicle cargo area to an erect, deployed position rearward of the non-erect position to facilitate accessing any articles in the carrier. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roadway lane direction is identified based on vehicle sensor data of a traffic sign, a direction of a parked vehicle, and a marking on a surface of the roadway lane. A trajectory of a vehicle is determined to differ from the roadway lane direction, and a vehicle component is then actuated.

Abstract: A side shield is provided for a seat frame. That side shield includes a body having a housing and an integral mounting bridge as well as a seat control switch assembly. The seat control switch assembly is held in an opening defined between the housing and the integral mounting bridge. In addition, a locator feature is carried on the integral mounting bridge. That locator feature receives a locator lug carried on the seat frame. A seat assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A roadway lane direction is identified based on vehicle sensor data of a traffic sign, a direction of a parked vehicle, and a marking on a surface of the roadway lane. A trajectory of a vehicle is determined to differ from the roadway lane direction, and a vehicle component is then actuated.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided incorporating an integrated bike rack. That bike rack includes a support arm, a first sill segment that is received in a slot and aligned with a closure sill of the motor vehicle when the bike rack is in a stowed position and a second sill segment that is received in a slot and aligned with the closure sill when the bike rack is in a deployed position. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided incorporating an integrated bike rack. That bike rack includes a support arm, a first sill segment that is received in a slot and aligned with a closure sill of the motor vehicle when the bike rack is in a stowed position and a second sill segment that is received in a slot and aligned with the closure sill when the bike rack is in a deployed position. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving articles in a vehicle cargo area is provided. A collapsible carrier includes at least one locator projection, and a support for supporting the carrier includes a receiver for receiving the locator projection of the carrier to restrict movement of the carrier laterally while allowing the carrier to be separated from the support for removal from the vehicle cargo area. The support may be a platform adapted for raising during movement from a stowed, non-erect position in the vehicle cargo area to an erect, deployed position rearward of the non-erect position to facilitate accessing any articles in the carrier. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A side shield is provided for a seat frame. That side shield includes a body having a housing and an integral mounting bridge as well as a seat control switch assembly. The seat control switch assembly is held in an opening defined between the housing and the integral mounting bridge. In addition, a locator feature is carried on the integral mounting bridge. That locator feature receives a locator lug carried on the seat frame. A seat assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base, a side shield coupled to the seat base and defining inward and outward surfaces and an attachment tower extending from a central portion of the inward surface to an attachment flange of the seat base. The side shield conceals the attachment tower and the attachment flange, and the attachment tower defines a guide for connecting the attachment tower and flange.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base, a side shield coupled to the seat base and defining inward and outward surfaces and an attachment tower extending from a central portion of the inward surface to an attachment flange of the seat base. The side shield conceals the attachment tower and the attachment flange, and the attachment tower defines a guide for connecting the attachment tower and flange.

Abstract: An apparatus is for use in connection with a side of a seat base including a mounting bracket. The apparatus includes a shield adapted for shielding the side of the seat base. The shield includes at least one strengthening rib forming at least a portion of a receiver for receiving at least a portion of the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A drawer assembly is provided. That drawer assembly includes a drawer incorporating an integral latch and a bezel incorporating an integral spring. Thus, the drawer assembly includes an integral latch mechanism to hold the drawer in a closed position.