Hyundai and Kia patent new sliding tailgate

Hyundai and Kia have filed a patent in the US for a cool new tailgate design that could make its way onto a number of future models from the Korean sister brands.

Shared to a Nissan Z forum, the new design patent is said to work on hatchbacks, SUVs and people-movers, so we could see it on future examples of everything from the popular Hyundai i30 to the Palisade SUV, and from the Kia Picanto to the Carnival.

The new design allows the tailgate, when opened, to slide up and then over the roof towards the front of the vehicle, rather than simply flipping out and up, via a railing system that runs up and into the roof.

A built-in motor/controller will allow it to work in the same way an electric tailgate does today and the design should make operating the boot in tight spaces easier and more convenient, because you won’t have to take a step backward when the tailgate swings open.

And those that frequent underground or multi-storey carparks with low ceilings won’t have to worry about their tailgate smacking into anything.

According to the patent description, the sliding tailgate includes “a moving main body configured to be located on at least a portion of a rear surface of a vehicle”.

However, it’s unclear whether vehicles fitted with the new tailgate design would still be able to have a sunroof fitted and what the roof railing system might look on a vehicle in terms of aesthetics in the real world.

And perhaps more importantly, it’s unclear how much extra cost it would add compared to a conventional top-hinged tailgate.

Hyundai and Kia are yet to reveal which model/s might debut the new tech, but if it reaches production it could lead to some interesting new rear-end designs.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au