Abstract: A system of one or more computers can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One general aspect includes a system, including a server computer having a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the computer is programmed to detect a first vehicle in a first lane adjacent to a second lane and plan a first vehicle trajectory for the first vehicle to be placed in a queue in the first lane and, from the queue, transition from the first lane to the second lane based upon at least one determined characteristic of the first vehicle and a second vehicle trajectory and control the first vehicle based upon the first vehicle trajectory.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an auxiliary battery and one or more accessory loads. An accessory load command is modulated such that the auxiliary battery outputs a discharge current to an accessory load. The discharge current has, in addition to a current component for driving the accessory load, an alternating current (AC) component to cause a temperature of the auxiliary battery to increase.

Abstract: An electronic control device automatically stops an engine operation when a remaining electric power amount index value is equal to or larger than an engine stop permission threshold. The device automatically restarts the engine operation when the remaining electric power amount index value is smaller than an engine restart threshold after the engine operation is automatically stopped. The device changes the engine stop permission threshold from a first threshold, which has been set until a start of an activation of an electric actuator, to a second threshold, which is larger than the first threshold, when the automatic engine stop is not carried out and the activation of the actuator is detected.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes at least one environmental sensor and a processing device. The environmental sensor is programmed to collect traffic information. The processing device is programmed to receive the traffic information, generate a traffic complexity index based at least in part on the traffic information, compare the traffic complexity index to a predetermined threshold, and generate a traffic alert signal if the traffic complexity index exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for road scene understanding of vehicles in traffic by capturing images of traffic with a camera coupled to a vehicle; generating a continuous model of occlusions with a continuous occlusion mode for traffic participants to enhance point track association accuracy without distinguishing between moving and static objects; applying the continuous occlusion model to handle visibility constraints in object tracks; and combining point track association and soft object track modeling to improve 3D localization accuracy.

Abstract: A drowsiness determination device includes an input unit that receives vehicle information indicating the amount of variation in an attitude of a vehicle with respect to a road surface and head information indicating the amount of movement of a head of an occupant with respect to a predetermined position and a determination unit that determines whether the occupant is drowsy, on the basis of the vehicle information and the head information. The determination unit determines that the occupant is drowsy, on the conditions that when the vehicle attitude varies, the occupant head moves in the same direction as the direction in which the vehicle attitude has varied and that a delay time between the timing when the vehicle attitude has varied and the timing when the occupant head has moved is longer than a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining an adhesion potential of a tire mounted on a wheel and travelling over ground. The method utilizes a database constructed to contain information obtained by evaluating experimental data on an evolution of a rolling radius of the tire as a function of predetermined rolling conditions of the tire on ground of variable and known adhesion. Based on the information in the database, an estimation model (Madpot) of an adhesion potential is established by determining a function linking an adhesion potential (?max) of the tire to a rolling radius (RRt) of the tire and to vehicle parameters. The rolling radius (RRt) of the tire is determined while the tire is rolling. The adhesion potential (?max) of the tire is evaluated by application of the estimation model (Madpot) and as a function of the vehicle parameters.

Abstract: A control method for driving of a vehicle for fail-safe, including: determining, by a controller, whether an interface apparatus selecting a shift range fails; confirming, by the controller, the shift range selected upon the failure determination; determining whether the vehicle is in a parking state when the shift range selected upon the failure determination is out of a D range; as a result of performing the determining of the parking, when the vehicle is in the parking state, guiding, by the controller, a driver to step on an accelerator pedal for forward driving of the vehicle; and after the guiding of the driving, when a manipulated quantity of an accelerator pedal is detected, limiting, by the controller, a torque to reduce an output torque value of the vehicle depending on the manipulated quantity of the accelerator pedal for a predetermined reference time.

