Abstract: A combination step and obstacle side guard for a vehicle has a first hollow housing portion including an outer robust housing which has a top surface step and bottom obstacle guard surface and a side surface. The side surface including outer edges and forming an inset cavity. An automated deployable running board which has a step portion which is stowed in the inset cavity. A drive linkage mechanism is situated within and protected by said hollow portion of said first hollow housing portion for driving the step between a stowed position in the inset cavity and a deployed step position wherein the step portion can be used for stepping into the vehicle.

Abstract: A molded panel that encompasses all forward surfaces of a vehicle. The molded panel extends from the forward edge from a driver side front wheel opening, laterally across the front of the vehicle and terminating at a forward edge of a passenger side wheel opening. The molded panel extends in the vertical direction (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle) from a forward lower edge of a front valance up to a leading edge of one of a hood, a flunk, and a windshield of the vehicle. The molded anel further includes connection flanges formed on a back side surface for connection to a vehicle frame that does not have a front end module and front frame bulk head.

Abstract: A coaxial rotating automated stepping surface assembly adapted for a vehicle, including, at least one stepping surface portion, single pivot axis, coaxial motor arrangement to pivot axis, and complete system packaging out board of sill structure. The motor is a non back-drivable motor and is capable of operably self-locking in predetermined positions.

Abstract: A roof rail assembly (10) including at least one stanchion portion (12) having a cover (14) and at least one lighting device (16). A light permeable film (22) provides a predetermined surface appearance and/or design and is translucent to allow light from the lighting device (16) to pass through under predetermined conditions. When the lighting device (16) is not illuminating, the light permeable film (22) provides a predetermined surface appearance. The film (22) is operatively translucent when the lighting source (16) is illuminated and additionally provides a predetermined design appearance when backlit. The selective lighting on the stanchions of the roof rails (18) provides illumination and a higher location of the indicator of unlock for easier location of a vehicle at greater distances.

Abstract: A stacked transparent lighting arrangement for a vehicle interior trim component. The vehicle interior trim component can be any trim component or visible surface in the interior of a vehicle. Examples include but are no limited to an instrument panel, arm rest, glove compartment door, door trim piece, headliner, foot pedal or seat cover. The lighting arrangement includes a housing forming part of the vehicle interior trim component. On or more layers of transparent optics contained in the housing with a appearance formed each of the one or more layers of transparent optics. The appearance can be any type of numbers, letters, graphics or other indicia, including but not limited to words, logos or designs.

Abstract: A roof rail assembly (10) including at least one stanchion portion (12) having a cover (14) and at least one lighting device (16). A light permeable film (22) provides a predetermined surface appearance and/or design and is translucent to allow light from the lighting device (16) to pass through under predetermined conditions. When the lighting device (16) is not illuminating, the light permeable film (22) provides a predetermined surface appearance. The film (22) is operatively translucent when the lighting source (16) is illuminated and additionally provides a predetermined design appearance when backlit. The selective lighting on the stanchions of the roof rails (18) provides illumination and a higher location of the indicator of unlock for easier location of a vehicle at greater distances.