An actuating device is provided for moving a closure panel between an open
position spaced apart from a vehicle body and a closed position abutting
the vehicle body to close an access opening thereof. The actuating device
includes a telescopic arm having a first member coupled to one of the
closure panel and the vehicle body and a second member coupled to the
other of the closure panel and the vehicle body. The first and second
members are slidable relative to one another to move the actuating device
between a retracted position corresponding with the closed position and
an extended position corresponding with the open position. A screw is
rotatable relative to the first member. The screw includes a cavity
formed therewithin. A nut is secured to the second member and threadingly
engages the screw such that rotation of the screw moves the second member
towards and away from the first member to move the actuating device
between the respective retracted and extended positions. A gas spring is
at least partially disposed within the cavity of the screw for urging the
actuating device into the extended position to move the closure panel
into the open position.