Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle frame and a suspension arm. A bushing is connected to the suspension arm. A lever extends through the bushing. A fastener is fastened to the lever and the vehicle frame. When the lever is impacted by a rigid barrier of a small-offset rigid-barrier (SORB) frontal impact test, the lever breaks the fastener and allows the lever, the bushing, and the suspension arm to release from the vehicle frame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed herein that determine a vehicle backup position for launching and loading a boat using trailer hitch load. An example apparatus includes a data analyzer to determine, based on a trailer hitch load of a vehicle coupled to a trailer, a vehicle backup position for launching the boat at which a boat coupled to the trailer is floating on a body of water and an instruction generator to instruct a braking system of the vehicle to stop the vehicle at the vehicle backup position for launching the boat.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a suspension arm, and a fastener. The fastener includes a flange and a shaft extending from the flange. The shaft engages the frame and the extension arm. A washer is on the shaft. The washer has a first surface facing the frame and a second surface facing the flange. The washer has a thickness from the first surface to the second surface, and the thickness tapers.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a suspension arm, and a fastener. The fastener includes a flange and a shaft extending from the flange. The shaft engages the frame and the extension arm. A washer is on the shaft. The washer has a first surface facing the frame and a second surface facing the flange. The washer has a thickness from the first surface to the second surface, and the thickness tapers.

Abstract: A vehicle is able to be set to operate in a factory mode (as opposed to a normal mode) in which certain features are disabled, such as an alarm system, a power liftgate, etc. This allows assembly workers to assemble, test, and calibrate the vehicle without various systems in the vehicle being undesirably activated. While in the factory mode, the vehicle can accomplish multiple ignition on/off cycles while being tested or driven between stations. A steering column and connected steering wheel are provided in the vehicle, and are situated between an instrument panel and a front seat. In response to the ignition completing an on/off cycle, a controller commands a motor to move the steering wheel and steering column to a predetermined position that is based on a visibility of the instrument panel relative to the steering wheel and steering column.