A hinge member comprises a mounting portion to be secured to a vehicle
body panel, and an extension portion having a fixed orientation relative
to the mounting portion. The extension portion has a pivot-receiving slot
defining a hinge pivot hole to receive a hinge pivot, and a slot portion
extending from the hinge pivot hole. At least a portion of the
pivot-receiving slot has a lateral dimension smaller than a diameter of
the pivot hole. A hinge assembly includes a first hinge member pivotally
joined to a second hinge member by a hinge pivot having a hinge pivot pin
in a pivot pin bushing. Preferably, the pivot pin bushing shears under a
pre-selected level of force or load to permit the pivot pin to be
slidingly received in the slot. Embodiments of the hinge assemblies are
well suited for hingedly mounting motor vehicle body panels to the
vehicle body.