Method and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle liftgate control for cargo management. An example vehicle includes a liftgate with a sensor on an inner surface and a processor. The liftgate provides access to a cargo area. The processor, when an object is in the cargo area, detect when the object is banked against the liftgate using measurements from the sensor, and when the object is banked and a command to open the liftgate is received, autonomously opens the liftgate to an intermediate position between fully open and fully closed.

A rod bearing is mounted to a roller sliding along a rail to drive a sliding door of a vehicle body. The rod bearing includes an outer side portion formed in a ring shape and made of the same metallic material as the rail and an inner side portion made of a plastic material. The rod bearing has a hybrid type composite structure in which a material of the outer side portion and a material of the inner side portion are different from each other.

A system for operating an automatically movable panel that forms a portion of an exterior of a vehicle, and provides access to an interior of the vehicle; a motivator connected to the panel and moving the panel through a range of motion; a proximity sensor; and a control module disposed within the motor vehicle, the control module having a processor configured to execute control logic, the motivator and the proximity sensor in electronic communication with the control module. The control logic including: determining a position of the panel; receiving a plurality of passive inputs; selectively utilizing the motivator to move the panel through the range of motion based on the passive inputs; utilizing the proximity sensor to selectively determine when to initiate movement of the movable panel through the range of motion with the motivator; and informing a motor vehicle occupant of movement of the panel via a human-machine interface.

A system for operating an automatically movable panel that forms a portion of an exterior of a vehicle, and provides access to an interior of the vehicle; a motivator connected to the panel and moving the panel through a range of motion; a proximity sensor; and a control module disposed within the motor vehicle, the control module having a processor configured to execute control logic, the motivator and the proximity sensor in electronic communication with the control module. The control logic including: determining a position of the panel; receiving a plurality of passive inputs; selectively utilizing the motivator to move the panel through the range of motion based on the passive inputs; utilizing the proximity sensor to selectively determine when to initiate movement of the movable panel through the range of motion with the motivator; and informing a motor vehicle occupant of movement of the panel via a human-machine interface.

Lock mechanism is provided between pawl lever and manual release mean. The present vehicle door latch apparatus includes ratchet member that engages latch and that can be released from latch by release component force F2, latch restraint that prevents ratchet member from being disengaged from latch and powered release means that moves ratchet restraint. Ratchet member includes base lever and pawl lever. When ratchet restraint is moved, base lever is moved to a non-regulated position, where pawl lever can be disengaged from latch by release component force F2. Manual release means is connected to pawl lever. Lock mechanism is provided between pawl lever and manual release means.

A vehicle door module includes a textile overmolded with a first thermoplastic composition to form a unitary frame, wherein the textile includes reinforcing fibers and a second thermoplastic composition.

A vehicle door module includes a textile overmolded with a first thermoplastic composition to form a unitary frame, wherein the textile includes reinforcing fibers and a second thermoplastic composition.

A composite liftgate including an inner panel construction having strengthening channel structure in combination with a ribbing. Structural steel reinforcements are bonded to the inner panel where additional strength is needed. Where the extra structure is needed, a minimum amount of steel is used and the structural reinforcement is bonded in place using adhesive. A plurality of access doors are provided that are removable for easier maintenance and repair.

A doghouse retainer includes a body having an end wall incorporating a clip receiver and a sidewall having an ultrasonic heating concentration feature. A door assembly is provided including a door inner and a door trim panel incorporating such a doghouse retainer. A method of adjusting a gap between two components is also provided.

A door assembly for a vehicle can include a front door assembly and a rear door assembly. A rear portion of the front door assembly can terminate at a rear edge. At least a portion of the rear edge can be spaced away from a side frame member in the longitudinal direction toward the first side frame member. A front portion of the rear door assembly can terminate at a front edge. The front edge can be adjacent to the rear edge of the front door. At least a portion of the front edge can be spaced away from the side frame member in the longitudinal direction toward the first side frame member such that at least a portion of the front edge of the rear door assembly is located between the rear edge of the front door assembly and the second side frame member.