Abstract: A vehicle door includes a belt structure and a rigid handle having a rigid base and a rigid outer grip portion. The rigid outer grip portion includes a portion that is spaced apart from the base to form a gap. The base of the handle is rigidly connected to the belt structure whereby the outer grip portion of the handle does not move relative to the belt structure. The vehicle door may include a powered door opening mechanism that moves a portion of the door away from a vehicle body when actuated.

Abstract: A latch release system for a vehicle includes a primary and a secondary latch securing a front hood. An emergency handle within a compartment is covered by the front hood, linked to the primary latch and movable to actuate a switch. An actuator is arranged to release the secondary latch. A controller is configured to trigger the actuator to release the secondary latch responsive to actuation of the switch. An emergency latch release system for front compartment of a motor vehicle and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a belt structure and a rigid handle having a rigid base and a rigid outer grip portion. The rigid outer grip portion includes a portion that is spaced apart from the base to form a gap. The base of the handle is rigidly connected to the belt structure whereby the outer grip portion of the handle does not move relative to the belt structure. The vehicle door may include a powered door opening mechanism that moves a portion of the door away from a vehicle body when actuated.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a belt structure and a rigid handle having a rigid base and a rigid outer grip portion. The rigid outer grip portion includes a portion that is spaced apart from the base to form a gap. The base of the handle is rigidly connected to the belt structure whereby the outer grip portion of the handle does not move relative to the belt structure. The vehicle door may include a powered door opening mechanism that moves a portion of the door away from a vehicle body when actuated.

Abstract: A front hood latch release system includes a primary latch and a secondary latch securing the front hood. A first handle is disposed within a vehicle cabin and linked to actuate the primary latch. An emergency handle is disposed within a compartment covered by the front hood and linked to actuate the primary latch. A secondary handle is accessible from outside the vehicle cabin and linked to actuate the secondary latch.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a belt structure and a rigid handle having a rigid base and a rigid outer grip portion. The rigid outer grip portion includes a portion that is spaced apart from the base to form a gap. The base of the handle is rigidly connected to the belt structure whereby the outer grip portion of the handle does not move relative to the belt structure. The vehicle door may include a powered door opening mechanism that moves a portion of the door away from a vehicle body when actuated.

Abstract: A door for vehicles includes a mechanism that prevents unlatching of the door if the door handle is moved at a high rate of speed, but permits unlatching during normal (e.g. manual) handle operation. The mechanism includes a wheel having a wheel tooth. The door mechanism also includes an inertia lever having a first pair of teeth. An input lever has a second pair of teeth that engage the wheel tooth and the first pair of teeth. This engagement prevents rotation of the input lever only when the input lever rotates at a rate above a predefined maximum rate thereby rotating the inertia lever relative to the wheel. Rotation of the input lever unlatches a door latch.

Abstract: A latch release system for a vehicle includes a primary and a secondary latch securing a front hood. An emergency handle within a compartment is covered by the front hood, linked to the primary latch and movable to actuate a switch. An actuator is arranged to release the secondary latch. A controller is configured to trigger the actuator to release the secondary latch responsive to actuation of the switch. An emergency latch release system for front compartment of a motor vehicle and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A front hood latch release system includes a primary latch and a secondary latch securing the front hood. A first handle is disposed within a vehicle cabin and linked to actuate the primary latch. An emergency handle is disposed within a compartment covered by the front hood and linked to actuate the primary latch. A secondary handle is accessible from outside the vehicle cabin and linked to actuate the secondary latch.

Abstract: A latch release system for a vehicle includes a latch assembly securing a front hood covering a front compartment. The latch assembly includes a primary latch and a secondary latch. A lever is coupled to the latch assembly for triggering unlatching of the front hood. A powered actuator is coupled to move the lever. A handle is coupled to move the lever. A switch located within the front compartment commands actuation of the powered actuator. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes a tailgate and a step subassembly having a rail, a step carried on the rail and a pivot subassembly connecting the rail to the tailgate. That pivot subassembly includes two pivot pins. A molding is also carried on the rail.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes a tailgate and a step subassembly having a rail, a step carried on the rail and a pivot subassembly connecting the rail to the tailgate. That pivot subassembly includes two pivot pins. A molding is also carried on the rail.

Abstract: A door for vehicles includes a mechanism that prevents unlatching of the door if the door handle is moved at a high rate of speed, but permits unlatching during normal (e.g. manual) handle operation. The mechanism includes a wheel having a wheel tooth. The door mechanism also includes an inertia lever having a first pair of teeth. An input lever has a second pair of teeth that engage the wheel tooth and the first pair of teeth. This engagement prevents rotation of the input lever only when the input lever rotates at a rate above a predefined maximum rate thereby rotating the inertia lever relative to the wheel. Rotation of the input lever unlatches a door latch.