Abstract: An operating method for a vehicle includes driving in a manual mode, in which a longitudinal movement and a lateral movement are controlled by a human driver, and driving in an autonomous mode, in which the longitudinal movement and the lateral movement are controlled by an automated system. In the method, driving in semi-autonomous mode is activated from the autonomous mode by the human driver either resuming the longitudinal movement, such that the automated system continues to control the lateral movement, or resuming the lateral movement, such that the automated system continues to control the longitudinal movement. In the semi-autonomous mode, one or more automatic stop operations brake the vehicle when the human driver does not quickly resume control of the lateral movement and the longitudinal movement, which continues to be controlled by the automated system.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate switching between autonomous and manual driving modes. In order to do so, the vehicle's computer may conduct a series of environmental, system, and driver checks to identify certain conditions. The computer may correct some of these conditions and also provide a driver with a checklist of tasks for completion. Once the tasks have been completed and the conditions are changed, the computer may allow the driver to switch from the manual to the autonomous driving mode. The computer may also make a determination, under certain conditions, that it would be detrimental to the driver's safety or comfort to make a switch from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode.

Abstract: A locomotive assembly including an auxiliary power unit and a method of providing auxiliary power to a locomotive are disclosed. The locomotive assembly includes a locomotive having a power bus, a primary power source electrically coupled to the power bus, and a locomotive controller programmed to control the primary power source and transmit a first command signal to a power unit that is electrically coupled to the power bus. The power unit includes an auxiliary engine-generator set, a power interface electrically coupling the auxiliary engine-generate set to the power bus, and an auxiliary controller electrically coupled to the locomotive controller. The auxiliary controller is programmed to receive the command signal from the locomotive controller indicating a desired amount of power, control the auxiliary engine-generator set to produce at least the desired amount of power, and control the power interface to deliver the desired amount of power to the power bus.

Abstract: A measuring device is applied to an active damping system, the active damping system including a damper having a plurality of sensors and a plurality of actuators, the damper being arranged on an object to be subjected to damping. The measuring device includes: a transmission characteristic storage unit configured to store a plurality of transmission characteristics calculated from driving signals and vibration state signals; a damping performance setting unit configured to set damping performance including the amount of vibration reduction required of the active damping system and a frequency of vibration; and a damper configuration calculator configured to calculate how many the number of the sensors and actuators for the damper is increased or decreased on the basis of the transmission characteristics and the damping performance, with the increase or decrease being necessary in order that the damping performance set in the damping performance setting unit is satisfied.

Abstract: An automatic parking brake for a truck mounted brake cylinder. The automatic parking brake includes rod that is interconnected to a piston of the brake cylinder and can prevent the piston from returning to the brakes releases position. The rod is controlled by locking nut that will rotate if the rod moves axially through the locking nut and a locking sleeve that is moveable between a locked position, where the locking sleeve engages the locking nut and prevents from the nut from rotating, and a released position, where the locking sleeve is disengages from the locking nut and the locking nut is free to rotate. A spring provides a force biasing the locking nut into the locked position, and brake pipe pressure biases the locking sleeve into the released position.

Abstract: A power supply vital monitor for track circuits for railway systems includes a track segment that is separated from adjacent segments by electric joints. Each track segment includes a signal transmitting unit and receiving units for transmitting and receiving train presence detection signals and/or transmitting or receiving communication signals between the train and the track segment. The transmitting unit and receiving units are connected to a common power supply line. To avoid an erroneous clearing of an occupied status caused by spurious signals on the power supply line affecting reception of the train detection signals, each receiving unit includes a first and a second channel, which connect the receiver with the corresponding track circuit and with a power supply sensor connected to the power supply line. Switches enable and disable connections of the receivers to the corresponding track circuit and to the corresponding power supply sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle includes running wheels traveling on traveling road surfaces of tracks; a pair of position detection parts disposed at an interval in a width direction that output signals by detecting a distance from measured objects; a control unit controlling the amount of steering of the running wheels according to the signals from the position detection parts; and a steering mechanism steering the running wheels via the control unit. Each of the position detection parts outputs a signal having characteristics such that the output increases as the distance from the measured objects increases while an output change ratio is decreased in a range wherein the distance from the measured objects is not less than a predetermined value, and is configured such that, when the distance between one position detection part and the measured object is decreased, the distance between the other position detection part and the measured object is increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing an intermittent information in railway, the method comprising determining that data of a prescribed first length is received in first and second buffers; reading and storing the data of the first length in the first and second buffers; determining that data of a prescribed second length is received in the first and second buffers; reading and storing the data of the second length in the first and second buffers; and generating a final data by combining the data of the first length and the data of the second length.

