Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed that includes: a grille supporting a functional accessory; a bumper beam that is located (positioned) axially inward of the grille; and a first energy absorber that is connected to the bumper beam. The first energy absorber defines a cavity that is configured to accommodate inward axial displacement of the grille resulting from a low-force impact between the vehicle and an external object to thereby inhibit damage to the functional accessory.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a quick release grill guard further comprising at least one latching system configured for the quick release and pivot of the grill guard away from the vehicle grill face. In certain embodiments, the quick release grill guard further comprises a grill guard coupling portion, a vehicle coupling portion, a latching portion a hinge, a quick release bar; and a clasping member. In certain embodiments, the grill guard coupling portion is capable of being freely pivoted relative to the hinge by actuation of the clasping member by way of the quick release bar. In exemplary embodiments, the quick release bar is in operable communication with multiple latching systems so as to release the grill guard in a plurality of locations simultaneously.

Abstract: A vehicle front structure that absorbs a shock load applied to immediately under a front grille by using a structure at a position higher than a bumper beam as a support. The vehicle front structure includes a shock absorbing member at an interior of a bumper face below a front grille. The shock absorbing member includes a load receiving portion that receives a load, an abutting portion abutting against a structure above a bumper beam during receding of the shock absorbing member, an upper-side connecting portion connecting the load receiving portion and the abutting portion, a locking portion deformed while being locked to the bumper beam during receding of the shock absorbing member, and a lower-side connecting portion connecting the load receiving and locking portions. A bending facilitating portion extending in the vehicle width direction is formed on the side of a rear portion of the upper-side connecting portion.

Abstract: A vehicle front structure that reduces a shock load applied to immediately under a front grille by using a bumper beam as a support. A vehicle front structure includes a shock absorbing member at an interior of a bumper face on the side near an upper portion thereof which absorbs a load from the diagonally upper front side. The shock absorbing member is at the interior of the bumper face below a front grille, and includes a load receiving portion that receives a load, a locking portion locked to an upper end edge of a bumper beam located behind and below the load receiving portion, at the time of receding of the shock absorbing member, and a connecting portion connecting the load receiving portion and the locking portion. A deformation facilitating portion with respect to a load from the upper front side is thus configured at the connecting portion.

Abstract: A tolerance compensation system for setting a joint pattern between two outer trim elements to be mounted on respective door frames in the region of a vehicle pillar of a motor vehicle. The tolerance compensation system includes a set of tolerance compensation elements which are insertable into respective cutouts in the door frame and which each have a receiving region for receiving the outer trim elements. The set has at least two different variants of the tolerance compensation elements which differ in terms of the positioning of their respective receiving regions in order to set the joint pattern or the set has only one variant of the tolerance compensation elements in which the receiving region is arranged eccentrically and the tolerance compensation elements are insertable into the cutouts in the door frames in two positions rotated through 180° with respect to one another in order to set the joint pattern.

Abstract: Radar transparent decorative plate for the front grille of a motor vehicle, of the monobloc type with a first layer of PMMA transparent to light, like a smooth lens with decorative elements in relief on the back, and an overmoulded second layer of opaque ABS-PC or opaque ABS that compensates for the height thereof simultaneously realizing a support with integrated fastening elements and a masking background. On the back is a particular decorative treatment having an ultra-thin metallization layer with a thickness of less than 0.05 micrometres, on which a shadowing layer with an anti-transparency effect is superimposed. Embodiment variants are provided in which the decorative elements have a three-dimensional appearance obtained from a mould by means of cavities in the head or with a shading optical effect.

