A locking mechanism for the trunk lid of a motor vehicle has a component which assumes a first position when the trunk lid is closed and locked. The component may or may not project outward from the trunk lid in its first position. The component is capable of assuming a second position when the trunk lid is released. In the second position, the component projects outward from the trunk lid to such an extent that a portion of the component which is recessed in the trunk lid in the first position is now exposed. This portion of the component may be gripped in order to manipulate the trunk lid.
