Abstract: A vehicle includes a body defining an interior cabin having at least one seat and a tailgate rearward of the at least one seat at a rear end of the cabin interior, a shelf configured to extend between lateral sides of the cabin interior in a region between the at least one seat and the liftgate. The shelf is configured to be arranged in one of a first shelf position, a second shelf position and a seat backrest position, and a heating device operable to heat the shelf. The vehicle also includes an orientation sensor to sense orientation of the shelf in one of the first position, second position and backrest position, and a controller controlling temperature of the heating element based on the sensed orientation of the shelf.

Abstract: A method of controlling a component of a vehicle with a user device includes receiving a data signal from the user device, within a vehicle controller. Graphics, corresponding to the data signal received from the user device, are displayed on a display screen of the vehicle. A signal is received from the user device that indicates the user device has received an input into a user interface of the user device. A determination is made, in the controller, that the signal received from the user device corresponds to controlling the component of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of alerting a user of a vehicle as to a scene, external to the vehicle, includes capturing data pertaining to the scene, external to the vehicle. The captured data, pertaining to the scene external to the vehicle, is transmitted to a processor. The determination is made, in the processor that a characteristic is in the scene that requires the user's visual attention. Data pertaining to a gaze of the user is captured. Captured data, pertaining to the gaze of the user, is transmitted to the processor. A determination is made, in the processor that the drive is gazing toward a user device. A signal is transmitted to the user device such that the user device alerts the user as to the characteristic in the scene requiring the user's visual attention.

Abstract: A seat back panel for a fold flat seat assembly comprises a panel attached to a seat back for elevating stored objects within a vehicle above a seat back when the seat back is in a folded flat position. An opening within the panel receives objects and retains them between the seat back and the seat panel. The panel includes hooks for holding hanging items within the vehicle. The hooks are only operable when the seat back is in the folded flat position for preventing interference with an airbag disabling system utilizing weight sensors.

Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant in an automotive vehicle comprising a seat cushion for supporting the seat occupant on the seat assembly and a seat back extending longitudinally between a lower portion operatively coupled to the seat cushion and an upper portion. The seat back includes a front support surface for supporting the seat occupant in an upright position and a rear surface facing opposite the front support surface. A seat back panel is mounted to the rear surface of the seat back. A utility support member is operatively coupled to the seat back panel and moveable between a stowed position recessed against the rear surface of the seat back and a use position extending outwardly and cantilevered from the seat back panel for supporting a utility device thereon wherein said utility support member is rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to the rear surface of the seat back for providing a plurality of use position within the vehicle.