The story of IXTAbox began in late 2020 when the Rietz family purchased a Tesla Model X. Faced with the challenge of transporting gear and skis for their Christmas holiday in northern Sweden, Carl Rietz, an engineer by trade, saw an opportunity to innovate. He envisioned a practical solution using the car’s towing hook.

Carl designed and assembled the first IXTAbox in their family garage: a 190x45x60 cm aluminium box with a 550-litre capacity. While the thick 2-3 mm aluminium shell made the prototype somewhat heavy, it established the foundation for a high-quality, durable backbox—crafted to handle adventure.

Carl’s philosophy was simple yet ambitious: to create a product that combined practicality with thoughtful design, ensuring the highest quality and usability standards.

Word of the IXTAbox spread quickly among family friends, sparking interest in owning their own. Encouraged by this, Carl and his family embarked on an exciting journey to refine and expand their creation.

• First Online Presence: A simple website was launched, marking IXTAbox’s initial step into the marketplace.
• Product Line Expansion: Multiple sizes of IXTAbox were introduced, though the maximum height was soon standardised at 50 cm to prevent overloading and optimise safety.

As the demand grew, each IXTAbox was still assembled in the family’s garage—a workspace filled with innovation but never a parked car.

The year 2022 was pivotal for IXTAbox as significant advancements were made to improve functionality and design.

• Adjustable Towing Hook Fixture: A height-adjustable mechanism was introduced, offering greater flexibility and ease of use for customers.
• Colour Options: From black, white, to raw aluminium finishes.
• Corporate Partnerships: Hertz adopted IXTAbox for their rental fleet, recognising its practical appeal.
• Master Thesis Insights: Marcus Sandberg from Chalmers University completed a comprehensive study comparing the aerodynamic performance of rooftop boxes versus backboxes. His findings demonstrated IXTAbox’s superior efficiency, further validating its design.

As the demand grew, each IXTAbox was still assembled in the family’s garage—a workspace filled with innovation but never a parked car.

Guided by customer feedback, supplier insights, and aerodynamic research, 2023 saw a complete overhaul of the IXTAbox design.

• Stainless-Steel Framework: A new supporting structure was introduced, making the box both stronger and lighter.
• Aerodynamic Wings: Innovative wings were added to minimise airflow turbulence between the car and the box.
• Integrated LED Lights: Enhanced visibility and convenience for users.
• New Finish Standard: A durable light grey powder coating became the standard finish.

The move from the family garage to a dedicated assembly facility in Herrljunga marked a major milestone. With a few hundred square metres of space now dedicated to production, IXTAbox solidified its position as a committed player in the backbox market.

This year brought further advancements to the IXTAbox, reaffirming our commitment to innovation and user-centric design.

• Streamlined Shape: To improve aerodynamic properties and create a slimmer profile, the lower front part of the IXTAbox was inclined. This adjustment not only enhanced performance but also gave the box a more elegant appearance.
• Internal LED Lights: Added for improved visibility and usability.
• Increased Depth: The depth of the box was increased from 50 cm to 55 cm, boosting capacity while maintaining a sleek design.
• Expanded Product Line: Five models were offered, ranging from 175 cm to 210 cm wide, with heights of 38 and 45 cm.

In total, over 75 boxes were sold, primarily in Sweden but also to international customers who discovered IXTAbox online. These milestones reflect our expanding global presence and enduring appeal.

As we gear up for 2025, our dedication to excellence remains steadfast. We are committed to:

• Innovation: Continuing to refine the design and performance of the IXTAbox.
• Material Excellence: Selecting only the highest quality materials to ensure durability and functionality.
• Sustainability: Maintaining our commitment to responsible production practices.
• Craftsmanship: Upholding the meticulous attention to detail that defines every IXTAbox.

Through these efforts, we aim to solidify IXTAbox as the ultimate choice for adventurers and professionals alike—delivering unmatched performance and style in every product.