Abstract: A chassis brace includes a body having a first end and a second end, a chassis structure abutment at the first end and a body structure abutment at the second end. Together, the chassis brace, the chassis component secured the chassis structure abutment of the chassis brace and the body component secured to the body structure abutment of the chassis brace form a small offset rigid barrier reinforcement assembly. A method of reinforcing a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a cabin portion, a bed portion, and an air extractor. The cabin portion defines a passenger cabin and includes a hollow pillar having an opening to the passenger cabin. The bed portion defines a bed and includes a hollow frame rail elongated from the pillar. The pillar and the frame rail define an airflow path from the opening. The air extractor is positioned in the frame rail and is in communication with the airflow path and an ambient environment.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a cabin portion, a bed portion, and an air extractor. The cabin portion defines a passenger cabin and includes a hollow pillar having an opening to the passenger cabin. The bed portion defines a bed and includes a hollow frame rail elongated from the pillar. The pillar and the frame rail define an airflow path from the opening. The air extractor is positioned in the frame rail and is in communication with the airflow path and an ambient environment.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a first member including a first side and a second side. The vehicle assembly includes a coupler extending from the first side to the second side, the first side and the second side being crimped to the coupler. The vehicle assembly includes a second member and a fastener fastening the first member and the second member to the coupler.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a first member including a first side and a second side. The vehicle assembly includes a coupler extending from the first side to the second side, the first side and the second side being crimped to the coupler. The vehicle assembly includes a second member and a fastener fastening the first member and the second member to the coupler.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a side view mirror housing mountable to a vehicle exterior. A first LIDAR sensor is disposed in the side view mirror housing, has a first field of view, and is pointed in a first direction. A second LIDAR sensor is disposed in the side view mirror housing, has a second field of view, and is pointed in a second direction opposite the first direction. A camera is also disposed in the side view mirror housing, and the camera is spaced from the second LIDAR sensor. The camera has a third field of view and is pointed in the second direction.

Abstract: Various approaches for forming holes onto a sheet-metal assembly are described. In one implementation, a sheet-metal assembly is received through a conveyor system within a manufacturing cell. Once received, the type of sheet-metal assembly is identified based on associated information. Corresponding to the identified sheet-metal assembly, a set of position coordinates corresponding to one or more points on the sheet-metal assembly are obtained. Subsequently, a work-performing apparatus may be used for forming holes onto the sheet-metal assembly, at one or more points on the sheet-metal assembly.

Abstract: An outer panel is provided for a motor vehicle. That outer panel includes an outer panel body made from a non-ferromagnetic material and a ferromagnetic element connected to an inner surface of the outer panel body. The ferromagnetic element serves as a magnetic attachment point through the outer panel body for a magnetic accessory on the outer panel body of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a vehicle tailgate includes a base, a first attachment member, a second attachment member and a ramp. The first attachment member and second attachment member are spaced apart from each other and extend from the base. The ramp is irremovably secured to the base. The attachment members are configured to be received in a latch of the vehicle tailgate.

Abstract: A method of varying vehicle width on a single platform includes providing a plurality of vehicles, where each vehicle includes a side sill extending longitudinally along a lower portion of a vehicle body. The side sill defines a door opening interface on each opposing side of the vehicle body. Each of the plurality of vehicles also includes a floor panel extending laterally across a width of each vehicle. The floor panel is joined at a lateral edge to the side sill. The method also includes maintaining a common lateral position of the joint between the floor panel and the side sill across each of the plurality of vehicles. The method further includes positioning the door opening interface at first lateral position corresponding to a first one of the plurality of vehicles and at a second lateral position corresponding to a second one of the plurality of vehicles.

Abstract: A method of varying vehicle width on a single platform includes providing a plurality of vehicles, where each vehicle includes a side sill extending longitudinally along a lower portion of a vehicle body. The side sill defines a door opening interface on each opposing side of the vehicle body. Each of the plurality of vehicles also includes a floor panel extending laterally across a width of each vehicle. The floor panel is joined at a lateral edge to the side sill. The method also includes maintaining a common lateral position of the joint between the floor panel and the side sill across each of the plurality of vehicles. The method further includes positioning the door opening interface at first lateral position corresponding to a first one of the plurality of vehicles and at a second lateral position corresponding to a second one of the plurality of vehicles.

Abstract: Various approaches for forming holes onto a sheet-metal assembly are described. In one implementation, a sheet-metal assembly is received through a conveyor system within a manufacturing cell. Once received, the type of sheet-metal assembly is identified based on associated information. Corresponding to the identified sheet-metal assembly, a set of position coordinates corresponding to one or more points on the sheet-metal assembly are obtained. Subsequently, a work-performing apparatus may be used for forming holes onto the sheet-metal assembly, at one or more points on the sheet-metal assembly.

Abstract: A seal for an automobile body opening comprising a plastic carrier, an elastomeric bulb operably connected to the plastic carrier, and a plastic clip operably connected to, and extending away from, the plastic carrier for engagement to a flange for retaining the seal to the flange.

Abstract: A seal for an automobile body opening comprising a plastic carrier, an elastomeric bulb operably connected to the plastic carrier, and a plastic clip operably connected to, and extending away from, the plastic carrier for engagement to a flange for retaining the seal to the flange.

Abstract: A wheelhouse reinforcement bracket provides increased torsional rigidity for the rear wheelhouses of an automotive vehicle. The wheelhouse bracket is positioned in alignment with the location on the vehicle body where the shock absorber is located, and in alignment with the rear suspension cross frame member to create a structural ring formed by the wheelhouse bracket, the C-pillar and the rear suspension cross frame member. The wheelhouse bracket is formed with a mounting flange positionable within the inside of the U-shaped rear side frame rail to facilitate welding thereto instead of being welded to the top of the underbody floor structure. The mounting flange has a first portion configured to be mated against a first generally vertically extending wall of the rear side frame rail and a second portion configured to be mated against a generally horizontally extending wall of the rear side frame rail.

Abstract: A wheelhouse reinforcement bracket is provided for the rear wheelhouses of an automotive vehicle to increase torsional rigidity for the vehicle. The wheelhouse bracket is positioned in alignment with the location on the vehicle body where the shock absorber is located, and in alignment with the rear suspension cross member to create a structural ring formed by the wheelhouse bracket, the C-pillar and the rear suspension cross member. The wheelhouse bracket is formed with a mounting flange positionable within the inside of the U-shaped rear side rail to facilitate welding thereto instead of being welded to the top of the underbody floor structure. The mounting flange has a first portion configured to be mated against a first generally vertically extending wall of the rear side rail and a second portion configured to be mated against a generally horizontally extending wall of the rear side rail.