Abstract: A train information announcement system of the present invention includes vehicle radio sets VRS1 and VRS2 which performs wireless communication, and is installed on a train 1 which moves on a railroad track R, wayside radio sets WRS1 to WRS5 arranged along the railroad track R, and an information providing means which provides train information announcements at a station at predetermined timing based on information about a train location obtained by the wireless communication between the vehicle radio sets VRS1 and VRS2 and the wayside radio sets WRS1 to WRS5.

Abstract: A laterally collapsible, user-pushed, four-wheeled rollator, stroller or the like has swiveling front wheels for steering, each mounted in a fork with a vertical post, with a toothed pulley fixed thereto, rotatable in a bearing housing fixed at the front end of right and left side frames. The two swiveling front wheels can swivel to any steering angle but always in unison with each other by virtue of a flexible toothed synchronous belt extending between the toothed pulleys. The interior of each bearing housing closely surrounds each toothed pulley and the belt, preventing any disengagement of the belt from either toothed pulley even when the belt becomes slack when the left and right side frames are folded towards each other. A synchronous chain with sprockets can also be used. Tether means pull the belt/chain rearwardly to a protected position during folding.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying and/or storing shelves which is capable of folding into a compact condition to minimize the footprint of the device when not in use for carrying or storing shelves. The apparatus includes a releasable transverse cross member extending between the side frames to form a base for supporting shelves.

Abstract: A bottom dumping wheelbarrow including a wheelbarrow having a support frame, an upper member disposed atop the support frame, a pair of handles attached to the support frame, and a plurality of wheels attached to and downwardly extended from the support frame. A door is disposed within a bottom side of the upper member. A control handle is pivotally attached to a bottom surface of the support frame of the wheelbarrow and affixed to the door. The door has an open position and an alternate closed position.

Abstract: A covered wheelbarrow system includes a wheelbarrow that has a bucket. A lid is hingedly coupled to the wheelbarrow. The lid is positioned to selectively close the bucket to inhibit material from being removed from the bucket. The lid is positioned in an open position to facilitate the material to be removed from the bucket. A pair of hinges is provided and each of the hinges is coupled to the lid. Each of the hinges releasably engages the bucket such that the lid is removably coupled to the wheelbarrow.

Abstract: An accessory device (20) for a stroller has a body (42) with a central portion (44) between opposed free ends (46) of the body and has an infant car seat mount (120) carried on the body (42) near at least one of the free ends of the body (42). The accessory device (20) is configured to at least partially widthwise traverse a frame assembly of a stroller (10) when installed on the frame assembly. The accessory device (20) is selectively removable from and attachable to the frame assembly, whereby the infant car seat mount (120) is also removable from and attachable relative to the frame assembly in concert with the accessory device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabric (30, 31) with at least one support (41, 41?), with at least two electrical function elements (70), and with at least one seam (40). It is provided that at least two of the electrical function elements (70) are in the form of strands and integrated in the seam (40).

Abstract: An energy absorbing member is fixed to an outer periphery of an inner column, extends in a front-rear direction and is introduced into a slit of an outer column. During a secondary collision, a tightening rod is displaced forward together with the outer column, so that the energy absorbing member is vertically restrained to the tightening rod and the inner column from a up-down direction, is crushed by the tightening rod and generates impact absorption load.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motor-driven power steering apparatus including: a rack shaft that is operated by steering of a steering unit; a gear housing that accommodates the rack shaft; a tip-side opening which is formed in the gear housing, and through which an inside of the gear housing communicates with an outside of the gear housing; a gas ventilation valve that covers the tip-side opening while ensuring ventilation, through the gas ventilation valve, of a gas via the tip-side opening; and a diaphragm that is provided further inside of the gear housing than the gas ventilation valve, suppresses infiltration of a gas, which passes through the gas ventilation valve, into the gear housing, and is deformed according to a difference between an internal pressure and an external pressure of the gear housing.

Abstract: Steering boxes currently available on the market in order to convert the rotation of the steering wheel into the angular rotation of the wheels are not suitable to be partially built into the rim of the wheels of an electric car. In addition, existing boxes do not allow the independent rotation of the wheels or wide turning radii. These limitations are overcome using a system comprising: a body into which at least one motor is built using corresponding supports, which motor(s) actuate(s) the steering rotation axle of each steered wheel in the upper part of the body, and, in the lower part, a transmission gearbox and a stationary circular crown gear with which driving pinions mesh, said pinions rotating about the crown gear, thereby rotating the entire body and the rotation axle of the wheel built into the body together with suitable means.

