Abstract: A vehicle body closure system for a service port or storage compartment formed in the body. The closure system includes a door coupled to the vehicle body for movement between open and closed positions. A seal between the body and door requires compression for closure. A powered closure device including a motor and rotary output is operable for electrical energization in a powered mode of the closure system to release the door from the closed position, and the powered closure device also provides a powered mode for closing the door. A backup release mechanism is operable in a manual mode of the closure system, without energizing the powered closure device, to release the door. The door is locked closed automatically by a drive connection through which the powered closure device moves the door. The drive connection is maintained and not interrupted when releasing the door via the backup release mechanism.

Abstract: A powered vehicle closure system includes a vehicle frame, a vehicle closure pivotally coupled to the vehicle frame, a torsion bar fixed to both the vehicle frame and the vehicle closure, and a torque device coupled to the torsion bar, wherein the torque device is configured to generate a non-linear torsion bar torque output as the vehicle closure pivots relative to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A powered step assembly includes a drive mechanism and a step coupled to the drive mechanism. The step includes a first end and a second, opposite end. When the drive mechanism is activated, the step is both lowered linearly along an axis extending through the first end, and is also rotated about the axis, such that the second end is a free end configured to rotate away from a motor vehicle.