The invention concerns a bumper unit for a motor vehicle, with a bumper cross-member which is connected to a vehicle structure via a crumple element. To provide a bumper unit which has optimal crash behavior on frontal impacts both with small overlap and with larger overlap, according to the invention it is provided that a deformation element is arranged on the bumper cross-member outside of the crumple element with a deformation portion running obliquely relative to a vehicle longitudinal axis X, towards and spaced from the vehicle structure. It is proposed that the deformation element has a rearward running connecting portion which is connected to the bumper cross-member and a center portion running towards the outside from the connecting portion and adjoining the deformation portion.

A vehicle body may include a crossmember and a longitudinal member. The vehicle body helps ensure improved load absorption in collision events with small overlap between the crossmember and another vehicle or object. The deformation capabilities of the vehicle body in collision events involving a full surface area of the crossmember are not substantially impaired. Form-fitting members that comprise connection partners may be provided for the longitudinal member, wherein the form-fitting members ensure that a load path of collision energy is introduced into the longitudinal member selectively in the event of a collision with small overlap. A form-fitting member may form a form-fitting connection in a direction of the longitudinal member in the event of a collision.

A vehicle body may include a crossmember and a longitudinal member. The vehicle body helps ensure improved load absorption in collision events with small overlap between the crossmember and another vehicle or object. The deformation capabilities of the vehicle body in collision events involving a full surface area of the crossmember are not substantially impaired. Form-fitting members that comprise connection partners may be provided for the longitudinal member, wherein the form-fitting members ensure that a load path of collision energy is introduced into the longitudinal member selectively in the event of a collision with small overlap. A form-fitting member may form a form-fitting connection in a direction of the longitudinal member in the event of a collision.

The invention concerns a bumper unit for a motor vehicle, with a bumper cross-member which is connected to a vehicle structure via a crumple element. To provide a bumper unit which has optimal crash behavior on frontal impacts both with small overlap and with larger overlap, according to the invention it is provided that a deformation element is arranged on the bumper cross-member outside of the crumple element with a deformation portion running obliquely relative to a vehicle longitudinal axis X, towards and spaced from the vehicle structure. It is proposed that the deformation element has a rearward running connecting portion which is connected to the bumper cross-member and a center portion running towards the outside from the connecting portion and adjoining the deformation portion.

A protective panel for a vehicle substantially conforming to a portion of a vehicle. The protective panel having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface having a reduced surface area in order to limit force applied to the protective panel and the vehicle. The panel further having an edge portion disposed along a perimeter, between the upper and lower surface, for deflecting obstacles, and one or more mounting points for removably attaching the protection panel to a portion of the exterior of a vehicle.

A protective panel for a vehicle substantially conforming to a portion of a vehicle. The protective panel having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface having a reduced surface area in order to limit force applied to the protective panel and the vehicle. The panel further having an edge portion disposed along a perimeter, between the upper and lower surface, for deflecting obstacles, and one or more mounting points for removably attaching the protection panel to a portion of the exterior of a vehicle.

A front end structure for a vehicle comprising a bumper, a crush can attaching the bumper to a frame rail, a sub-frame supporting an engine, and an impact spreading rail attached to a front transverse rail of the sub-frame. The impact spreading rail extends perpendicularly outboard relative to the frame rail and upward to a location vertically aligned with the bumper. The impact spreading rail is impacted after the bumper in a collision to spread collision deformation outside the frame rail.

A protective panel for a vehicle substantially conforming to a portion of a vehicle. The protective panel having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface having a reduced surface area in order to limit force applied to the protective panel and the vehicle. The panel further having an edge portion disposed along a perimeter, between the upper and lower surface, for deflecting obstacles, and one or more mounting points for removably attaching the protection panel to a portion of the exterior of a vehicle.

A protective panel for a vehicle substantially conforming to a portion of a vehicle. The protective panel having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface having a reduced surface area in order to limit force applied to the protective panel and the vehicle. The panel further having an edge portion disposed along a perimeter, between the upper and lower surface, for deflecting obstacles, and one or more mounting points for removably attaching the protection panel to a portion of the exterior of a vehicle.

A deflector device for an off-road vehicle is provided, in particular, for off-road vehicles comprising a roll cage and a roof. The deflector device may comprise a deflector bar that angles upwards from the roll cage over a front edge of the roof such that any trees or branches that ride up the roll cage will be deflected away and prevented from embedding between the front edge and the roll cage. Related methods of preventing damage to off-road vehicles are also provided.