Ford designing a midgate pass-through for pickup trucks

A Ford patent application for a pickup truck midgate pass-through assembly has surfaced, hinting that Ford might follow rival General Motors in adding this feature to its trucks. As described…

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Toyota investigating retractable and moveable tow hooks

Three recent Toyota patent filings look at different ways to mount tow hooks for better crash performance. One of these filings, which was published by the United States Patent and…

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Toyota patents tonneau cover with integrated loading ramp system

Ramps and tonneau covers are common pickup truck accessories. A recently surfaced Toyota patent application combines them. Published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) April 16, 2024,…

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Rivian explores tailgate with built-in workbench

The Rivian R1T is aimed more at camp sites than job sites, but a patent filing from the automaker hints at a new feature that could enhance the electric pickup…

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Ford aims to turn dashboards into desks

A new Ford patent filing has surfaced detailing desks built into dashboards. Published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on March 19, but filed by Ford on…

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Ford dreams up center consoles with deployable tables

Fold-out tray tables are a familiar part of flying, but Ford could bring a similar idea to its cars. A patent application from the automaker published by the United States…

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Ford developing power-actuated doors

Ford has filed a patent application for power-actuated doors that automatically open when a person approaches the vehicle. In the application, which was published by the United States Patent and…

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Ford working on integrated loading ramp for SUVs

SUVs have largely displaced sedans from showrooms and driveways in part because of their ability to carry more cargo. But the tall ride height of an SUV can also make…

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Ferrari patents supercharged engine

A new Ferrari patent filing has surfaced, hinting that the automaker is considering superchargers for future cars. Aside from some early race cars, Ferrari has generally preferred turbocharging as a…

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Ford developing retractable fender tie-down points

Ford is looking to make it a little easier for drivers to secure cargo to a vehicle’s roof. In a patent application published by the United States Patent and Trademark…

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