Abstract: Restriction values (upper limit and lower limit) for an assist control amount are set individually for each of state amounts including steering torque ? used to compute the assist control amount. A value obtained by summing such restriction values is set as a final restriction value for the assist control amount. Even though the assist control amount with an abnormal value is computed, the assist control amount is restricted to an appropriate value by the final restriction value. In addition, a transition is made from a primary assist control amount which is restricted to a secondary assist control amount computed separately from the primary assist control amount at the timing when a certain time elapses since the assist control amount is restricted. As the steering torque ? is increased, the speed of transition from the primary assist control amount to the secondary assist control amount is increased.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus including a steering wheel return control section that calculates a steering wheel return control current by a steering angle, the steering torque, the vehicle speed and a steering angle velocity, and drives the motor by a compensation current command value made by adding the steering wheel return control current to the current command value.

Abstract: A control section of a steering controller calculates a steer angle which is a turning angle of a first column shaft based on a first detection value detected by a steer angle sensor, and calculates a second shaft turning angle which is a turning angle of a second column shaft based on a second detection value detected by a second shaft rotation angle sensor. A steering torque detection value is calculated based on a third detection value detected by a torque sensor. An abnormality determination part determines abnormalities of the steering torque detection value based on the steer angle and the second shaft turning angle. Thereby, abnormalities of the steering torque detection value are detected without multiplexing the steering torque detection value. Further, if the steering torque detection value is multiplexed, an abnormal steering torque detection value can be specifically identified.

Abstract: A rotation detection apparatus, a rotation angle detection apparatus are provided which allow appropriate detection of an abnormality in a portion that detects rotation of a rotating shaft. A first arithmetic circuit calculates a rotating direction and a number of rotations of the rotating shaft based on a change in a combination of positivity and negativity of a first electric signal (first sine signal) and a third electric signal (first cosine signal). A second arithmetic circuit calculates a rotating direction and a number of rotations of the rotating shaft based on a change in a combination of positivity and negativity of a second electric signal (second sine signal) and a fourth electric signal (second cosine signal). An abnormality determination circuit determines whether each of the first and second arithmetic circuits and is abnormal based on the two rotating directions and calculated by the first and second arithmetic circuits respectively.

Abstract: A hydraulic control device includes: a hydraulic pump connected in parallel to steering and boom cylinders; a steering control valve that controls the direction of operating oil flowing through the steering cylinders; a boom control valve that connects the hydraulic pump to a tank when the valve is at a neutral position and controls the direction of the oil flowing through the boom cylinders when the valve is at an offset position; a meter-in pressure compensator that increases flow rate of the oil flowing through a variable restrictor of the steering control valve in accordance with pressure in front of and behind the restrictor; and a bleed-off pressure compensator that decreases flow rate of the oil flowing through the boom control valve in accordance with the increase in pressure of the oil flowing through the steering cylinders to maintain the predetermined pressure of the oil in the steering control circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power assist steering system for a vehicle having a wheel. The steering system includes a first reciprocating member coupled to the wheel such that reciprocating movement of the first reciprocating member provides turning movement of the wheel, a steering input engaged with the first reciprocating member such that rotation of the steering input provides reciprocating movement of the first reciprocating member, and a steering assist assembly including a second reciprocating member engaged with the steering input such that reciprocating movement of the second reciprocating member provides an assist force to the steering input. Preferably, the first and second reciprocating members engage the steering input at locations opposed to each other and also move along paths that are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering system may include: a vehicle speed detection unit configured to detect a vehicle speed; a steering angle detection unit configured to detect a steering angle based on an operation of a steering wheel; a pinion angle detection unit configured to detect a pinion angle based on an operation of the steering wheel; a rear wheel driving unit configured to steer rear wheels; and a control unit configured to receive the vehicle speed, the steering angle, and the pinion angle from the vehicle speed detection unit, the steering angle detection unit, and the pinion angle detection unit, calculate a target rear wheel steering angle for steering the rear wheels, calculate a final rear wheel steering angle at which a steering point of the rear wheels is adjusted using a steering angle speed, the vehicle speed, and the pinion speed, and operate the rear wheel driving unit.

