Stellantis Patent Turns A Sedan Or Hatch Into A Pickup With Foldable Tailgate

A newly filed patent from Stellantis describes a split, fold-down tailgate that could work for sedans and hatchbacks, significantly boosting cargo volumes. The patent, filed in France, depicts a split tailgate with a lower section that folds down flat and an upper section that opens up and can lay flat against the roof. This design would allow ordinary cars to haul long loads like pickup trucks. The upper section of the tailgate is secured in position against the roof with a bar and a loop, but this setup may impact aerodynamics, particularly in electric vehicles where aerodynamic efficiency is crucial. While it’s unclear if Stellantis will develop a split tailgate like this, the patent shows the company’s interest in making traditional hatchbacks and sedans more practical. The idea behind the patent is simple, but engineering and mass-producing it would be challenging. If developed, this feature could make sedans and hatchbacks more versatile, allowing them to carry long items like pieces of wood that wouldn’t normally fit. However, it’s also possible that this design will never make it beyond the patent stage.