A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The frame assembly extends generally along a longitudinal axis of the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle further includes a front seating section coupled to the frame. The front seating section is configured to support an operator and a first passenger. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes a rear seating section coupled to the frame. The rear seating section is configured to support a second passenger and a third passenger. The rear seating section has an angled panel configured as a dead pedal for the second and third passengers, and a portion of the rear seating section extends forwardly into the front seating section.

The inventive vehicle provides all the benefits discussed above with a frame defining an operator compartment, the operator compartment having a back section and having open sides and an open bottom. A first movable chair is attached to a motorized chair movement device which allows the chair to be moved vertically and horizontally on the back section of the operator compartment within the operator compartment. A pair of rear wheels is connected to the frame, each being driven by an electric motor. The frame has an upper section defining the top of the operator compartment and being constructed and arranged to support a solar panel. The solar panel is electrically connected to at least one battery which is connected to the frame and which provides power to the vehicle. A front caster wheel is rotatable connected to a caster wheel arm which is rotatably connected to the upper frame section. A control computer is connected to the rear wheel motors, motorized chair movement device, caster wheel arm and foot/leg rest. A plurality of operator controls are connected to the first movable chair and operably connected to the control computer for operating the vehicle.

The vehicle body structure includes a front floor panel, a rear floor panel positioned lower than the front floor panel, and a connection panel extending from a rear portion of the front floor panel to a front portion of the rear floor panel and inclined or curved so as to be positioned downward toward a rear side. At least the front portion of the connection panel is positioned at the front of the front portion of the front seat.

A vehicle body structure includes a front floor panel for placing a heel of a pedal operator, a rear floor panel attached to a rear seat, and a middle floor panel extending from the front floor panel to the rear floor panel. The front floor panel and the rear floor panel are positioned higher than the middle floor panel.

A footrest support structure includes a footrest main body 10 on which a foot of an occupant is placeable, a panel member 14 of a vehicle interior floor, and a shock absorbing member 15. The panel member 14 has an inclined portion 14b inclined forward and upward from the horizontal portion 14a. The shock absorbing member 15 is interposed between the panel member 14 and the footrest main body 10. The inclined portion 14b of the panel member 14 has a recessed portion 18 that is recessed downward. The shock absorbing member 15 has a thinned portion 21 in a portion facing the recessed portion 18, which is thinner than other portions. A deformation-allowing space 30 is formed between the recessed portion 18 and the shock absorbing member 15.

A footrest support structure includes a footrest main body 10 on which a foot of an occupant is placeable, a panel member 14 of a vehicle interior floor, and a shock absorbing member 15. The panel member 14 has an inclined portion 14b inclined forward and upward from the horizontal portion 14a. The shock absorbing member 15 is interposed between the panel member 14 and the footrest main body 10. The inclined portion 14b of the panel member 14 has a recessed portion 18 that is recessed downward. The shock absorbing member 15 has a thinned portion 21 in a portion facing the recessed portion 18, which is thinner than other portions. A deformation-allowing space 30 is formed between the recessed portion 18 and the shock absorbing member 15.

An autonomous driving control apparatus that achieves autonomous driving by controlling a driving operation of a subject vehicle, based on a situation around the subject vehicle is provided. The autonomous driving control apparatus includes: a driving operation determination part that determines a detail of the driving operation of the subject vehicle, based on the situation; a driving operation control part that controls the driving operation in accordance with the detail; and a driving information output part that shifts a footrest portion of a footrest at a seat on a driver seat side of the subject vehicle by driving a driving part provided on the footrest, to output the detail as driving information. The driving information output part varies a frontward inclination angle in accordance with a level of acceleration or deceleration of the subject vehicle, to output the driving information.

The present disclosure relates to a device in which a brake member and an accelerator member are arranged in an actuation unit for actuating the brake and accelerator in a vehicle. The actuation unit can be moved from an active driving position during autonomous driving into an at least approximately horizontal position to form a leg rest, the brake member and the accelerator member being deactivated.

A vehicle and passenger carrying apparatus usable with a vehicle, wherein the passenger carrying portion includes a seating surface and a moveable footrest below the seating surface. The footrest is moveable from an ingress/egress position to a transport position that is closer to the seating surface than the ingress/egress position. The passenger carrying portion further includes a footrest movement mechanism, wherein the footrest movement mechanism controls movement of the moveable footrest between the ingress/egress position the transport position.

A footrest assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. That footrest assembly includes a footrest, a wiring shield and a foam body sandwiched between the footrest and the wiring shield.