Metra Readies Foot-Ready Trunk Opener

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iBeam-TE-ATO foot controlled trunk opener

Feature story (updated):

You’ve seen foot-controlled trunk openers.  Now iBeam, a Metra brand, is shipping is readying for CES a model that works with any car with a motorized trunk switch.

The Foot Control Automatic Trunk Opener allows handsfree operation by “kicking” the foot near the vehicle.  So if you are carrying packages or babies, you can open the trunk by waving your foot.

iBeam’s solution involves installing two sensors.  It works with positive trigger systems (common on GM vehicles), negative trigger systems (common on Ford and imports), or it can be connected directly to the trunk switch.

For security purposes, the trunk will not open if the vehicle is locked.

The TE-ATO will be on display from at CES 2018 in Las Vegas along with more than 50 new safety products from iBeam.

We’re awaiting word on the price of the TE-ATO and hope to update this post shortly.

Automatic trunk or liftgate openers have been gaining as a new aftermarket category.  VOXX, VAIS, Accele, and Drive Assist are among the other brands offering aftermarket lift gate openers.

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3 Comments

  1. it doesn’t say in the article it works for non power lift gates. It states in the first paragraph it is for motorized hatches.

    1. It actually says “motorized trunk switch,” which when compared to a completely mechanical switch, means something entirely different from a power liftgate. Especially when the term “power lifegate” is widely used and advertised by OEMs. Guess we’ll see. 🙂

  2. That’s cool…. but will not work for non-power liftgates, as simply popping the latch is not enough for the gate to fully clear the latch area. Try it yourself. Gently place one finger on your hatch release button, just to trigger the release (do not pull up). Once the latch pops, try pulling the hatch open. It’ll be half open, half latched still.

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