Fca US LLC

Eric Ghoukasian Khouygani

Christopher J Duke

Robert J Gibbs

Piyush Agarwal

John B Morley

A multifunction tailgate including a first door and a second door that are each selectably pivotable relative to the vehicle between an open position and a closed position along both a horizontal axis and a second vertical axis. At least one of the first door and the second door includes an exterior structure including an exterior panel, an inner panel, and a pair of side panels that collectively define a cavity, a trim panel coupled to the inner panel, and a reinforcement panel is positioned between the inner panel and the trim panel. The reinforcement panel is formed of a polymeric material, and is configured to provide structural support to the trim panel to assist in absorbing static and dynamic loads received by the trim panel.

Reinforcement panel for a vehicle tailgate

A vehicle includes a cargo bed, one door, and a latch assembly. The cargo bed includes a plurality of walls. The one door is coupled to the cargo bed and pivotable about a horizontal axis between a closed position and a horizontal open position, and about a vertical axis between the closed position and a vertical open position. The latch assembly includes a striker pin, a latch mechanism, a receiver, and a cam. The striker pin is attached to a respective one of the plurality of walls so as to extend outwardly therefrom. The latch mechanism coupled to the door and selectively latched onto the striker pin. The receiver is coupled to the respective one of the plurality of walls. The cam is coupled to the latch mechanism and the one door. The cam and the receiver cooperate to restrict vertical movement of the one door when the one door is pivotable about the vertical axis.

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Auburn Hills, MI, United States of America

Eric Ghoukasian Khouygani