Our History: Successful Since 1955
In 1955, Otto Riehle founded ORIS in Stuttgart, Germany, to manufacture towbars. Over the following decades, ACPS Automotive expanded its technological leadership internationally and grew into a market leader in towing solutions for passenger cars, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles, with production sites in Germany, Hungary, Mexico, and China.
2026
Meili acquires the ACPS Automotive Group
In 2026, ACPS Automotive became an independent part of the Meili Group, headquartered in China. This partnership provides ACPS Automotive with a strong strategic partner, bringing extensive engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities in the automotive industry.
2023–2025
International Expansion into the UK, USA and China
ACPS Automotive expanded its global footprint by opening new locations in Shanghai and Kunshan, China, supporting sales, engineering and series production. During the same period, the ORIS brand entered the North American and UK markets.
2020
New Headquarters in Ingersheim
ACPS Automotive opened its new corporate headquarters in Ingersheim, near Stuttgart, Germany, further strengthening the company's foundation for future growth and international development.
2018
TowerBrook acquires ACPS Automotive & Launches Aftermarket Division
TowerBrook acquired ACPS Automotive from BOSAL. At the same time, ACPS Automotive established its new Aftermarket division in Mönchengladbach, Germany, expanding its activities in the independent automotive aftermarket.
2015
FIX4BIKE® Innovation & New Production Site in Mexico
ACPS Automotive introduced the innovative FIX4BIKE® locking system for towbars and bicycle carriers. In the same year, the company inaugurated a new production facility in Querétaro, Mexico, further expanding its global manufacturing footprint.
2012
BOSAL Acquires ACPS Automotive
In 2012, ACPS Automotive was acquired by BOSAL, the international automotive supplier specializing in exhaust systems. The acquisition strengthened ACPS Automotive’s position within the global automotive industry and supported its continued international growth.
2010
New plant in Hungary & the first ORIS bicycle carrier
ACPS Automotive opened its largest production facility within the group in Kecskemét, Hungary, covering 16,400 m². In the same year, the company introduced its first ORIS bicycle carrier, expanding the product portfolio beyond towing solutions.
2009
World First: The first fully electric retractable towbar
ACPS Automotive introduced two world-first innovations: a semi-electric retractable towbar rotating around a spatially inclined axis and a fully electric retractable towbar rotating around an inclined axis. These groundbreaking developments set new standards for convenience, safety, and vehicle integration.
2000
The first manually retractable towbar
ACPS Automotive invented the retractable towbar system and introduced another world-first innovation with the launch of the first manually retractable towbar. This pioneering development combined functionality and design, allowing the towbar to be discreetly concealed when not in use.
1999
Leadership transfer to Jörg Riehle & First towball neck with Integrated socket
Jörg Riehle took over the management of ACPS Automotive, continuing the company's tradition as a family-led business. In the same year, ACPS Automotive introduced another world-first innovation: the first towball neck with an integrated electrical socket, setting new standards for functionality and design.
1989
New Production Site in St. Egidien
ACPS Automotive opened its new production facility in St. Egidien, Germany, marking an important milestone in the company’s growth. The site would go on to play a key role in the success story of the ORIS retractable towbar systems.
1985
First series production of the detachable towbar & New site in Markgröningen
ORIS set a new technical benchmark with the first series production of a vertically detachable, automatically locking towbar. In the same year, the company opened a new production facility in Markgröningen near Stuttgart, Germany, supporting its continued growth and innovation.
1970
Innovation: The first detachable towbar
ORIS developed the world's first detachable towbar, laying the foundation for a new generation of flexible towing systems. This pioneering innovation established ORIS as a technology leader and helped shape the future of the towing industry.
1965
Hans Riehle takes over & ORIS introduces direct-to-line supply
Hans Riehle assumed leadership of ORIS and guided the company into a new phase of growth. Under his direction, ORIS became the first supplier to deliver towbars directly to automotive manufacturers’ production lines, pioneering a supply model that set new standards for the industry.
1955+
ORIS becomes one of Europe’s leading towbar suppliers
Over the decades, ORIS experienced continuous growth and evolved into one of Europe’s leading suppliers of towing systems. Through a strong focus on innovation, quality, and close partnerships with automotive manufacturers, the company established a leading position in the European market.
1955
Otto Riehle founds ORIS
Otto Riehle founded ORIS in Möglingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. The brand name combines the founder’s initials with the initials of the phrase “in Stuttgart,” creating the name ORIS. This marked the beginning of a company that would go on to become a leading innovator in towing technology.