Patent attributes
A vehicle control apparatus includes a controller. When predetermined conditions are satisfied, the controller executes a neutral control that forcibly places an automatic transmission in a substantially neutral state, the predetermined conditions including the shift position of the automatic transmission being in the drive position. When it is determined that the amount of exhaust matter accumulated in a catalyst provided in an exhaust system of a vehicle has exceeded a first reference value, the controller executes a catalyst heating control that increases the temperature of the catalyst so as to remove the exhaust matter accumulated in the catalyst. When it is determined during the catalyst heating control that the amount of the exhaust matter accumulated in the catalyst has exceeded a second reference value that is larger than the first reference value, the controller prohibits the execution of the neutral control.