Abstract: A system includes a vehicle body which further includes a front beam. The system also includes an energy absorber that may be coupled to the front-end beam of the vehicle body. In an example, the energy absorber includes a first edge and a second edge that may be opposite to the first edge along a first direction. The energy absorber also includes a first exterior surface that extends between the first edge and the second edges of the energy absorber. Further, the first exterior surface includes a plurality of openings therein. The system also includes a grille having a first edge and a second edge which may be opposite to the first edge of the grille. In one example, the second edge of the grille may be coupled to the first edge of the energy absorber. The grille includes a plurality of extensions that may extend from the second edge in such a way that the plurality of extensions are positioned in the plurality of openings in the energy absorber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a removable grill cover and attachment clip. Advantageously, the grill cover to be removably attached to a grill of a vehicle without the need to drill or otherwise damage the grill. The grill cover can prevent ice formation on the vehicle in the winter time, and can act as a bug shield/bug screen in the summer months.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a quick release grill guard further comprising at least one latching system configured for the quick release and pivot of the grill guard away from the vehicle grill face. The quick release grill guard may comprises a vehicle coupling portion, a clasped member an elongate bar and a clasping member. The clasping member may be constructed and arranged to be releasably engaged with the clasped member. Further, actuation of the elongate bar may cause the clasping member and clasped member to disengage.

Abstract: This injection molded article has a body part and a movable part. The body part has a first stopper part and a second stopper part, while the movable part has a movable body and a first rib and a second rib that are formed to protrude at both widthwise end parts of the movable body. A first groove and a second groove that extend in the depth direction perpendicular to the axial direction of a hinge part, are respectively formed between the movable body and the first rib and between the movable body and the second rib.

Abstract: An ultralight front end module with lower memberless may include a carrier, a crash box inserted into a lateral direction on one side surface of the carrier, a mounting portion fixedly fastened to the crash box and fixedly mounted on the one side surface of the carrier, and a front back beam fixedly coupled to an end portion of the crash box.

Abstract: The speed of a motor vehicle causes the production of an air flow which can produce disturbing noises at edges of motor vehicle components. To provide a motor vehicle in which disturbing noises due to the air flow when travelling are avoided, at least one spoiler element is provided, or in that a plurality of spoiler elements are provided. The respectively present number of spoiler elements is formed upstream and/or downstream of at least one existing edge of the particular component acted upon by the air flow. The number of spoiler elements is arranged and/or shaped in such a manner that the air flow striking against the respective spoiler elements is dispersed non-uniformly.

Abstract: A modular system is provided for a multi-purpose accessory configured to selectively operate as a brush guard, a cabin protector, and a tailgate extender for a vehicle. The system includes a first mounting structure connected to a front frame of the vehicle. A second mounting structure is connected to a cabin portion of the vehicle, and a third mounting structure is connected to a tailgate of the vehicle. A multi-purpose accessory is provided including a main body portion and at least one attachment member extending from the main body portion. The attachment member is configured to alternately be received by the first mounting structure, wherein the multi-purpose accessory serves as a brush guard; the second mounting structure, wherein the multi-purpose accessory serves as a cabin protector; and the third mounting structure, wherein the multi-purpose accessory serves as a tailgate extender.

Abstract: A grill bracket, a rear end portion of which is fixed to a shroud, is provided below a fascia upper member which is provided in front of a bonnet (engine hood). A front-side portion of the grill bracket is configured as an impact absorbing structure (a rib structure with ribs, for example) which extends forward along a back face of the fascia upper member. A front end portion of the impact absorbing structure is configured to be bent downward. Impact absorption for a relatively-small load which is applied from an upward side is attained by downward-bending deformation of the grill bracket (the front-side portion). Impact absorption for a relatively-large load which is applied from a forward side is attained by a bracing operation as well as downward-bending deformation of the front-side portion.

Abstract: A self-centering grille assembly includes a grille having a first chamfer and a second chamfer, a first outboard component including a third chamfer and a second outboard component including a fourth chamfer. An additional alternative embodiment of self-centering grille assembly including a centering bar is also disclosed as are related methods of centering a grille between a first outboard component and a second outboard component on a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle radiator grill that is manufactured by integrally combining plastic resins of different colors by using double injection and thus has two different colors is provided. The vehicle radiator grill includes a base component that has a first color and forms an exterior of a radiator grill while providing a vent component which has a plurality of air passages formed therethrough and blocked parts are disposed at both sides of the vent component. Additionally, an image component which has a second color different from the color of the base component is integrally formed with the base component by using double injection and exposes the second color toward the front of the radiator grill through the air passage to form an image of two different colors.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an air intake grille assembly of a vehicle operable in forward and backward directions of travel across a surface. The air intake grille assembly can include a frame defining an opening. The air intake assembly can also include a plurality of louvers extending laterally across the opening, at least one of the plurality of louvers having a double curve shape defining first and second curve portions, wherein the first and second curve portions each have a different radius of curvature.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a quick release grill guard further comprising at least one latching system configured for the quick release and pivot of the grill guard away from the vehicle grill face. In certain embodiments, the quick release grill guard further comprises a grill guard coupling portion, a vehicle coupling portion, a latching portion a hinge, a quick release bar; and a clasping member. In certain embodiments, the grill guard coupling portion is capable of being freely pivoted relative to the hinge by actuation of the clasping member by way of the quick release bar. In exemplary embodiments, the quick release bar is in operable communication with multiple latching systems so as to release the grill guard in a plurality of locations simultaneously.

