A new patent filed by the Stellantis group with the French patent office, INPI, outlines a mechanism to transform a standard liftback, hatchback, or sedan into a temporary pick-up truck for hauling bulky items. According to reporting by CarBuzz and Marek Bednář on Auto.cz, the design divides the rear tailgate into two independent sections, allowing drivers to transport oversized cargo without purchasing a station wagon or trailer.
How the Stellantis Tailgate Patent Works
According to the INPI filing detailed by CarBuzz, the system splits the vehicle’s rear gate into an upper and lower portion. The lower section folds downward like a traditional truck bed drop-gate, operating independently from the top half. Meanwhile, the upper section swings upward and all the way forward until it nearly rests flat against the vehicle’s roof. A specialized motorized mechanism anchors this top panel into the roof’s attachment points—similar to how crossbars mount onto a car without side rails—securing the door in place during transit.
Did you know?
While split tailgates have appeared on vehicles like the fifth-generation Honda Civic and the modern Volvo XC90, the Stellantis patent uniquely focuses on pivoting the upper glass and frame entirely over the car’s roof to mimic open-bed utility.
Practical Limitations and Daily Use
Auto.cz notes that this configuration is not intended for everyday driving or long-distance road trips across the country. Because the cabin remains open during use, drivers must securely tie down any cargo, much like motorists currently do when driving short distances with standard liftgate doors propped ajar. Additionally, the upper gate section functions as a notable aerodynamic brake at speed. Consequently, the design serves primarily for low-speed utility runs, such as hauling a new refrigerator or large furniture items a short distance home from a retail store.
Why Drivers Usually Choose Station Wagons Instead
Czech motorists frequently purchase station wagons to handle exceptional transport situations, such as moving large appliances, even though the daily utility of that extra space is often debatable. While traditional pick-up trucks offer dedicated hauling beds, extending those beds usually requires folding down cabin walls or attaching cumbersome cargo cages, adding unnecessary weight and making parking difficult in tight urban spaces. The Stellantis solution attempts to bypass these drawbacks by keeping the vehicle compact for routine commutes while offering temporary, convertible cargo capacity on demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this system be installed on any vehicle?
According to the INPI patent documentation, the design uses a liftback as its baseline, though the mechanism can be adapted for use on hatchbacks and sedans with specific structural modifications.
Is manual lifting required to position the upper tailgate?
No. CarBuzz reports that the upper section utilizes an electric operating mechanism to assist users in lifting and securing the heavy components safely without physical strain or risk of damage.
Is it safe to drive long distances with the tailgate open like this?
Auto.cz points out that the setup is designed strictly for low-speed trips over short distances, such as returning home from an electronics or furniture store, because the open cabin and flat-lying upper gate create severe aerodynamic drag.
What are your thoughts on this modular approach to vehicle cargo space? Would you use a convertible liftback, or do you prefer sticking to a traditional estate car or utility trailer? Share your perspective in the comments below.
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