Power lift gate for automotive vehicle

A powered door system for an automotive vehicle, comprising:

• a door hinged to a vehicle body and having an operating path for opening the door and closing the door to a door opening panel;
• a motor system for opening and closing said door;
• a controller for operating said motor system;
• a speed-measuring, primary obstacle detection system, operatively connected with said motor system and said controller, for determining when operation of said motor system is being inhibited by an object in the path of said door;
• a secondary obstacle detection system, operatively connected with said controller, with said secondary obstacle detection system comprising a sensor assembly for determining when operation of said motor system is being inhibited by an object interposed between a margin of the door and a door opening panel;
• and
• a pinch protection member interposed between at least one marginal zone of said door and said door opening panel, with said pinch protection member comprising a resilient element mounted upon a carrier, with said resilient element having a compressive modulus of elasticity and bending strength which are sufficient to permit an object positioned between said resilient element and said door opening panel to trigger said primary obstacle detection system before said motor system develops a compressive force having a magnitude in excess of a predetermined threshold value.