In 2008 Auxtail‘s Founder Craig was working for Nissan at their Technical Centre in the UK.  He was making concepts for the Qashai+2 and was challenged to conceive of an integrated rear bike rack.

It was difficult to find the space to store a suitable mechanism and finding hardpoints to bear the significant loads were limited.

Since 2008, car manufacturers have strengthened the rear panel and added crash beams across the rear of the vehicle, increasing the space to absorb the energy before expensive items like lights and tailgates are damaged.

These fixing points for the beams have been adopted for towbar fitting. Initially by BMW and more recently by VW. Hard Points solved.

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

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

Since then, there have been many prototypes and pivots.

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, which culminated in a patent.

A few bike carriers were sold, but the interface to the car remained.

The mechanism for retractable awnings looked promising.

A further patent was filed and granted.

The first application was on a Tesla Model 3, which proved the concept.  However, this application was not ideal.  Tesla’s rear crash zone is small by standards of most European designed vehicles (Low Insurance rating).

A BMW i4 has the space and the strength, and a 18 year journey can be completed…