In 2008 Auxtail’s Founder Craig worked for Nissan at their Technical Centre in the UK.  He was making concepts for the Qashai+2, when he was asked if it was possible to develop an integrated rear bike rack.

At the time, it was difficult to find the space to store a suitable mechanism, and there was no obvious way to bear the significant loads.

Since 2008, car manufacturers have been tasked to improve the low speed crash performance of cars by the European insurance industry.  Beams have been added across the rear of the vehicle: space to absorb energy has been allocated and the rear panels have been strengthened.

These fixing points for the rear beams have often been adopted for towbar fitment. Initially by BMW and more recently by VW. Space and load bearing is much improved.

In 2016, the conditions were ripe to solve the challenge.  However, Nissan in Europe were no longer developing new vehicle concepts.

Craig decided to take on the challenge outside Nissan: Auxtail was borne. 

The initial plan was to work on the interface to the vehicle, by partnering with a bike carrier manufacturer, but none were forthcoming.

So Auxtail developed their own bike carrier, which culminated in a patent, see The Technical Stuff.

A few bike carriers were sold, but the interface to the vehicle now needed solving.

The mechanism for retractable awnings looked promising.

A further patent was filed and granted to fold a mechanism into the bumper.

The first application was on a Tesla Model 3, which proved the concept worked. However, this application was not ideal.  Tesla’s rear crash zone is small by standards of most European designed vehicles, and the rear finisher is not tall, such that the mechanism sat low down.

A BMW i4 has the space and a taller rear finisher, and the Auxtail rack is now being made available to British users.

As cars become less differentiated, this customisation opportunity is likely to grow.

We would welcome the opportunity to work with dealers and manufacturers to develop high value integration further.

This might also include cargoboxs, steps or diffusers.