Abstract: The disclosure provides a driving device of a vehicle, wherein even if a power storage device is fully charged, the driving device is capable of applying a corresponding decelerating force to a driving wheel. The driving device of the vehicle includes a motor as a driving source, a first planetary gear mechanism connected to the motor, a second planetary gear mechanism connected to the first planetary gear mechanism, and a differential mechanism connected with driving wheels from the second planetary gear mechanism, and further includes a brake detachably connecting a ring gear of the second planetary gear mechanism to a fixed-side member, and a lock mechanism capable of locking the differential mechanism.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for on-board diagnostics of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system of an engine coupled to a hybrid vehicle. In one example, a method may include, upon receiving an engine shut-down request, prior to engine spin-down, rotating the engine at an idling speed via an electric motor and carrying out diagnostics of the EGR system. EGR diagnostics may include estimating a ratio of accumulated difference between a measured EGR flow and an EGR limit to accumulated intake air flow, over a duration of time, and indicating EGR system degradation in response to the ratio being higher than a threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a powertrain or driveline of a hybrid vehicle that includes two electric machines and a transmission are described. In one example, vehicle propulsion is maintained while transmission operating parameters are determined for improving transmission operation. In particular, a rear drive unit maintains vehicle speed and monitors torque delivered via an output of the transmission.

Abstract: A drive-train has an internal combustion engine (1) with an exhaust gas turbocharger, which drives a vehicle wheel (3) by way of a power-branching transmission (2). When there is an increase of the power demanded from the combustion engine (1) but the exhaust gas turbocharger is not yet producing the required charging pressure, an additional motor (4) is always switched into the drive-train in order to deliver torque to the drive-train.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a rotating electric machine, a high-voltage power line, a high-voltage battery, an inverter, a capacitor, an electronic control unit, a low-voltage battery, an alternator, and a low-voltage power line. The capacitor is connected to the high-voltage power line. The electronic control unit is configured to control the engine such that the engine is operated and the alternator supplies electric power to the low-voltage power line in a case where the possibility of the occurrence of a collision of the vehicle is detected. The electronic control unit is configured to perform control such that the capacitor discharges a residual electric charge in a case where the possibility of the occurrence of the collision of the vehicle is detected or in a case where the occurrence of the collision of the vehicle is detected.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle is described herein. The autonomous vehicle includes several sensor systems that asynchronously generate sensor system outputs. A batch generator system, executed by a processor, identifies batches of sensor system outputs to provide to an object classifier system, wherein the batches of sensor system outputs are identified based upon timing estimates, wherein the timing estimates include first timing estimates and second timing estimates. The first timing estimates include estimates of amounts of time needed by the object classifier system to complete processing of batches of different sizes. The second timing estimates includes estimates of when sensor system outputs are expected to be received from the several sensor systems.

Abstract: A travel control apparatus for a vehicle includes a travel environment information acquisition unit, a travel information detection unit, and a control unit. The acquisition unit acquires travel environment information of the vehicle, which is on a traveling environment of the vehicle. The detection unit detects travel information of the vehicle. The control unit performs self-driving control, on the basis the information. The control unit detects a relative distance between an oncoming vehicle and the vehicle, and performs turn control to cause the vehicle to make a turn while crossing ahead of the oncoming vehicle, in a case where the relative distance is not smaller than a preset threshold value. When the vehicle makes the turn, in a case where a traction control for preventing tire slippage by decreasing a drive torque is operated, the control unit increasingly corrects the preset threshold value in accordance with at least a tire grip state.

Abstract: A vehicle travel control apparatus having a cruise control function allows a driver to perform an acceptance operation for rendering a set speed coincident with a speed limit when the speed limit is different from the set speed. When the drive can perform the acceptance operation, the vehicle travel control apparatus must inform the driver to that effect. In view of this, when the acceptance operation can be performed, an additional display is provided on a display unit to be located between a display representing the set speed and a display representing the speed limit, to thereby inform the driver that the driver can perform an operation relating to the set speed and the speed limit (i.e., can perform the acceptance operation).