Abstract: A protection assembly for a front end module of a motor vehicle includes a bumper beam, a subframe and a protection device bridging between the bumper beam and the subframe. A method of protecting a front end module of a motor vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: An assembly include a door trim panel including an interior surface and a tower projecting from the interior surface. The tower includes an opening accessible by a slot, an attachment feature including a flexible arm, and a rib. The rib is integrally molded to a surface of the flexible arm to define a single unitary component. A fastener has a first base, a second base, a stem located between the first base and the second base, and a head. The stem of the fastener is located in the opening, the second base is retained by the attachment feature, and the first base and the head of the fastener are located outside the tower.

Abstract: A front grille assembly for a vehicle includes a grille deflector that allows air to flow therethrough into an engine compartment of the vehicle. A grille frame supports the grille deflector at a front of the vehicle. An air flow director fin is located on the grille frame and rearward of the grille deflector. The air flow director fin modifies a flow direction of air entering the engine compartment from an unmodified flow direction without the air flow director fin to a modified flow direction toward a region of a transmission cooler of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system of bumper spacers that provide for relocation of a vehicle's bumper forward of the body. Single and multiple points of attachment define spacers are provided with varying dimensional aspects to accommodate different vehicle applications. Stabilization and positioning installation engagement tab extensions extend from the respective spacers in both the axial and trans-axial opening alignment extending at right angles from the spacer's body member exterior surface.

Abstract: Presented herein are bull bar mounting assemblies, methods for making and methods for using such mounting assemblies, and vehicles with mounting assemblies affixing bull bars to the vehicle chassis. A bull bar mounting assembly includes an elongated chassis rail with a first longitudinal end attached to the vehicle chassis, and a second longitudinal end with a mounting plate for attaching to the bull bar device. An L-shaped flexible mounting bracket has a coupling base attached to the chassis rail adjacent to and spaced from the mounting plate, and a coupling flange projecting from the coupling base for attaching to the bull bar device and mounting plate. The flexible mounting bracket may expand from an undeformed state, where at the coupling flange is spaced from and unattached to the mounting plate, to a deformed state, whereat the coupling flange abuts and attaches to the mounting plate and bull bar device.

Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure includes a front side member, a bumper portion, a bumper guard and an up-and-down extension portion. The front side member extends in a vehicle front-and-rear direction. The bumper portion is provided at the vehicle front side of the front side member and extends in the vehicle width direction. The bumper guard is formed in a pipe shape, and is provided at the vehicle upper side of the bumper portion. The up-and-down extension portion extends in a vehicle up-and-down direction. A lower portion of the up-and-down extension portion is joined to the bumper portion and is attached to the front side member via a crush box. An upper portion of the up-and-down extension portion protrudes upward of the bumper portion and is connected to the bumper guard.

Abstract: A winch bracket assembly and method of mounting same on an associated vehicle includes a winch bracket extending from an end of a frame of the vehicle. A mounting arrangement secures the winch bracket to the frame of the associated vehicle and allows the winch bracket to have high rigidity relative to the frame in a first direction and a different, low rigidity relative to the frame in a second direction.

Abstract: The vehicle attachable carrier device includes a mounting bracket assembly for movably mounting a guard frame to a vehicle that includes a bracket coupled to the vehicle. A frame is movably coupled to the bracket. The frame may guard the vehicle. The frame is positionable between a stored position and an extended position.

