An active outside rear view system for a vehicle includes a support structure mounted to an exterior surface of the vehicle. A rear view device is movably affixed to the support structure. A linkage extends from a first end to a second end, where the first end of the linkage is movably affixed to an aerodynamic enclosure and the second end of the linkage is movably affixed to the support structure. An actuator is engaged with the linkage and moves the aerodynamic enclosure between at least a first position and a second position different from the first position. The aerodynamic enclosure is independently movable relative to the rear view device and the support structure. The aerodynamic first position and the second position provide differing aerodynamic characteristics to the active outside rear view system.

A variety of techniques are disclosed for customizing a digital model of an aesthetic housing to receive a functional component and an interface component for the functional component.

A spoiler mechanism (13) for a vehicle (10) includes a spoiler (16) that has a stowed position and first and second deployed positions. An actuator (22) is configured to move the spoiler (16) though the stowed and first and second deployed positions in response to a command. A multi-link assembly (20) is interconnected by pivot points. The multi-link assembly (20) is operatively connected to the spoiler (16). In the first deployed position at least three pivot points are aligned with one another in a plane and provide a first geometrically locked position. In the second deployed position a second geometrically locked position is provided in which a link of the multi-link assembly (20) abuts another structure.

An air fairing device is connected below the bottom a frameless trailer to improve aerodynamic efficiency and improve fuel economy. One embodiment of the air fairing device provides an air deflector positioned forward of a trolley which supports the frameless trailer at a rear end. A second embodiment of the air fairing device provides two deflectors mounted below the frameless trailer. The first deflector is attached and extends downward from an articulating arm, said arm connecting the trailer to a semi-tractor or truck. The second deflector connected to below the bottom of the frameless trailer and positioned rear of the first deflector and forward of the trolley. A third embodiment is similar to the second but further includes a third deflector positioned between two axles of the trolley.

An adjustable rear bumper spoiler system for a vehicle controls air turbulence by driving the air spoiler device so that the vehicle can be pressed downwards during high-speed driving. The adjustable rear bumper spoiler system also controls air turbulence by driving flap devices so that the vehicle body is pressed downwards with respect to the turning direction during turning. This consequently improves the driving performance and driving reliability of the vehicle.

An adapter panel for establishing a horizontal return and optional mount for accessories to a vehicle without a horizontal return. The adapter panel substantially conforming to a portion of a vehicle. The adapter panel solidly mounted to the underside of a vehicle, forming a surface upon which accessories can be mounted, or, alternatively having a lower surface having a reduced surface area in order to limit force applied to the panel and the vehicle. The panel further having an edge portion disposed along a perimeter, between the upper and lower surface, optionally securing the panel to the vehicle and deflecting obstacles, and one or more mounting points for removably attaching the protection panel to a portion of the exterior of a vehicle.

A composite liftgate system with an inner panel construction having a strengthening channel structure. Structural composite reinforcements are bonded to the inner panel where additional strength is needed to meet predetermined performance requirements. Where the extra structure is needed, no steel or a minimum amounts of steel is used and the structural reinforcements are bonded in place using adhesive prior to application of additional fasteners.

A motor vehicle includes a frame with a first and a second opening, which are oriented transversely to the forward moving direction; a first rear window, which is coupled to the frame in a movable manner between a first position, in which it closes the first opening, and a second position, in which it at least partially frees the first opening; a second rear window, which is coupled to the frame in a movable manner between a third position, in which it closes the second opening, and a fourth position, in which it partially frees the second opening; a roof, which is coupled to the frame in a movable manner between a closed and an open configuration; first driving means, which are configured to automatically place the first and the second rear window in the first and in the second position, respectively, when the roof is in the closed configuration and/or to place the first and the second rear window in the third and in the fourth position, respectively, when the roof is in the open configuration.

A system and method for controlling deployment of a vehicle air dam that include receiving vehicle data associated with a vehicle operating condition. The system and method also include analyzing the vehicle data to determine if an elevated engine load condition is present to implement a normal air dam deployment mode or a prohibitive air dam deployment mode. The system and method further include controlling an actuator associated with the vehicle air dam to deploy or retract the vehicle air dam based on the implementation of the normal air dam deployment mode or the prohibitive air dam deployment mode.

An adjustment device for controlling the aerodynamic load acting on a motorcar, includes an underbody diffuser.