SUVs and crossovers are so popular these days largely because they are more practical than cars with conventional trunks. Their tailgate discovers a larger opening and makes loading much easier.
To make things even simpler, automakers are offering hands-free tailgates that lift automatically with the press of a button or even a sweeping foot under the rear bumper. However, in some cases, the operation is desperately slow.
Mazda came up with a solution: a two-speed tailgate. A patent application, identified by the site CarBuzzwas filed in the United States recently.
Photo: Mazda
From what we understand, the system would detect the proximity of the key that we keep on our person and would adjust the opening or closing speed of the tailgate accordingly.
Thus, being at a short distance from the tailgate, it would operate at a speed of 30-40 cm per second. On the other hand, if one stands more apart, it would increase to 45-55 cm per second, which would be up to 50% faster.
But what would happen if another person who did not have the vehicle key in their possession approached the tailgate? Mazda has planned the coup and talks about a presence sensor (possibly a camera) that would be integrated into the tailgate precisely for this kind of situation. It is even allowed to envisage that the tailgate stops automatically when it detects an obstacle in height, as in a garage or an underground parking lot.
Photo: Mazda
As far as we’re concerned, it’s a good idea, along with the sliding tailgate system dreamed up by Hyundai and Kia earlier this year. Taking their cue from vans that free up space with their sliding side doors, the two Korean companies filed a patent application for a tailgate that would be attached to runners and would open towards the roof instead of hinged towards the top using hinges.
When will we see either of these devices on production vehicles? Don’t hold your breath, but it could be coming in the medium term.