Abstract: A front bumper assembly including a bumper beam and two deflectors are provided on right and left sides of the front bumper assembly. The deflectors include hook-shaped portions and telescopic portions. The telescopic portions are received within the front bumper assembly. The hook-shaped portion of the deflector may be engaged by a rigid barrier aligned with the deflectors. In the event of a collision, the rigid barrier engages one of the hook-shaped portions and withdraws the telescopic portion from the front bumper assembly. The deflector is pulsed outwardly to move the front wheel and tire assembly to a tow-in orientation.

Abstract: A fascia support structure and aerodynamic shutter assembly for a vehicle includes a fascia support structure, comprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first side fascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the first side fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a second side baffle; and a bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion attached to the first and second side fascia support members, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising a fascia support structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle, second side baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on a leading edge. The assembly also includes an aerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutter frame opening and a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein.

Abstract: The assembly is for mounting to a motor vehicle having a bumper skin and it comprises a body part forming at least a portion of a bumper skin. The body part is defined by bottom and top edges. The top edge includes a first portion to be masked by a member of the vehicle that is to be fitted to the body part. The assembly includes at least a first masking element masking at least one portion of the bottom edge and at least a second masking element masking at least one second portion of the top edge of the body part, complementary to the at least one first portion of the top edge of the body part. The first and second masking elements are fixed relative to the body part once the assembly is mounted to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An ornamental grille arranged for attachment to a peripheral frame of a motor vehicle radiator grille includes a grille structure having respective grille elements. Domes are formed on points of intersection of the grille elements of the grille structure.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper for use with police and other emergency vehicles for pushing another vehicle which is fabricated of a tubular loop defining a generally oval cross-section. The oval cross-section tubular loop is oriented such that the major axis of the oval cross-section extends front to back with respect to the host vehicle while the minor axis extends up and down. The vehicle bumper further supports a plurality of resilient pads to aid in controlling the pushed vehicle and to cushion impact transfer between the bumper and the pushed vehicle. The inventive vehicle bumper is substantially stronger and substantially lighter in weight while simultaneously providing a more attractive front view cross-section when mounted on a host vehicle. A plurality of attachments are secured to the tubular loop and are used in securing the vehicle bumper to a suitable portion of a host vehicle.

Abstract: A grill guard has an LED light bar positioned at a central location within the grill guard. The grill guard includes two vertically extending members and two horizontal members. The LED light bar is mounted within a casing which is integrated into the grill guard, with the LED light bar protected both by the grill guard and by the casing. The preferred mounting arrangement allows both pivoting and fore and aft movement of the LED light bar within the casing.

Abstract: A grill opening reinforcement (GOR) assembly of a vehicle is provided. The GOR assembly includes a shutter body formed to define a first opening, a front fascia and a seal. The shutter body includes a top portion, first and second side support members and a bottom portion. The front fascia is formed to define a second opening and is supportively attachable to the shutter body. The seal is disposable on a leading edge of at least one of the first and second side support members and the bottom portion and is configured to define an airflow path from the second opening to the first opening.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle front structure including a front bumper and a lower grille. The front bumper includes a front-bumper lower surface extending in a vehicle rear direction, the front-bumper lower surface having a pair of bottom surface portions at respective side portions and a recessed surface at a center portion, the recessed surface extending from the pair of bottom surface portions and being recessed in an upper direction. The lower grille includes an annular portion arranged at the lower side of a rear end of the recessed surface and forming an opening, a protruding portion protruding from a lower portion of the annular portion so as to protrude in a front direction and oppose to the recessed surface, and a reinforcing portion extending from an upper portion of the annular portion to a back surface of the recessed surface and reinforcing the front-bumper lower surface.

Abstract: A device for adjustably and removably mounting accessory equipment to tow hooks of a vehicle without alteration to the bumper or surrounding fascia components. The device includes two angle brackets a mounting flange and a clamping plate. Each bracket has holes that align with the other bracket and with the mounting flange which attaches to accessory equipment. The assembly of the brackets and clamping plate surround the tow hook, which the mounting flange attaches to the accessory equipment. One possible piece of accessory equipment is a bumper guard, which can provide protection from debris damaging the vehicle oil cooler. Detachable brush bars provide further protection from brush harming the sides of the moving vehicle.