Abstract: A system includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to determine a vehicle launch path based on a specified speed and vehicle physical attributes, and upon detecting an object in the launch path, to deactivate the vehicle launch.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enhancing reverse driving torque in a powersplit hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. In one example, a method may include accelerating an engine via a generator functioning as a motor, any number of times, to provide an engine braking torque that may increase a reverse driving torque to enable the vehicle to be propelled in reverse at a vehicle speed above a threshold vehicle speed. In this way, reverse gradability may be improved and customer satisfaction increased.

Abstract: In a vehicle control device, a target motion estimation unit estimates a motion for a target area representing an area where no other vehicle is traveling on a lane in the future based on motions of other vehicles traveling on the lane to which a course is to be changed. A control amount setting unit sets a control amount of an own vehicle required in order to make the motion of the target area and a motion of the own vehicle match. A motion control unit controls the motion of the own vehicle according to the set control amount.

Abstract: The invention provides an adaptive driving behavior adjusting method for an electric vehicle, intended for solving the problem that existing energy recovery approaches fail to fully satisfy endurance mileage extending requirements of electric vehicles and the problem that a charging or battery-swapping time cannot be accurately determined. The method comprises the steps of: estimating an endurance mileage of the electric vehicle; acquiring information of a location of the nearest charging pile or a destination by means of a GPS; acquiring information of a lane in which the electric vehicle is currently traveling by means of the GPS; and the electric vehicle selectively enters a forced adaptive driving mode or an optional adaptive driving mode, based on endurance mileage of the electric vehicle, the information of the location of the charging pile or the destination and the information of the lane.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid electric vehicle includes driving an engine to generate mechanical energy, converting the mechanical energy into a first AC voltage, estimating a total DC link current associated with a respective plurality of loads of the hybrid electric vehicle, converting, with a first inverter, the first AC voltage into a DC bus voltage by regulating the DC bus voltage based on the total DC link current, and inverting, with a respective plurality of inverters, the DC bus voltage into a respective plurality of other AC voltages to drive the respective plurality of loads on the hybrid electric vehicle.

Abstract: A system is described, as well as methods of using the system. The method includes: determining an error within the vehicle driveline system; following the error, determining that a state of a power take-off unit (PTU) within the system is determinable; and then transferring a normal torque from the PTU to a secondary drive unit (SDU) during the error.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to using vehicle telematics data to assess parameters associated with vehicle operation. In some instances, a driving assessment system may include a first computing device associated with a user in a vehicle and a second computing located remotely from the first computing device. The first computing device may collect, by way of one or more of an accelerometer and global positioning system (GPS), vehicle operational data and vehicle locational information associated with the vehicle and corresponding to a trip of the vehicle and may transmit such information to the second computing device. The second computing device may identify actionable and second order actionable trip data from the vehicle operational data and vehicle locational information and may calculate a behavior score for the trip.

Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle operation data from mobile devices respectively disposed within the vehicles, and may use the data to group the vehicles into multiple groups. A driving pattern for each vehicle may be established and compared against a group driving pattern of its corresponding group to identify outliers. A driver score the outliers may be adjusted positively or negatively based on whether the outlier behaved in a manner more or less safe than its group. Further, unsafe driving events performed by the outlier that were the result of another vehicle's unsafe driving event may be ignored or positively accounted for in determining or adjusting the outlier's driver score.

Abstract: An approach is provided for verifying a safe operation of a vehicle (e.g., an autonomous vehicle) via a portable device. The approach involves initiating a capture of environmental sensor data by a user device, wherein the sensor data indicates at least a partial view of an environment around a vehicle, and wherein the user device is independent of the vehicle. The approach also involves processing the environmental sensor data to generate a digitized representation of the environment. The approach also involves calculating a predicted motion of the vehicle based on the digitized representation. The approach further involves initiating a capture of motion sensor data by the user device, wherein the motion sensor data indicates an observed motion of the vehicle. The approach further involves identifying a safe operation of the vehicle based on a comparison by the user device of the observed motion to the predicted motion of the vehicle.

