A vehicle has a power operated liftgate and at least one power unit comprising a fixed linear guide channel and a follower that moves in the guide channel. The follower is universally connected to a rod having at one end and the opposite end of the rod is universally connected to the vehicle lift gate. A flexible drive loop which is attached to the follower wraps part way around two pulleys at opposite ends of the guide channel. The flexible drive loop is driven by a bi-directional drive unit that includes a reversible electric motor, an electromagnetic clutch and a drive wheel that engages the flexible drive loop. The flexible drive loop may be a drive cable, a drive tape, or a drive chain or a combination of cable, tape and/or chain.