Abstract: A vehicle tailgate comprises an upper section (18) and a lower section (24) which are joined by hinges (26). The hinges (26) include securing parts which lock behind latch pins (58) on the vehicle body, but are released from them when the lower section (24) is raised to an open position. This enables the two sections (18, 24) to be raised together.

Abstract: A generally vertical tailgate assembly 16 is disclosed having a first upper tailgate portion 18 and a second lower tailgate portion 24. The first upper tailgate portion 18 is disposed for rotation about a generally horizontal axis extending along an upper edge thereof. The lower tailgate portion 24 is adapted to move from a first closed position in which an upper edge thereof is adjacent a lower edge of the upper tailgate portion 18 to a second open position in which the upper edge thereof is adjacent the upper edge of the upper tailgate portion. Both portions 18,24 of the tailgate assembly 16 may then be moved together about the upper edge of the upper tailgate portion. This construction has the advantage that opening of the tailgate assembly requires a reduced clearance behind the motor vehicle.