An instrument panel assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided, which includes a soft instrument panel having an outer surface, an opening formed in the outer surface, and an abutment surface adjacent the opening and spaced apart from the outer surface. The instrument panel assembly also includes a panel having opposite outer and inner panel surfaces, and at least one rib extending from the inner surface for engaging the abutment surface during assembly of the panel and the instrument panel, thereby locating the panel in an insertion direction relative to the instrument panel, wherein the outer panel surface is maintained generally flush with the outer surface of the instrument panel.