Abstract: The tie rod is designed to elongate when subjected to an overload in tension that is placed on the tie rod. A plurality of threads and a reduced diameter section on the tie rod elongated when subjected to a tension overload that exceeds the design parameters of the tie rod. The elongation of the tie rod is designed to provide a warning to the operator of the vehicle that the tie rod has been subjected to an overload and should be inspected and repaired as needed. The deformation and elongation of the tie rod absorbs energy and protects other components of the steering and suspension systems of the vehicle.

Abstract: A continuously variable speed transmission and steering differential having a central drive axle, two pairs of sheaves and two shift arms. The drive axel is driven by an external power source. The two pairs of sheaves, left and right, are mounted to the drive axel. Each pair of sheaves includes a fixed drive sheave and a movable drive sheave. Each movable drive sheave is positioned by a shift arm. Shifting the shift arms left or right varies the gear ratio between the left and right pair of sheaves thereby providing steering control. Narrowing the distance between the shaft arms increases the gear ratio and consequently puts the transmission into a higher gear, thereby providing speed control.

Abstract: A backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a trailer sensor module generating a trailer yaw rate and a vehicle sensor system generating a vehicle yaw rate and a vehicle speed. The system further includes a controller determining an estimated length of the trailer based on an estimated hitch angle, the vehicle yaw rate, the vehicle speed, and the trailer yaw rate in view of a kinematic relationship.

Abstract: A device for a motor vehicle having a torque sensor device for detecting a torque applied to a steering shaft of the motor vehicle and with a steering angle sensor device for detecting a current steering angle of the steering shaft is disclosed. The torque sensor device has a magnetic stator designed to conduct magnetic flux from a magnet to at least one flux conductor and through the same to at least one magnetic sensor of the torque sensor device, and two stator parts that are disposed so as to be displaced in the axial direction relative to each other, each of which comprises an annular edge element extending in the radial direction. The steering angle sensor device includes at least one rotation transmission element with a permanent magnet and a magnetic field detector for detecting a rotary motion of the rotation transmission element.

Abstract: As an off-road vehicle traverses a curved path driven by an operator, a data processor determines an error estimate between the points on the curved path and a generally circular perimeter about an estimated center point consistent with alignment of the curved path to the generally circular perimeter in accordance with a least squares algorithm or a modified least squares algorithm. The data processor or user interface provides an indicator to an operator of the vehicle that an arc length or angular displacement of the curved path with respect to the estimated center point is sufficient to estimate accurately the estimated center point and the radius of the generally circular perimeter if the determined error estimate is less than a threshold error.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer backup assist control module for positioning in an open area of a vehicle is disclosed, comprising a control device configured to mate electrically and mechanically with a modular adapter for removable positioning the module in the open area of the vehicle, a user interface for receiving gestures from a user and for providing feedback to the user, at least one visual indicator for indicating a status of the control device and/or of a trailer backup assist function of the vehicle, and a data port for transmitting and receiving data to and from the vehicle for controlling a trailer backup assist function of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel alignment system for a three-wheeled vehicle comprises a reflecting assembly and a first laser emitting assembly. The reflecting assembly includes a first mirror having a first reflective surface arranged in a first mirror plane that is perpendicular to a rear wheel vertical plane, which is defined centrally through a rear wheel along a direction of travel of the vehicle. The first laser emitting assembly includes a first laser emitter configured to emit a first laser light at the reflective surface along a laser line parallel to a first front wheel vertical plane, which is defined centrally through a first front wheel, and first indicia corresponding to a toe angle of the first front wheel. The first the mirror reflects the first laser light toward the first indicia.

Abstract: An impact load reduction structure includes a battery frame, a load reduction frame, and a load absorber. The battery frame is fixed to a vehicle body frame of an electrically-powered vehicle and supports a battery. The load reduction frame extends in a front-rear direction on a front side of the battery frame and is disposed in a substantially same plane as the battery frame. The load absorber is disposed between the load reduction frame and the battery frame and absorbs an impact load to be transmitted from the load reduction frame to the battery frame.

