Aisin's 'Movable Front Spats' Adopted for the First Time in Toyota's New RAV4 (North American Spec)
Aisin and Toyota have co-developed 'Movable Front Spats,' which have been adopted for the first time in the new RAV4 (North American spec). The technology automatically deploys at high speeds to reduce air resistance and improve fuel efficiency.
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- 📰 Published: April 22, 2026 at 20:48
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 00:02 (3h 13m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 04:14 (4h 11m after Collected)
Aisin Corporation (Headquarters: Kariya, Aichi; President: Moritaka Yoshida) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Headquarters: Toyota, Aichi; President: Kenta Kon) have co-developed 'Movable Front Spats,' which have been adopted for the first time in the new Toyota RAV4 (North American specification).
Front spats are products installed at the lower part of the front bumper, in front of the tires, to reduce air resistance and contribute to improved fuel efficiency by rectifying the airflow hitting the tires during driving.
Conventional front spats were fixed to the vehicle, and because they needed to maintain a certain height to avoid interference with the road surface, there were limits to the reduction of air resistance. The newly developed and adopted 'Movable Front Spats' automatically retract and deploy according to driving speed. By retracting at a stop or during low-speed driving, ground clearance and off-road capability are ensured. During high-speed driving, they deploy using a unique link structure to maximize the rectification effect of the air hitting the tires, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and extended driving range.
Aisin will continue to promote technical development that improves the environment and society, realizing its management philosophy: 'Inspiring Movement, Creating Tomorrow.'
Airflow when retracted
Airflow when deployed
'Movable Front Spats'
Front spats are products installed at the lower part of the front bumper, in front of the tires, to reduce air resistance and contribute to improved fuel efficiency by rectifying the airflow hitting the tires during driving.
Conventional front spats were fixed to the vehicle, and because they needed to maintain a certain height to avoid interference with the road surface, there were limits to the reduction of air resistance. The newly developed and adopted 'Movable Front Spats' automatically retract and deploy according to driving speed. By retracting at a stop or during low-speed driving, ground clearance and off-road capability are ensured. During high-speed driving, they deploy using a unique link structure to maximize the rectification effect of the air hitting the tires, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and extended driving range.
Aisin will continue to promote technical development that improves the environment and society, realizing its management philosophy: 'Inspiring Movement, Creating Tomorrow.'
Airflow when retracted
Airflow when deployed
'Movable Front Spats'