Abstract: Upon detecting a user departing a passenger cabin of a vehicle, a pose of the user id determined relative to the vehicle. A classification for a vehicle door is determined based on the pose. The classification is one of monitored or unmonitored. A sensor is controlled to monitor the vehicle door based on the classification.

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: An electronic control unit used in, e.g., a towing vehicle includes a processing device configured to determine an initial electrical load of a trailer system, detect changes in the electrical load, and generate an alarm signal if the electrical load is substantially different from the initial electrical load. A method includes determining an electrical load of a trailer system prior to arming a vehicle alarm system, detecting changes in the electrical load after arming the vehicle alarm system, and triggering the alarm system if the electrical load is substantially different from the electrical load determined prior to arming the vehicle alarm system.

Abstract: An apparatus for validating a connection between a vehicle and a trailer is provided. The apparatus comprising a controller configured to detect an object positioned rearward of the vehicle and to receive first information indicative of a first distance between the object and the vehicle. The controller further configured to monitor transmission status of the vehicle in response to the first information and to determine whether the first distance between the object and the vehicle is decreasing in response to transmission status indicating that the vehicle is in reverse. The controller being further configured to determine that the object is a trailer in the event the first distance between the object and the vehicle has not decreased while the vehicle is in reverse.

Abstract: An apparatus for validating a connection between a vehicle and a trailer is provided. The apparatus comprising a controller configured to detect an object positioned rearward of the vehicle and to receive first information indicative of a first distance between the object and the vehicle. The controller further configured to monitor transmission status of the vehicle in response to the first information and to determine whether the first distance between the object and the vehicle is decreasing in response to transmission status indicating that the vehicle is in reverse. The controller being further configured to determine that the object is a trailer in the event the first distance between the object and the vehicle has not decreased while the vehicle is in reverse.

Abstract: An electronic control unit used in, e.g., a towing vehicle includes a processing device configured to determine an initial electrical load of a trailer system, detect changes in the electrical load, and generate an alarm signal if the electrical load is substantially different from the initial electrical load. A method includes determining an electrical load of a trailer system prior to arming a vehicle alarm system, detecting changes in the electrical load after arming the vehicle alarm system, and triggering the alarm system if the electrical load is substantially different from the electrical load determined prior to arming the vehicle alarm system.