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 a user device that includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the device is programmed to: send a trigger configuration file to a vehicle computer in a vehicle; receive an indication of a trigger from the vehicle computer; receive an input from a wearable device; and execute a task, based on the input and the trigger. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to determine that measured vehicle variable values match a predefined set of vehicle variable values associated with recommending vehicle feature engagement. The processor is further configured to determine that the feature has not been used with a threshold frequency in a vehicle in which the variable values were measured. Also, the processor is configured to responsive to the match and use below the threshold, present a recommendation to engage the feature.

Abstract: A method for providing safe-driving information via eyeglasses of a driver of a vehicle is provided.

Abstract: A DC-feeding-voltage calculating apparatus includes storage that stores train model information including information for controlling a regenerative power reducing amount in a train in an electrified section; feeding network model information including position information on a substation; and substation model information including control information on a substation voltage. On the basis of: the stored information; a voltage value, current values of feeders by train direction, the voltage and current values being measured in the substation; and first train information on a train including a wireless communication apparatus, an estimator estimates second train information on a train not including a wireless communication apparatus and outputs train operation information.

Abstract: A two-wheeled, axially-expandable cart having an axially-expandable platform that includes a pair of platform members that are moveable axially between a collapsed position where the edges of the platform members are confronting, and an expanded position when the edges are space apart, and a pair of wheels, each wheel connected through an axle to and extending axially from each platform member. The two-wheeled cart provides a method for hauling an insulated cooler, where the cooler is positioned onto the platform assembly with its center of gravity forward of the platform assembly, and with an extending strap member laced through a front handle of the cooler, for raising the front end of the cooler off the ground and pulling the cooler forward, secured to the two-wheeled cart.

Abstract: The invention provides a trailer with no extra height when folding, comprising fixed standpipes arranged at a front and rear end of the trailer, and front and rear folding components, side folding components, bottom folding components and handle components connected to the fixed standpipes. The height of the trailer in the invention does not change after folding to ensure that the height after folding and the height in use are the same, thereby the object that the volume after folding is smaller than that of the prior trailer. By proving telescopic components on the handle components, the trailer can be telescopically folded by handle components when not in use, which reduces space occupation and is practical and convenient; simultaneously, by providing reset torsion spring on the handle components, the object of automatically resetting of the handle when the trailer not in use can be achieved.

Abstract: A carriage according to the present embodiment comprises: a mounting base in which a plane for placing a freight is defined, the mounting base receiving the freight from an end part of the plane by horizontal movement; and a drop prevention part that is provided to the end part of the plane, and that prevents the freight from dropping off from the mounting base. The drop prevention part includes: a movable part that rotates about an axis along a direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and a direction in which the freight is received; and a rotation inhibiting part that is provided between said plane and a horizontal plane on which said axis is present, and that limits the range of rotation of the movable part. The movable part includes: a contact part that comes into contact with the freight; and a weight part at which the center of gravity of the movable part is located. The contact part has an end part that projects more upward in the vertical direction than the plane.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for installation on a shopping cart to retro-fit the shopping cart for facilitating self-checkout. The wheel assembly may include a support structure and a wheel rotatably supported on the support structure. The wheel assembly may further include a rechargeable battery supported by the support structure and a charging module supported on the support structure. In addition, the wheel assembly may include a force-detection module configured to provide a signal related to an item event in which an item is deposited within the shopping cart. Still further, the wheel assembly may include a processing and communications unit configured to receive the signal from the force-detection module. The processing and communications unit may transmit the signal to a device that is separate from the wheel assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a steer-by-wire steering device may include an actuating unit that comprises a steering spindle mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis in a casing unit. The casing unit may have a first casing tube in which a second casing tube is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the longitudinal axis and is mounted so as to be movable axially in a telescopic fashion. An actuating drive is connected to the first casing tube and the second casing tube and can move the second casing tube relative to the first casing tube. The actuating drive may comprise a spindle drive with a threaded spindle that is parallel to the longitudinal axis, rotatably drivable by a servomotor, supported on and extending within the first casing tube, and screwed into a spindle nut attached in a rotationally fixed manner to the second casing tube.

