Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body. The body defines a wheel well and has a body panel that at least partially defines an opening of the wheel well. A wheel is operatively connected to the vehicle body, is selectively rotatable about an axis, and is at least partially disposed within the wheel well. A member has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably mounted with respect to the body panel forward of the axis. The second end is rotatably mounted with respect to the body panel rearward of the axis.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly includes first and second roof rails spaced from one another, each roof rail having a respective deployable roof rack bow and a respective drive mechanism operatively connected to the roof rack bow that causes the roof rack bow to extend in length by a predetermined amount when pivoted from a stowed position to a deployed position and retract in length by the predetermined amount when pivoted from the deployed position to the retracted position. The predetermined amount that the bows extend when pivoted is sufficient to cause the respective roof rack bows to span from the first roof rail to the second roof rail when in the deployed position.

Abstract: A vehicle having a vehicle interior may comprise a backlight having an interior surface and a solar load reduction system. The solar load reduction system may include a louver support supported by the vehicle structure, a plurality of pivotable louvers located in the vehicle interior, each of the louvers may be pivotally mounted to the louver support and spaced from the other louvers, and a tilting mechanism adjacent to the backlight and operatively engaging the plurality of louvers to selectively cause the louvers to pivot relative to the louver support. A pane of translucent material may enclose the louvers in a cavity between the pane and backlight.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body. The body defines a wheel well and has a body panel that at least partially defines an opening of the wheel well. A wheel is operatively connected to the vehicle body, is selectively rotatable about an axis, and is at least partially disposed within the wheel well. A member has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably mounted with respect to the body panel forward of the axis. The second end is rotatably mounted with respect to the body panel rearward of the axis.

Abstract: A cover configured to overlay a space and secure at least one item, includes selectively collapsible storage bins, and preferably includes a retraction mechanism operable to stow the cover, and a guide for automatically causing the bins to collapse as the cover is stowed.

Abstract: A cover configured to overlay a space and secure at least one item, includes selectively collapsible storage bins, and preferably includes a retraction mechanism operable to stow the cover, and a guide for automatically causing the bins to collapse as the cover is stowed.

Abstract: A deployable storage system for a vehicle bed is provided. The vehicle bed is partly defined by a tailgate, first and second opposing side walls and a floor. The deployable storage system includes a panel assembly secured to and that may be nested within at least one of the tailgate, the side walls and the floor of the vehicle, and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The panel assembly does not enclose the bed when in the stowed position and generally defines along with the tailgate, the walls and the floor, an enclosure of a portion of the bed adjacent the tailgate when in the deployed position. Because the deployable storage system encloses a rear portion of the vehicle bed, air drag on the vehicle is reduced.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly for a vehicle is provided with a first and a second elongated roof rail substantially parallel and spaced from one another. An elongated cross member is secured to the first roof rail and configured to be selectively securable to the second roof rail. The cross member is pivotable between a stowed position and a use position, also referred to as a deployed position. The cross member is substantially parallel with the first roof rail and is not secured to the second roof rail in the stowed position, and not parallel with the first roof rail and secured to the second roof rail in the use position. In the stowed position, the cross member may be within a cavity defined by the roof rail. Two cross members may be used, each being stowable in a different one of the roof rails.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly is positioned within a through-opening of a vehicle body and provides access to a cargo area. The closure panel assembly has a hinged panel that pivots within the through-opening, a window portion that stows within the hinged panel, and an engagement device for selectively coupling the window portion with the hinged panel. The window portion connects to a surface of the vehicle body adjacent to the through-opening when the window portion is not stowed, and the hinged panel is pivotable irrespective of whether the window portion is stowed therewithin. A frame portion defines the through-opening, and the closure panel assembly is a midgate separating a passenger compartment from the cargo area. The engagement device has a ball detent assembly, and the window portion is connectable to the vehicle body using a push-push type connector. A drive motor positions the window portion and the hinged panel.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly is positioned within a through-opening of a vehicle body and provides access to a cargo area. The closure panel assembly has a hinged panel that pivots within the through-opening, a window portion that stows within the hinged panel, and an engagement device for selectively coupling the window portion with the hinged panel. The window portion connects to a surface of the vehicle body adjacent to the through-opening when the window portion is not stowed, and the hinged panel is pivotable irrespective of whether the window portion is stowed therewithin. A frame portion defines the through-opening, and the closure panel assembly is a midgate separating a passenger compartment from the cargo area. The engagement device has a ball detent assembly, and the window portion is connectable to the vehicle body using a push-push type connector. A drive motor positions the window portion and the hinged panel.

Abstract: A step assembly for an automotive wheel includes a first member at least partially defining an annular track, a second member connected with respect to the track for movement along the track, and a third member defining a stepping surface. The third member is pivotably connected with respect to the second member for selective movement between a stowed position in which the third member acts as a center wheel cap, and a second position in which the third member presents a horizontal step surface. The third member is movable along the track with the second member to enable a vehicle user to reposition the step surface after wheel rotation.