Deployable A-pillar covers for pedestrian protection

摘要

A pedestrian protection apparatus for a motor vehicle includes left and right A-pillar covers 22 hingingly attached to respective A-pillars 20. The A-pillar covers 22 have a retracted condition wherein they lie close to respective vehicle A-pillars 20 and are movable to a deployed condition wherein they are spaced forwardly from the respective A-pillars 20. In the deployed condition, the A-pillar covers 22 are able to deform and move rearward when struck by a pedestrian so as to absorb impact energy and thereby lessen the likelihood or severity of injury, as compared with direct impact with a conventional, stationary A-pillar 20. <IMAGE>