Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Luis Becerril

Rebecca Scala

Santiago Muleiro

Victor Hugo Colin Colin

Francisco Javier Ferreira

Luis Flores Alonso

Itzel Garrido

A method and an apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a single bracket that has a first portion that attaches a rear fascia to a vehicle body-side sheet metal and a second portion that attaches the rear fascia to a rear panel sheet metal that extends underneath a tail lamp to support the tail lamp.

Rear fascia mounting bracket

A key fob includes selectors for performing conventional remote operations (e.g., locking/unlocking doors) as well as a 'pet mode' selector. When the pet mode selector is pressed by a user, a coded wireless signal is sent to a vehicle computer. The vehicle computer is operatively connected to multiple vehicle systems that each controls various features of the vehicle. Responsive to receipt of the coded wireless signal, the vehicle computer instructs a selected group of the systems to operate in a specified manner so as to create a comfortable environment for a pet within the vehicle. For example, in pet mode, the vehicle computer may cause one or more windows to lower, the sunroof to open the trunk lift gate to pivot open, and the seat backs of one or more rows of seats to tilt or fold down.

System and method for creating a pet-friendly automotive environment

Growing community of inventors

Tultitlan, Mexico

Luis Becerril