Abstract: A pedestrian protection apparatus for a motor vehicle includes left and right A-pillar covers hingingly attached to respective A-pillars. The A-pillar covers have a retracted condition wherein they lie close to respective vehicle A-pillars, and are movable to a deployed condition wherein they are spaced forwardly from the respective A-pillars. In the deployed condition, the A-pillar covers are able to deform and/or move rearward when struck by a pedestrian so as to absorb impact energy and thereby lessen the likelihood and/or severity of injury, as compared with direct impact with a conventional, stationary A-pillar. An actuator system includes a contact or non-contact sensor for indicating an actual or imminent collision with a pedestrian, and pyrotechnic devices that urge the A-pillar covers to the deployed condition prior to a pedestrian impact with the A-pillar covers. The hood and/or windshield may also deploy to a pedestrian-friendly position in conjunction with deployment of the A-pillar covers.