Abstract: This disclosure details two toned door handles for vehicle doors. An exemplary two toned door handle may include a non-metallized portion and a metallized portion. The metallized portion may include a metallic layer that is transparent to signals sent and received by an antenna module packaged inside the two toned door handle. Exemplary methods for cost-effectively manufacturing the two toned door handle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid diverter assembly for a vehicle door includes, among other things, a funnel adjacent a vertically lower end portion of a glass run within a vehicle door, and a conduit that communicates liquid from the funnel around an electrically powered component of the vehicle door. A method of diverting liquid within a vehicle door includes, among other things, collecting liquid from a glass run of a vehicle door within a funnel, communicating liquid from the funnel to a conduit, and communicating liquid through the conduit such that the liquid moves around an electric component of the vehicle door.

Abstract: Vehicle windows may include water management features. In some embodiments, the vehicle windows include a water management corner piece for managing the flow of water or other precipitation around the window. The water management corner piece may be secured to a window glass pane and may positioned and shaped for channeling the water along an engineered drainage path.

Abstract: A roof panel storage system for vehicle is disclosed herein. A storage bag is configured to hold a roof panel of the vehicle. The sensor is coupled to the storage bag and is configured to sense a position of the storage bag. A sound source device is coupled to the storage bag and is configured to issue an auditory alert based on the sensed position of the storage bag.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a bumper assembly, a skid plate, and a capacitive sensor system of the skid plate. A sensing method for a vehicle includes using a capacitive sensing system to detect a proximity of a vehicle to an object. The capacitive sensing system is incorporated into a skid plate that is vertically beneath a portion of a bumper assembly of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling power generation in a vehicle. In one example, the vehicle includes a controller coupled to an auxiliary device through a communication link, the auxiliary device drawing power from a generator at a power interface. Power supplied to the auxiliary device is regulated by the controller through signals transmitted over the communication link.

Abstract: A vehicle grille assembly is disclosed that is passively illuminated by accent lighting sources provided in a corresponding headlamp assembly. A primary light guide in communication with a light source and a secondary light guide is disposed within the vehicle grill. The secondary light guide receives light from the primary light guide to illuminate a portion of the vehicle grille.

Abstract: A computer is programmed to determine a target area to project, along a planned travel path of a vehicle, a symbol based on detecting a target object. The computer is further programmed to actuate a light source to project the symbol moving within the target area.

Abstract: A vehicular lighting assembly (and methods of making the same) that includes a parabolic reflector; a translucent lens element; and a light source configured to emanate light that strikes an interior surface of the reflector and exits the assembly through the element. Further, an interior surface of the lens element comprises one or more fluted regions that are substantially invisible and configured to refract light from the source away from oncoming vehicles. In addition, the fluted region can be within, on, or integral with, the interior and/or exterior surfaces of the lens element in certain configurations.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems and methods that determine theft of a wheel on a vehicle using a capacitive proximity sensor system. The systems and methods determine that a vehicle is parked, and then receives information indicative of a capacitance at a first sensor positioned proximate a wheel well of the vehicle. The systems and methods further determine, based on the information, that the capacitance exceeds a first threshold. The systems and methods further determine, based on the information, that the capacitance exceeds the first threshold for a period of time that exceeds a second threshold. The systems and methods further send a message to a mobile device in response to capacitance exceeding the first threshold for the period of time that exceeds the second threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror system for a vehicle coupled to a trailer is provided. The vehicle mirror system includes first and second mirror assemblies configured to be located on first and second sides of the vehicle, a trailer angle sensor for sensing a hitch angle between the trailer and the vehicle, and a controller for controlling actuation of the first mirror assembly to control a first viewing window of the first mirror assembly for a driver of the vehicle, wherein the first mirror assembly is adjusted to redirect the viewing window to track a feature on the trailer as the trailer articulates relative to the vehicle based on the hitch angle. The second mirror assembly may be controlled to move inwards and downwards.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a running board assembly for a motor vehicle and a corresponding method. An example method includes supplying current to a motor to move a running board between a retracted position and a deployed position, monitoring a level of the current, and permitting the level of current to exceed a threshold (i.e., overcurrent is permitted) in response to a user input.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a LIDAR sensor attachable to the vehicle and a puddle lamp fixed relative to the LIDAR sensor and oriented to project a light projection downward beside the vehicle. A computer may be in communication with the LIDAR sensor and the puddle lamp and programmed to actuate the puddle lamp in response to receiving data generated by the LIDAR sensor indicating a user positioned within a threshold distance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle console includes a trim ring disposed over a periphery of a housing. The trim ring includes a polymeric material and is electrically conductive and grounded. A proximity switch assembly is retained in the housing. The proximity switch assembly includes a proximity sensor proximate a sensing pad for generating an activation field. The sensing pad is proximate the trim ring.

Abstract: A vehicle door handle is provided that includes a deployable handle body located on a door, keypad contacts on an outer side of the handle body, an actuator configured to deploy the handle to a deployed position, a plurality of proximity sensors located on the handle body and generating activation fields, and a controller processing signals generated by the sensors to determine an input command for controlling the actuator and to determine a keypad input. The controller may sense ice on the handle and determine ice thickness and may control the actuator to break the ice based on the ice thickness.

Abstract: An exemplary running board assembly includes a running board with a deck having a plurality of spaced-apart raised sections. The raised sections are made of a thermally conductive polymer and include an electrically conductive element configured to allow electric current to flow through the raised sections.

Abstract: A vehicle side-view mirror assembly includes an anchor element mountable to a vehicle exterior, and a foldable housing, including a first surface directed in a forward direction when the foldable housing is in an unfolded position, a first capacitive cover and a first electric ground path attached to the first surface, a second surface that is a lateral side surface facing away from the anchor element, a second capacitive cover and a second electric ground path attached to the second surface, a third surface that is a hinged side surface hingedly connected to the anchor element, and a third capacitive cover and a third electric ground path attached to the third surface. Each of the capacitive covers are electrically insulated from one another.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle body panel, a mount surface associated with the vehicle body panel, and at least one exciter mounted to the mount surface. The mount surface has a first stiffness and the vehicle body panel has a second stiffness that is less than the first stiffness such that sound is effectively transmitted to a surrounding environment via the mount surface and sound transmission back to a vehicle interior is dampened via the vehicle body panel.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a puddle lamp control system configured to control a puddle lamp to display vehicle identification information, passenger information, advertisements, company logos, and other information on a ground surface proximate to the vehicle. The puddle lamp control system may communicate with a central server using high-speed wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Wi-max, or other protocols to select images and animations based on vehicle location and pedestrian activity nearby the vehicle. The system may also activate the vehicle puddle lamps based on vehicle sensor triggers associated with vehicle location, based on population and pedestrian density indicative of potential message viewers indicating when pedestrians are close enough to the vehicle to view the advertisement, and based on ridehail activity such as ridehail user information, and seat assignments. The messages and images may be customized using an interface device onboard the vehicle.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle including a heater for an exterior interface. An example assembly includes a human-machine interface adjacent an exterior of the motor vehicle, and a heater configured to selectively thermally condition the human-machine interface. The heater includes a conductive polymer. A method is also disclosed.