Abstract: A locking device for a steering column may include an activating lever attached to a clamping bolt, which lever interacts with a pressure plate such that when the activating lever is rotated about an axis of the clamping bolt in a closing direction the steering column is clamped in the locking device, and such that when the activating lever is rotated in the opening direction the steering column can be adjusted. An abutment finger may be radially spaced apart from the clamping bolt and project in a direction of the axis of the clamping bolt. The abutment finger may engage in a window-like slot of the activating lever so that rotation of the activating lever is possible but limited in the opening and closing directions by abutment of the abutment finger against opposite abutment surfaces of the window-like slot, at least one which may comprise a damping cover.

Abstract: A steering system includes a user-manipulable steering control, a steering actuator, a pump, and a first valve assembly configured to control a flow of fluid from the pump to the steering actuator in response to manipulation of the steering control. The steering system also includes a rotary device coupled to the steering control. The rotary device is configured to direct fluid in response to manipulation of the steering control. The steering system further includes a second valve assembly movable between a first position in which the rotary device is not in fluid communication with the steering actuator and a second position in which the second valve assembly fluidly communicates the rotary device with the steering actuator.

Abstract: A drive assembly is provided and includes a rotatable housing, a motor disposed within and to rotate with the housing, the motor including a drive element and first and second drive shafts, which are independently rotatably drivable by the drive element, a first drivable element coupled to the first drive shaft such that rotation thereof is transmitted to the first drivable element and configured to propel the housing in a first direction during first drive shaft rotation and a second drivable element coupled to the second drive shaft such that rotation thereof is transmitted to the second drivable element and configured to propel the motor in a second direction, which is transversely oriented relative to the first direction, relative to the housing during second drive shaft rotation.

Abstract: A BLDC includes an outer casing, and a first sub-motor and a second sub-motor mounted within the outer casing. The BLDC further includes a terminal hub, and a first conductive terminal set and a second conductive terminal set. The first and second sub-motor include their respective stators that are energized independently and a common rotor. The first conductive terminal set is configured as a power supply branch circuit for the stator of the first sub-motor, the second conductive terminal set is configured as a power supply branch circuit for the stator of the second sub-motor. The first and second sub-motors can be configured to selectively commonly operate as a single motor to output normal power or operate independently. When one sub-motor fails, the other sub-motor can independently operate to ensure reliability and safety of the motor.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus for assisting steering of a motor vehicle by conferring torque generated by an electric motor to a steering mechanism, includes a steering controller, which receives signals representative of at least the torque (TTS) applied to a steering wheel and determining a target motor torque (Td), with a microcontroller unit (MCU) and an electronic control unit (WD). A motor controller includes an inverter which transforms from target motor torque (Td) generated target voltages (U1) into motor currents (I1). The WD comprises a memory in which state variables of the MCU are stored and a timer which monitors a blackout time of the MCU, wherein the MCU and WD are linked via a communication bus and a reset line.

Abstract: A method for controlling rear wheel steering of a vehicle may include: determining, by a control unit, whether an error exists in rear wheel steering control input information received therein to control rear wheel steering of the vehicle; calculating, by the control unit, a rear wheel angle reduction rate for controlling rear wheels to neutral based on a yaw rate of the vehicle when it is determined that an error exists in the rear wheel steering control input information; and controlling, by the control unit, the rear wheels to neutral according to the calculated rear wheel angle reduction rate.

Abstract: A tie rod end includes a body portion having a curved portion and extending in a rod shape, an engaging portion with a tie rod provided at one end of the body portion, and a connecting portion with a knuckle arm provided at the other end of the body portion, and constitutes a part of a vehicle steering apparatus used for steering a vehicle. The body portion made of an aluminum warm-forged material is provided so that an outer curved portion is oriented toward a front of the vehicle when attached to the vehicle. Dimension in a vehicle height direction of the body portion is larger at an inner curved portion than at the outer curved portion. It is possible to obtain the tie rod end capable of securing sufficient rigidity against stress concentration inside the curved portion.

Abstract: A modular chassis is provided for an off-road vehicle to improve assembly, servicing, and repairing of a drivetrain of the off-road vehicle. The modular chassis includes a chassis to support components of the off-road vehicle. A front frame module couples with a front of the chassis, and a rear frame module couples with a rear of the chassis. The front frame module supports lower suspension arms of the off-road vehicle by way of inboard bushing joints. The front frame module supports at least a steering gear and a front differential of the off-road vehicle. The rear frame module is a tube-frame structure that supports components of the off-road vehicle. A lower portion of the rear frame module extends rearward and acutely upward to a top frame member that couples with upper side portions of the chassis. Several cross-members impart structural integrity to the rear frame module.

