An instrument panel assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a main panel having first and second openings formed therethrough. An air bag unit is mounted in the first, upper opening and a vehicle glove box is fitted in the second lower opening. A steering member is disposed behind the main panel and mounts the air bag unit. The first opening is closed by a lid which is retained by a lock associated with a bracket for guiding an inflation direction of an air bag. A vent duct is disposed in a space between the first and second openings proximate the steering member such that the steering member and the ductwork act so as to isolate the air bag unit, a vehicle air conditioning unit and the glove box from each other to assure reliable operation of all components with a simple low cost instrument panel assembly.