Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle having a fluid reservoir fillable with fluid from a container includes a fill tube that empties into the reservoir. A funnel is fixed to the fill tube. The funnel collapses to a stowed position and extends to a use position. The funnel collapses and extends only outside of the fill tube. A cap is connected to the funnel and seals the fill tube opening when the funnel is in the stowed position. The cap is removable from the fill tube opening and has an extension that opens a seal of the container when the funnel is in the use position to permit filling of the reservoir through the funnel and the fill tube.

Abstract: A hood release assembly for a vehicle. The hood release assembly may include a primary hood release and a secondary hood release. The secondary hood release may include a secondary latch including a secondary catch to hold the hood in a partial release position; a secondary release lever pivotally mounted to the secondary latch and including a release handle having an extended position wherein the release handle extends forward past a front edge of the hood and a retracted position; a hood release spring biases the secondary release lever toward the extended position; and a secondary cam lever having a camming surface slidably engaged with the secondary release lever and configured to cause the secondary release lever to be in the retracted position when the hood is in the closed position and in the extended position when the hood is in the partial release position.

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 method of submitting customer-identified insights for improving a fleet of vehicles. A capturing application is distributed that allows a customer to record a customer identified insight. The capturing application is configured to transmit a recorded customer-identified insight to a receiving unit. Customer-identified insights are received at the receiving unit via a communication system. The customer-identified insights are aggregated in a storage database. The customer-identified insights in the storage database are analyzed to identify potential vehicle improvements.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly includes a first roof rail and a second roof rail spaced a first distance from one another on the vehicle roof. The first roof rail has a first slot extending partially along the length of the first roof rail. A first bow member is connected at a first pivot member to the first roof rail at the first slot. A first linkage member has a first portion connected at a second pivot member to the first bow member and a second portion connected at a third pivot member to the first roof rail. The first linkage member pulls the first pivot member toward the third pivot member so the first bow member translates in the first slot as the first bow member is pivoted away from the first rail.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle having a fluid reservoir fillable with fluid from a container includes a fill tube that empties into the reservoir. A funnel is fixed to the fill tube. The funnel collapses to a stowed position and extends to a use position. The funnel collapses and extends only outside of the fill tube. A cap is connected to the funnel and seals the fill tube opening when the funnel is in the stowed position. The cap is removable from the fill tube opening and has an extension that opens a seal of the container when the funnel is in the use position to permit filling of the reservoir through the funnel and the fill tube.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly includes a first roof rail and a second roof rail spaced a first distance from one another on the vehicle roof. The first roof rail has a first slot extending partially along the length of the first roof rail. A first bow member is connected at a first pivot member to the first roof rail at the first slot. A first linkage member has a first portion connected at a second pivot member to the first bow member and a second portion connected at a third pivot member to the first roof rail. The first linkage member pulls the first pivot member toward the third pivot member so the first bow member translates in the first slot as the first bow member is pivoted away from the first rail.

Abstract: A vehicle adapted to carry elongate cargo includes, but is not limited to, a body having a cargo support surface having a first opening. A first support member is housed within the first opening and is configured to move inwardly and outwardly with respect to the first opening. A first restraining member is connected to the first support member and oriented generally transversely thereto. The first restraining member is configured to move towards and away from the cargo support surface as the first support member moves inwardly and outwardly with respect to the first opening, and to compress the elongate cargo against the cargo support surface. The body is configured to engage the first support member and to inhibit the first support member from moving away from the body. The first restraining member and the cargo support surface cooperate to restrain the elongate cargo.

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 seat includes a lower seat cushion and a seatback. The vehicle seat includes a pivot point that is configured for rotating generally horizontally from an inboard position to an outboard position. An extended seat track may extend within an interior of the vehicle between a front row and a rear row. The vehicle seat is movably attached to the extended seat track and is configured to move along the extended seat track between the front row and the rear row. The vehicle seat may also be configured to provide individualized comfort to the user. The lower seat cushion and the seatback each include a surface. A controller is configured to actuate the lower seat and the seatback to selectively change a contour of the respective surface to match contours of the user.

Abstract: A washer fluid system provides washer fluid by blending concentrated washer fluid with waste water produced in the operation of a fuel cell. The concentrated washer fluid is stored in a replenishable container. A mixing pump automatically meters the appropriate ratio of concentrated washer fluid to water (i.e., 1:10), preferably by a dual chamber arrangement, wherein the waste water from the fuel cell and the concentrated washer fluid are drawn from their respective sources and mixed, creating a mixed washer fluid having the proper ratio of water to washer fluid concentrate. In a first embodiment, the system creates the mixed washer fluid in real-time on demand of the wiper system; in a second embodiment a storage reservoir holds mixed washer fluid for stand-by use of the wiper system.

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 key fob for a vehicle that provides a certain vehicle function depending on the motion applied to the key fob. The key fob includes a switch that is pressed when the vehicle operator wishes to transmit a command. Pressing the switch causes a device, such as a camera or accelerometer, to be put in a motion detecting mode, where a subsequent motion of the key fob causes the key fob to transmit a command associated with that motion. For example, the vehicle operator can press the switch on the key fob and make an upward motion, which will cause the vehicle door locks to unlock. Likewise, pressing the switch on the key fob and making a downward motion may cause the door locks to lock.

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 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: The present invention includes a foot-operated accessory pedal located on the floor area of a vehicle interior. The accessory pedal is depressible to activate one of a plurality of vehicle functions. Further included with the present invention is a hand-operated input device operative to assign which of the plurality of vehicle functions the accessory pedal will influence upon selective depressions. Moreover, a display unit is included operative to indicate which of the plurality of vehicle functions the accessory pedal is operative to influence.