Rear support structure for a vehicle

A rear support structure for a vehicle, the rear support structure comprising:

• a parcel cross-member positioned between a cargo area and a passenger compartment, the parcel cross-member extends from a first side structure of the vehicle to a second side structure of the vehicle, the parcel cross-member comprising:
• a first vertical member positioned along the first side structure;
• a second vertical member positioned along the second side structure;
• and
• an upper horizontal member extending between an upper end of the first vertical member and an upper end of the second vertical member, wherein the first vertical member, the second vertical member, and the upper horizontal member at least partially define an opening between the cargo area and the passenger compartment;
• and
• a brace assembly comprising:
• a first brace that extends across the opening and includes a first end secured to the upper horizontal member adjacent a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and a second end secured to the first vertical member;
• and
• a second brace that extends across the opening and includes a first end secured to the upper horizontal member adjacent the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and a second end secured to the second vertical member.

A rear support structure for a vehicle, the rear support structure comprising:

• a parcel cross-member positioned between a cargo area and a passenger compartment that extends from a first side structure of the vehicle to a second side structure of the vehicle, the parcel cross-member comprising:
• a first vertical member positioned along the first side structure;
• a second vertical member positioned along the second side structure;
• and
• an upper horizontal member extending between an upper end of the first vertical member and an upper end of the second vertical member,
• wherein the first vertical member, the second vertical member, and the upper horizontal member at least partially define an opening between the cargo area and the passenger compartment;
• and
• a brace assembly comprising:
• a bracket secured to the upper horizontal member, the bracket includes a body extending into the opening between the cargo area and the passenger compartment;
• a first brace that extends across the opening and includes a first end secured to the body of the bracket and a second end secured to the parcel cross-member adjacent the first side structure;
• and
• a second brace that extends across the opening and includes a first end secured to the body of the bracket and a second end secured to the parcel cross-member adjacent the second side structure.