How does it being motorized prevent injury?

> Today's Spirit of Ecstasy, from the 2003 Phantom model onward, stands at 3 inches (7.6 cm) and, for the safety of any person being accidentally hit, is mounted on a spring-loaded mechanism designed to retract instantly into the radiator shell if struck from any direction.

I don't think that mentions it being motorized

The motor allows you to raise it after it has been retracted.

Then why is it spring-loaded?

> For the safety of any person being accidentally hit

(the spring handles the retraction)

Presumably the motor runs once to extend it and then it locks into position (with some kind of mechanical catch that's calibrated to come loose if you hit anything), rather than being constantly running.