Abstract: A vehicle includes an instrument panel. A trim piece is positioned on the instrument panel and includes a surface defining a pattern. The pattern includes a body portion and a border portion. A diffraction grating is positioned within the boarder portion. The diffraction grating has a thickness of between about 250 nm to about 1000 nm.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a driver side pillar extending between a door and a roof. The pillar forms a face having an outer edge adjacent the driver side door and an inner edge. Similarly, a passenger side pillar extends between a door and the roof and forms a face having an outer edge adjacent the door and inner edge. A windshield supported by a cowl and the roof has a driver side edge that extends beyond the inner edge of the driver side face and substantially covers the driver side pillar and a passenger side edge that extends beyond the inner edge of the passenger side face and substantially covers the passenger side pillar. The vehicle further includes a frit bonded around a periphery of the windshield. The frit substantially covers and is bonded to the driver and passenger side pillars making them appear to be a dark or black color.

Abstract: A vehicle running board includes opposing vertical walls extending along a length of a tubular structure and including a carbon-fiber component. Opposing horizontal walls extend between the opposing vertical walls and include a glass component. The opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls form the tubular structure having a generally rectilinear cross section. A polymer outer covering extends over the opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls.

Abstract: A light emitting assembly is disclosed. The light emitting assembly comprises a first electrode and a second electrode extending parallel to the first electrode. The assembly further comprises an LED strip comprising a plurality of LEDs in a semiconductor ink disposed on the first electrode and the second electrode and configured to emit a first emission. The first electrode and the second electrode are of an electrically conductive polymer configured to transfer heat away from the plurality of LEDs.

Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a decorative layer and an over-mold positioned over the decorative layer. The over-mold is substantially transparent. A light conversion layer is positioned on an opposite side of the decorative layer from the over-mold and configured to convert ambient illumination. A reflective layer is configured to convert ambient illumination. A reflective layer is configured to reflect light into the light conversion layer.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp is provided that includes: an LED source coupled to a housing; and a lens over the source and coupled to the housing. The lens, or a portion of the lens, includes a plurality of glass beads, each having a metal-containing coating (e.g., a coating comprising at least one of Ni, Al, Cu, In and brass) and dispersed in a polymeric matrix (e.g., an acrylic or a polycarbonate). Further, the lens has a thermal conductivity of at least about 2 W/m*K and an optical transmissivity of at least 80%.

Abstract: A badge is provided herein. The badge includes a viewable portion having indicia thereon. A viewable portion light source is configured to emit light towards the viewable portion. A feature portion light source is configured to emit light towards a feature portion. A peripheral light source is configured to emit light through a periphery of the badge. Each light source is independently controlled by a controller.

Abstract: An exterior trim component for a vehicle is provided that includes: 39% to 45% recycled polypropylene copolymer; 27% to 43% recycled polypropylene homopolymer; 0.5% to 2.5% coupling agent; 0.01% to 0.5% flow enhancing agent; 0.5% to 1.5% coconut shell powder; 5% to 10% synthetic filler; and 3% to 17% carbon fiber (by weight). Further, the component is characterized by a flexural modulus of at least 1750 MPa. In certain aspects, the component is further characterized by a coefficient of linear thermal expansion between about 4×10?5 in/in*° C. and about 0.1×10?5 in/in*° C., as measured under the ISO 11359-2 protocol.

Abstract: A window including a layer of optically clear structural polymer core and two layers of optically clear silicone applied to first and second sides of the core. A method is disclosed for manufacturing a window that comprises injection molding a layer of optically clear structural polymer and solidifying the structural polymer core. Optically clear silicone is then injected onto the entire surface of both of the first and second sides of the optically clear structural polymer core.

Abstract: A vehicle running board includes opposing vertical walls extending along a length of a tubular structure and including a carbon-fiber component. Opposing horizontal walls extend between the opposing vertical walls and include a glass component. The opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls form the tubular structure having a generally rectilinear cross section. A polymer outer covering extends over the opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls.

Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a decorative layer and an over-mold positioned over the decorative layer. The over-mold is substantially transparent. A semiconductor layer is positioned on an opposite side of the decorative layer from the over-mold. The semiconductor layer is configured to emit light through the decorative layer.

Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a decorative layer and an over-mold positioned over the decorative layer. The over-mold is substantially transparent. A semiconductor layer is positioned on an opposite side of the decorative layer from the over-mold. The semiconductor layer is configured to emit light through the decorative layer.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp is provided that includes: an LED source coupled to a housing; and a lens over the source and coupled to the housing. The lens, or a portion of the lens, includes a plurality of glass beads, each having a metal-containing coating (e.g., a coating comprising at least one of Ni, Al, Cu, In and brass) and dispersed in a polymeric matrix (e.g., an acrylic or a polycarbonate). Further, the lens has a thermal conductivity of at least about 2 W/m*K and an optical transmissivity of at least 80%.

Abstract: A light system for a vehicle is provided herein. The light system includes first and second light sources. A lens is configured to create a first illumination pattern when the first light source is activated and a second illumination pattern when the second light source is activated. A third light source is configured to create a third illumination pattern that extends vehicle outward of the first and second illumination patterns. A controller is configured to activate the first light source when a front door of the vehicle is opened and activate the second light source when a rear door of the vehicle is opened.

Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces, a decorative film positioned on the first surface of the substrate, and an over-mold positioned over the film. The over-mold defines at least one diffraction grating and a light source is positioned proximate the second surface of the substrate. The light source is configured to emit light through the substrate and the over-mold.

Abstract: A badge for a vehicle is provided herein. The badge includes a substrate attached to a housing. The housing has a viewable portion. A first light guide is operably coupled with a first light source. A second light guide is operably coupled with a plurality of second light sources. The geometric shape of the first light guide is varied from the second light guide.

Abstract: A vehicle having a fluid management trim system includes a windshield supported along a lower edge by a cowl, along an upper edge by a roof, and along a side edge by a pillar. The pillar extends from a side door toward the roof, and a trim member extends along the side edge of the windshield forming a channel for guiding fluid along the windshield toward a drain. The side edge of the windshield may extend at least partially around the pillar. Even more, the side edge of the windshield may extend from the lower edge to a first position below the upper edge forming the drain. A portion of the trim member may be offset to the windshield forming the channel and extends from the lower edge to a second position below the upper edge and over the drain.

Abstract: A step assembly of a vehicle is provided herein. The step assembly includes a box step having a release button that luminesces in response to excitation light and continues to luminesce for a period of time after the excitation light cease to be provided. A drive mechanism is configured to move the step pad from a stowed position to a deployed position when the release button is pressed.

Abstract: A step assembly of a vehicle is provided herein. The step assembly includes a box step having a release button that luminesces in response to excitation light and continues to luminesce for a period of time after the excitation light cease to be provided. A drive mechanism is configured to move the step pad from a stowed position to a deployed position when the release button is pressed.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp is provided that includes: an LED source coupled to a housing; and a lens over the source and coupled to the housing. The lens, or a portion of the lens, includes a plurality of glass beads, each having a metal-containing coating (e.g., a coating comprising at least one of Ni, Al, Cu, In and brass) and dispersed in a polymeric matrix (e.g., an acrylic or a polycarbonate). Further, the lens has a thermal conductivity of at least about 2 W/m*K and an optical transmissivity of at least 80%.