Abstract: A modular front end system includes a main bumper structure, outer bumper structures disposed on either end of the main bumper structure, and tension plates disposed at junctions between the main bumper structure and each of the outer bumper structures and supportably coupling each outer bumper structure to the main bumper structure, wherein each tension plate is configured to fail before the main bumper structure and the outer bumper structures in the event of a collision.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a quick release grill guard further comprising at least one latching system configured for the quick release and pivot of the grill guard away from the vehicle grill face. In certain embodiments, the quick release grill guard further comprises a grill guard coupling portion, a vehicle coupling portion, a latching portion a hinge, a quick release bar; and a clasping member. In certain embodiments, the grill guard coupling portion is capable of being freely pivoted relative to the hinge by actuation of the clasping member by way of the quick release bar. In exemplary embodiments, the quick release bar is in operable communication with multiple latching systems so as to release the grill guard in a plurality of locations simultaneously.

Abstract: An adjustable, modular grille guard assembly addresses deficiencies of both single-unit grille guard assemblies and conventional modular grille guard assemblies. The adjustable, modular grille guard assembly is stronger and more durable than both conventional modular grille guard assemblies and single-unit grille guard assemblies. Additionally, the adjustable, modular design allows the assembly to fit various vehicles, is conducive to aftermarket exterior modifications, is cost efficient for manufacturers and suppliers, does not require complete removal when work is performed on the front of the vehicle, and allows quick and easy removal/replacement of specific members. Additionally, due to its modular design, the grille guard assembly is cheaper and easier to ship than single-unit assemblies since it may be broken down to fit into smaller containers.

Abstract: A pedestrian protective radiator grill includes a radiator grill, an operation unit, and a guide unit. The radiator grill is provided at a front end portion of a vehicle and has an upper end portion that moves forward away from a vehicle body so that the radiator grill becomes perpendicular to the ground. The operation unit is connected to the radiator grill and pushes the radiator grill in a forward direction of the vehicle when an impact signal is input. The guide unit provided under the radiator grill guides forward linear movement of the radiator grill when the radiator grill is pushed forward by the operation unit, and guides rotational movement of the upper end portion of the radiator grill after the radiator grill reaches an end of its movable range.

Abstract: A pedestrian protective radiator pill includes a radiator pill, an operation unit, and a guide unit. The radiator pill is provided at a front end portion of a vehicle and has an upper end portion that moves forward away from a vehicle body so that the radiator pill becomes perpendicular to the ground. The operation unit is connected to the radiator pill and pushes the radiator grill in a forward direction of the vehicle when an impact signal is input. The guide unit provided under the radiator grill guides forward linear movement of the radiator grill when the radiator pill is pushed forward by the operation unit, and guides rotational movement of the upper end portion of the radiator pill after the radiator grill reaches an end of its movable range.

Abstract: A bumper assembly is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The bumper assembly may have a heat exchanger, and a bumper configured to support the heat exchanger. The bumper may have a recess formed in an upper surface and located to provide a clearance space around a lower portion of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A front vehicle body structure includes a bumper face that extends in a vehicle width direction and a license base that is formed separately from the bumper face and fixed to the bumper face. The license base includes a main body which allows a license plate to be attached to a front surface thereof, a leg portion that extends rearward from a rear surface of the main body, and a hinge portion that extends downward from a rear end of the leg portion and is capable of being bent upward. The license base is fixed to the bumper face by engaging the hinge portion that has been bent upward with the bumper face.

Abstract: A radiator grille for a motor vehicle includes a basic support with a region for a marquee badge having an external contour that is, at least in regions, curved or oblique. A number of fins are held on the basic support, the number of fins are movable out of a closed position closing respective passage openings in the radiator grille into an open position uncovering the passage openings. In this case, at least one of the fins is displaceable in the direction of its longitudinal extent by bringing it from the closed position into the open position.