Abstract: A vehicle body front reinforcement assembly includes: a front side beam connected to a front of a dash panel; a side sill connected to a side end portion of a floor panel; and a torque box extending from the dash panel to the side end portion of the floor panel and connecting a rear end of the front side beam to a front end of the side sill, wherein the side sill includes: a side sill coupler coupled to a rear end of the torque box; and a side sill extension connected to a rear end of the side sill coupler and extending towards the rear of a vehicle, and wherein the side sill coupler is made of a material having a lower tensile to strength than the material of the side sill extension.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a vehicle includes a rocker elongated along an axis and defining a tubular cavity elongated along the axis. The vehicle frame assembly includes a sealed pressurized insert disposed in the cavity and elongated along the axis. The sealed pressurized insert increases the stiffness of the rocker, i.e., decreases the likelihood of deformation of the rocker during an impact of the vehicle, such as a side impact.

Abstract: In a vehicle front part structure of a vehicle body, a gusset member is disposed in front of a front pillar. The gusset member is positioned so as to overlap with at least a front tire in the vertical direction of the vehicle body. The gusset member covers at least a portion of a lower portion of the front pillar on a front side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The gusset member has a stepped portion on a front side thereof in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The stepped portion extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and makes a portion of the gusset member disposed inside in the vehicle width direction positioned relatively in front of a portion of the gusset member disposed outside in the vehicle width direction in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle frame structure includes an elongated side sill having an internal space defined by an upper wall, a lower wall, an outer lateral side wall, and an inner lateral side wall. The internal space is partitioned by a vertical rib and a horizontal rib, the perpendicularly crossed vertical and horizontal ribs connecting inside faces of the upper, lower, outer and inner walls. The vertical rib separates the side sill into an outer lateral portion and an inner lateral portion. The outer lateral portion is defined by an outer lateral section of each of the upper and lower wall and the outer side wall. The inner lateral portion is defined by an inner lateral section of each of the upper and lower wall and the inner side wall. The outer lateral portion of the side sill is thicker than the inner lateral portion of the side sill.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body includes an A-pillar panel, an outer skin body panel, which together with an edge of the A-pillar panel delimits a gap. A windshield is adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the A-pillar panel. A filler piece has a first portion which fills out the gap and a second portion which conceals a gap between the longitudinal edge of the A-pillar panel and the windshield.

Abstract: A fully foldable mud flap has an upper flap section having a magnet permanently attached and a lower flap section having a magnet of the opposite polarity attached. The flap sections are connected by a hinge which allows rotation of the lower flap section in relation to the upper flap section, such that, in the retracted position, the lower flap section is parallel to and directly faces the upper flap section, with the magnets securing the flap sections in this position. The mud flap can be conveniently manually folded and unfolded, when desired.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle floor panel structure comprises a front body sub-unit, a central floor sub-unit, and a rear body sub-unit. The central floor sub-unit comprises a front floor structure including a central longitudinal tunnel, a pair of lateral longitudinal beams, connected to the front floor structure and to the front body sub-unit and two intermediate longitudinal beams which connect the central floor sub-unit to the front body sub-unit and which extend at intermediate areas between the lateral longitudinal beams and the central tunnel. The intermediate longitudinal beams are connected to the upper surface of the front floor structure and have portions which extend in a cantilever fashion from the front edge of the front floor structure and which are connected to said front body sub-unit.

Abstract: An Al-plated steel sheet includes: a steel sheet; an Al plating layer which is formed on one surface or both surfaces of the steel sheet and contains at least 85% or more of Al by mass %; and a surface coating layer which is laminated on the surface of the Al plating layer and contains ZnO and one or more lubricity improving compounds.

Abstract: A method for producing a motor vehicle component is disclosed having the steps of providing a strain-hardened blank composed of a 5000 grade aluminum alloy, partially heating the blank in a first region to a temperature higher than 350° C., in particular higher than 400° C., and in a second region to a temperature between 150° C. and 350° C., preferably to 300° C., in less than 20 s, preferably less than 10 s and in particular in 2 to 5 s, and transferring the blank into a cooling tool, and performing cooling in less than 20 s, preferably less than 10 s and in particular in 2 to 5 s.