A door pinch detection system includes a pinch detector, a mount for the pinch detector, and an actuator for the mount. The pinch detector is configured to detect contact with objects adjacent the pinch detector. The mount is mountable to a vehicle door including a peripheral flange, and the actuator is mountable to the vehicle door and connectable between the vehicle door and the mount. The mount is configured to support the pinch detector for movement between an inboard position and an outboard position, in which the pinch detector is respectively located along the inside and the outside of the peripheral flange and configured to detect contact between the inside and the outside of the peripheral flange and objects. The actuator is operable to activate the mount to move the pinch detector between the inboard position and the outboard position.

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Methods and systems are described for a folding tailgate. The system includes a first panel and a second panel forming a tailgate of the vehicle. The vehicle has a first vehicle sidewall and a second vehicle sidewall. The system may include a first hinge coupled between the first panel and the second panel. The first hinge is configured to rotate the second panel toward the first panel, moving the second panel towards the first vehicle sidewall for opening the tailgate sideways.

A tailgate system for a vehicle comprises a tailgate pivotally mounted to a vehicle body for movement about a generally horizontal pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The tailgate has an access opening configured to provide access to a vehicle bed area when the tailgate is in the closed position. The tailgate also has a movable tailgate portion movably connected to the tailgate. The movable tailgate portion is configured to cover the access opening in the tailgate when in a closed position of the movable tailgate portion. The tailgate also has a pocket opening for receiving the movable tailgate portion therein. The movable tailgate portion is slideably mounted to the tailgate for movement to an open position in which the movable tailgate portion is received in the pocket opening in the tailgate to uncover the access opening in the tailgate.

A cargo box (10) reinforcement system (20) includes an upper front panel reinforcement (22) securable to a cargo box front panel (18) and side wall panels (14, 16). The system (20) including a pair of side reinforcements (24, 26). Each side reinforcement (24, 26) is securable to one side of the pair of side panels (14, 16) of the cargo box (10). Each side reinforcement (24, 26) is secured with an end (40) of the upper front panel reinforcement (22). Also, the system (20) includes a pair of gussets (28, 30). Each gusset (28, 30) is coupled with the upper front panel reinforcement (22) and one of the pair of side reinforcements (24, 26).

Actuator apparatus and related methods for use with vehicle locks are disclosed. A disclosed locking system for a vehicle includes a movable component of the vehicle and a lock operatively coupled to the movable component. The locking system also includes an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a housing coupled to a vehicle body, an actuator supported by the housing, and a linkage mechanism connecting the actuator to the lock. The locking system also includes an input device supported by the housing. Activation of the input device causes the actuator to change a state of the lock.

Actuator apparatus and related methods for use with vehicle locks are disclosed. A disclosed locking system for a vehicle includes a movable component of the vehicle and a lock operatively coupled to the movable component. The locking system also includes an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a housing coupled to a vehicle body, an actuator supported by the housing, and a linkage mechanism connecting the actuator to the lock. The locking system also includes an input device supported by the housing. Activation of the input device causes the actuator to change a state of the lock.

A spindle drive assembly for opening and/or closing a vehicle flap including a spindle drive assembly housing extending along a spindle drive axis and, between its axial ends, a stop section acting axially on both sides. A motor gear unit is arranged on a first side of the stop section and a spindle unit is arranged on a second side of the stop section. Furthermore, a vehicle flap with such a spindle drive assembly. In addition, a method of assembling a spindle drive assembly.

A spindle drive assembly for opening and/or closing a vehicle flap including a spindle drive assembly housing extending along a spindle drive axis and, between its axial ends, a stop section acting axially on both sides. A motor gear unit is arranged on a first side of the stop section and a spindle unit is arranged on a second side of the stop section. Furthermore, a vehicle flap with such a spindle drive assembly. In addition, a method of assembling a spindle drive assembly.

Embodiments of the invention related generally to ladders and ramps and, more particularly, to collapsible ladders and ramps for a vehicle tailgate and related systems. In one embodiment, the invention provides a system comprising: a tailgate member for a vehicle, the tailgate member having: an interior wall; an exterior wall; and a cavity between the interior and exterior walls; at least one collapsible ladder device comprising: a pair of substantially parallel elongate members; a plurality of cross members, each of the plurality extending between and lying substantially perpendicular to the pair of substantially elongate members; and an attachment device for non-fixedly securing the at least one collapsible ladder device within the cavity of the tailgate member.