Abstract: A road vehicle has an instrument panel substrate supported by a sheet metal body cowl. The body cowl is configured to be supported by a firewall of the vehicle. A fastener joins the instrument panel substrate and the body cowl comprising a magnetic member mechanically affixed to one of the instrument panel substrate or the body cowl at a predetermined location. The magnetic member attaches with a substantially horizontal magnetic surface of the other one of the instrument panel substrate or the body cowl. The magnetic member vertically separates from the magnetic surface in response to an impact force applied against the body cowl that is greater than a predetermined force. Furthermore, the magnetic attachment of the magnetic member to the magnetic surface prevents separation below the predetermined force. Thus, the conflicting demands of squeak and rattle performance versus pedestrian protection are easily satisfied.

Abstract: An occupant-interactive accessory system for an automotive vehicle interior includes a number of different utilities for use by an occupant of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The combination of a wedging mounting structure attached to each utility and wedging interfaces incorporated within interior structures of the vehicle allow the utilities to be mounted or dismounted manually, without the use of tools.

Abstract: An occupant-interactive accessory system for an automotive vehicle interior includes a number of different utilities for use by an occupant of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The combination of a wedging mounting structure attached to each utility and wedging interfaces incorporated within interior structures of the vehicle allow the utilities to be mounted or dismounted manually, without the use of tools.