Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Ulrich Reske

Christoph Kueppers

A trailer coupling assembly for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cross-beam extending in a transverse direction of the motor vehicle. The cross-beam is configured to connect to a trailer coupling. The assembly further includes a mount connected to a body of the motor vehicle and a connection assembly. The connection assembly includes a plate connecting the mount to the cross-beam. The plate is configured to absorb energy and deform in response to application of a threshold force. The design does not compromise trailer towing capability or package space and can be regarded as a hybrid approach between existing bumper beam and trailer tow designs.

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Erftstadt, Germany

Ulrich Reske