Abstract: A track-type machine includes first and second ground-engaging track assemblies, each having a drive motor, and a propulsion system including an operator station with first and second joysticks, and a travel control system including input devices resident on the first and second joysticks. The input devices are adjustable to vary at least one of a speed or a direction of the drive motors in the track assemblies. Adjustment of the drive motor speed can be in proportion to an adjustment of the corresponding input device.

Abstract: A vehicle-trailer hitch angle sensor assembly includes a mounting bracket including a base, a body rotatably coupled with the bracket about an axis spaced apart from the base and biased toward the base, and a sensor array including a plurality of sensors extending in first and second directions along a face of the body.

Abstract: A vehicle lateral control system having a lane model with modulation weighting for controlling a vehicle includes a camera, an image processing device, a controller and a steering device. The camera is configured to capture a front image of the vehicle to generate a front image dataset. The front image dataset is analyzed by the image processing device to obtain a plurality of lane markers, and the image processing device establishes a lane fitting curve according to the lane markers and a target weighting. The controller has a plurality of vehicle dynamic parameters and a target distance. The target weighting is changeable according to the target distance. The controller generates a steering control weighting according to the lane fitting curve and the vehicle dynamic parameters. The steering device is configured to control a turning direction of the vehicle according to the steering control weighting.

Abstract: A vehicle system for operating a vehicle is provided. The vehicle system includes a first output device configured to output a first output, and a second output device configured to output a second output. The vehicle system operates the vehicle based on the first output from the first output device while obtaining vehicle environment information, determines whether an autonomous take-over event occurs based on the vehicle environment information, operates the vehicle in an autonomous driving mode in response to determining that the autonomous takeover event occurred, determines whether the vehicle system receives a take-over signal from the second output device, and operates the vehicle based on the second output from the second output device in response to determining that the vehicle system received the take-over signal from the second output device.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a road sensor mounted in a subject vehicle, the road sensor configured to detect a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane of a road on which the subject vehicle is traveling, and a processor coupled to the road sensor. The processor is programmed to receive a lane change request for the subject vehicle to enter or exit the HOV lane, determine, using the road sensor, whether an entrance or exit for the HOV lane is present, and upon determining that no entrance or exit for the HOV lane is present, suppress the lane change request.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed. Vehicle sensor data may be compared with a threshold value. When the vehicle sensor data exceeds the threshold value, selecting an appearance mode of a plurality of appearance modes, and applying the first appearance mode to virtual lane marker data to produce enhanced virtual marker data. The enhanced virtual marker data may be transmitted for display by a vehicle graphical user interface.

Abstract: A frame structure for an all-terrain vehicle includes left and right upper main frame members and left and right lower main frame members, each upper and lower main frame member extended in a longitudinal direction of the frame structure. The left and right upper main frame members are horizontally disposed and have upper mounting surfaces. The left and right lower main frame members have forward and rearward portions mounted to the left and right upper main frame members and central portions extended in a lateral direction of the frame structure outward of the left and right upper main frame members. Left and right first sub-frame members are mounted to the forward and rearward portions of the left and right lower main frame members, and are laterally aligned with the left and right upper main frame members in a top view of the frame structure.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a beam having an inboard panel and an outboard panel. The vehicle includes a first rib extending from the inboard panel to the outboard panel and including a first bend and a second bend. The vehicle includes a second rib extending transversely from the first rib at the first bend. The vehicle includes a third rib extending transversely from the first rib at the first bend and opposite the second rib.

