Multi-purpose tailgate

A vehicle comprising:

• a vehicle body;
• a storage compartment defined by the vehicle body and having a storage compartment length;
• a tailgate operatively connected to the vehicle body and configured to selectively expand and restrict access to the storage compartment;
• a pivotable section configured to selectively retract into and deploy out of the tailgate;
• a motor configured to selectively retract the pivotable section into and deploy the pivotable section out of the tailgate;
• a latching mechanism configured to secure the pivotable section when the pivotable section is retracted into the tailgate;
• and
• a controller configured to selectively latch and unlatch the latching mechanism and regulate the motor to selectively retract the pivotable section into and deploy the pivotable section out of the tailgate;
• wherein, when the pivotable section is deployed out of the tailgate, the pivotable section is configured to reduce aerodynamic drag on the vehicle body when the tailgate restricts access to the storage compartment, and configured as a stop for cargo having a cargo length greater than the storage compartment length when the tailgate expands access to the storage compartment;
• and
• wherein the vehicle body is positioned in a first plane, when the tailgate restricts access to the storage compartment, the tailgate is positioned in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane, and, when the pivotable section is deployed out of the tailgate, the pivotable section is positioned in a third plane that is parallel to the first plane.