Abstract: Provided is a push bumper and mounting system for mounting a push bumper to the bumper of a vehicle. The push bumper and mounting system includes a mounting bracket that is configured to quickly and easily attach to the bumper of the vehicle. The mounting bracket is designed to connect to the front portion of the bumper, without requiring a connection adjacent the rear portion of the bumper. The mounting bracket may only partially circumscribe the bumper, which may facilitate mounting of the bracket onto the bumper because the space between the bumper and the vehicle may be very small.

Abstract: An adjustable, modular grille guard assembly addresses deficiencies of both single-unit grille guard assemblies and conventional modular grille guard assemblies. The adjustable, modular grille guard assembly is stronger and more durable than both conventional modular grille guard assemblies and single-unit grille guard assemblies. Additionally, the adjustable, modular design allows the assembly to fit various vehicles, is conducive to aftermarket exterior modifications, is cost efficient for manufacturers and suppliers, does not require complete removal when work is performed on the front of the vehicle, and allows quick and easy removal/replacement of specific members. Additionally, due to its modular design, the grille guard assembly is cheaper and easier to ship than single-unit assemblies since it may be broken down to fit into smaller containers.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle front structure including a front bumper and a lower grille. The front bumper includes a front-bumper lower surface extending in a vehicle rear direction, the front-bumper lower surface having a pair of bottom surface portions at respective side portions and a recessed surface at a center portion, the recessed surface extending from the pair of bottom surface portions and being recessed in an upper direction. The lower grille includes an annular portion arranged at the lower side of a rear end of the recessed surface and forming an opening, a protruding portion protruding from a lower portion of the annular portion so as to protrude in a front direction and oppose to the recessed surface, and a reinforcing portion extending from an upper portion of the annular portion to a back surface of the recessed surface and reinforcing the front-bumper lower surface.

Abstract: A vehicle front grille assembly includes a vehicle grille, an emblem, a camera support and a camera. The vehicle grille includes an emblem mounting portion having a first mounting structure. The emblem includes an outer surface and an inner surface that is opposite the outer surface. The inner surface has a second mounting structure that directly mates with the first mounting structure of the emblem mounting portion. The camera support has an attachment portion and an extension portion. The attachment portion is sandwiched between the emblem mounting portion of the vehicle grille and the inner surface of the emblem. The attachment portion includes at least one opening and one of the first and second mounting structures extends through the at least one opening of the attachment portion. The camera is fixedly mounted to the extension portion of the camera support.

Abstract: Various enhancements to the capabilities of vehicles in general, and particularly light-duty utility vehicles, which can advantageously enhance the cargo-carrying capabilities of such vehicles. The present invention provides a cargo bed insert, as well as an insert system, for removable attachment to a vehicle's existing cargo box. Improvement to a light-duty utility vehicle, where the improvement is in the form of a cargo box for the vehicle which includes one or more features of the described cargo bed insert and/or system is disclosed. The invention contemplates methods for enhancing the cargo-carrying capability of a light-duty utility vehicle. In particular, methods for enhancing the cargo-carrying capacity of such a vehicle beyond a manufacturers specified cargo weight capacity are provided. Lastly, the invention includes a mounting assembly for a removable attachment to a vehicle's frame.

Abstract: A vehicle body front structure is disclosed in which a cooling system component is provided to an upper beam and a lower beam of a front bulkhead. A vehicle body front structure comprises a left top support mechanism provided to the upper beam and a left bottom support mechanism provided to the upper beam. The left top support mechanism supports a left top part of the cooling system component, and supports the left top part of the cooling system component so as to allow the left top part to move toward the rear of the vehicle body. The left bottom support mechanism supports a left bottom part of the cooling system component, and supports the left bottom part of the cooling system component so as to allow the left bottom part to move toward the rear of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A radiator grill arrangement for a motor vehicle front end of a motor vehicle with a number of air passage openings, which can be closed at least substantially by at least one flap element is provided. The at least one flap element is supported so as to be able to swivel about an associated flap axis. In driving states of the motor vehicle in which little cooling air is needed for the engine or engine compartment, the entire flap arrangement or a part of the flaps can thus be closed in order to improve the drag coefficient cw of the motor vehicle and to save fuel. Also in the parked state of the motor vehicle with the engine switched off, it is possible to close the flap arrangement in order to ensure a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the motor vehicle.