Abstract: An exemplary brake booster device includes a brake booster mounted on a vehicle component, and an actuator lever that, in response to a force applied to the actuator by a gearbox housing, pivots to move the brake booster upward. An exemplary method includes pivoting an actuator lever about a pivot axis under a force effect in an X direction resulting from a gearbox housing, and, during the pivoting, using the actuator lever apply a force in a Z direction to a module mounted on a bulkhead to alter a position of the module mounted on the bulkhead.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a B-pillar central beam made of steel which comprises hard zones and soft zones. Such soft zones have less mechanical strength than the hard zones. The B-pillar central beam further comprises an upper region with a fastening portion for fastening to a roof member, and a lower region with a fastening portion for fastening to a sill member. The B-pillar central beam includes two soft zones. A lower soft zone is located between the lower fastening portion and 50% of the B-pillar central beam height, and an upper soft zone is located between the upper fastening portion and 50% of the B-pillar central beam height. The upper soft zone has higher mechanical strength than the lower soft zone. Methods for manufacturing such B-pillar central beam are also provided.

Abstract: [Object] To achieve a weight reduction of a car body structure while maintaining collision safety to impacts from the rear side of the vehicle. [Solution] Provided is a vehicle rear portion structure 1 including a pair of rear frames 4 provided in the vehicle length direction and a rear floor panel 2 joined to the pair of rear frames 4, in which the rear floor panel 2 has a concave section 3 provided from the rear side of the vehicle toward the front side of the vehicle of the rear floor panel 2, and the concave section 3 is formed of a metal sheet having a tensile strength more than or equal to the tensile strength of the pair of rear frames 4. By this configuration, when an impact load from the rear side of the vehicle acts on the concave section 3 of the rear floor panel 2, the rear floor panel 2 can absorb collision energy in a principal way.

Abstract: A vehicle and method of operating that includes a body structure having hood and front bumper, a grille, mounted between the hood and front bumper, including an opening, and a drawer mounted in the opening, slidable forward to an open position in front of the vehicle and rearward to a closed position within the vehicle. A controller may receive various inputs for controlling the operation of the drawer.

Abstract: A fender liner structure is disposed in a wheel house of a front wheel of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a sub radiator disposed on a vehicle front side of a fender liner. The fender liner structure includes a liner body portion curving in an arch shape to cover the front wheel from above and a lower wall portion extending to the front of the vehicle from a lower end of the liner body portion on the vehicle front side. The liner body portion includes a first vent hole penetrating a vehicle front side part of the liner body portion. The lower wall portion includes a second vent hole penetrating a vehicle rear side end portion of the lower wall portion in an upper-lower direction. The lower wall portion includes a negative pressure generation part configured to generate a negative pressure under the second vent hole.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure has: a dash cross member on a front wall section of a vehicle interior, and forming a closed cross section extending in a vehicle width direction; a floor tunnel on a vehicle-widthwise center section of the vehicle interior, formed in a groove shape opened to a lower side, and extending in a front-rear direction; a corner patch on a vehicle exterior side of the floor tunnel and extending along a ridge portion of the floor tunnel in the front-rear direction; and a first joint at which front end sides of the dash cross member and the corner patch are joined together. The dash cross member is provided on the vehicle interior side of the floor tunnel so as to range continuously from the floor tunnel to both vehicle-widthwise sides, and the floor tunnel includes a front extension portion extending frontward beyond the first joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an axle carrier 1 and to a method for the production of the axle carrier 1. The axle carrier 1 has an upper shell 2 from an aluminum die-casting and a lower shell 3 from a fiber composite material. On a ribbed structure of the lower shell 3, an upper end 14 of the reinforcing ribs 9 is preferably configured so as to be widened such that the bearing face between the reinforcing rib 9 and the upper shell 2 is enlarged and, on account thereof, the strength of the axle carrier 1 produced is increased.

Abstract: A vehicle underbody assembly including a pair of rockers, a pair of rear rails, a first cross member, and a second cross member is provided. Each of the pair or rear rails extends from one of the rockers and each includes a rear portion, a first mid-portion, a second mid-portion, and a forward portion. Each of the forward portions is secured to one of the rockers at one of a first joint and a second joint. The first cross member extends between the rear rails at a transition region between the second mid-portion and the forward portion. The second cross member extends between the rear rails at locations adjacent the first and second joints. Each of the rear rails is thermally treated so that the second mid-portions form a hard strength zone. The hard strength zone may further be defined as a zone having a fully martensitic microstructure.