An active diffuser mechanism (10, Figure 1) for a vehicle is provided with a mounting mechanism 11 for connecting a diffuser body 101 to a vehicle body so that diffuser body 101 is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, where an airflow surface of diffuser body 101 is further from the vehicle body when deployed than when stowed. The mounting mechanism has a linkage mechanism arranged so the diffuser body follows a linear translation path and a rotational path during movement from the stowed position to the deployed position; this may include a Peaucellier-Lipkin linkage 17, 18, 19 and a four bar linkage with link arms 15, 16, support arm 12 and diffuser body 101. A rotary actuator may be provided, as may shock protection for the actuator in the form of a clutch or damper. The diffuser may be configured to deploy above a first threshold speed and retract below a second threshold speed.
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