History of Thule Group
In 1942, Thule Group was founded by the Thulin family, when Erik Thulin, a true lover of the outdoors, put the Thule name on a so called pike fishing trap (a fishing gear) that he designed and began to sell to the fisherman of Scandinavia. It wasn’t long before he added other practical things to his company’s portfolio. Business grew, gaining profitably year after year.
By the 1960s, the company began to concentrate its business on car-related products that would make it easier for people to bring different gear with them. The first ski rack was introduced in 1962. In the 1970s, new product categories were added with the growth of new sports such as alpine skiing and new markets were also opened all over the world (e.g. USA, Japan).
Thulin family sold the company in 1979 to the, at that time public company, Eldon Group. But the entrepreneurship and passion remained and Thule Group has continued to grow, with various private owners, both organically and through acquisitions ever since. Today Thule Group is a publicly listed company and a world leader in products that make it easy for people to bring everything they care about – securely, safely, and in style. We are a sport and outdoor company, continuing the tradition of Thule Group by developing smart solutions that are safe and easy to use and that enable active lives.
Below are some milestones from our history.
2024
Thule honored as Red Dot: Design Team of the Year 2024
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Thule Group included in the new Nasdaq OMX Sweden Small Cap 30 ESG Responsible Index™.
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Thule wins a record-breaking twelve iF Design Award, one of which was the coveted iF Gold Award for the all-terrain stroller Thule Urban Glide 3.
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Thule enters the world of dogs with Thule Allax, a smartly designed car dog crate that withstands even the toughest crash tests.
Thule Group Science Based Target initiative and Net-zero targets approved
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2023
The Thule Experience event, THEX 23/24, in Malmö, Sweden, set a new level for Thule's global product lauches
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The Thule Epos bike carrier, launched in early spring 2023, was awarded the Eurobike Gold award at the Eurobike Show in Frankfurt.
Thule Approach roof tent and Thule Arcos cargo box are awarded by the international iF Design Award for outstanding design.
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Thule launch Thule Approach – get the greatest view with the new signature rooftop tent from Thule
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Thule launch Thule Epos - a new, fully foldable and tiltable towbar bike carrier with an innovative telescopic bike attachment system designed to transport bikes of any type or size – whether it is mountain bikes, gravel bikes or e-bikes.
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Mattias Ankarberg appointed new president and CEO of Thule Group
Thule releases Thule Arcos a new hardshell cargo box for the back of the car. The new cargo box puts the cargo on the back of your car for easy accessibility and great aerodynamics.
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2022
Thule Group is included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index Europe (DJSI)
On May 11, Thule Group hosted its second Capital Markets Day since the stock exchange listing in 2014. The event took place at the company's factory, product development- and global test center in Hillerstorp, Sweden.
Two new product areas was presented, as well as updated financial targets.
For the second year in a row Thule Group was named one of 'Europe's Climate Leaders' by the Financial Times who examine 300 European companies and their work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Thule Groups summarizes the company's first 80 years in its updated history book.
Daring, grit & great products.
Thule is, again, awarded by Red Dot Design Awards. This time for the new city stroller Thule Shine and the updated version of the child carrier Thule Sapling. The Child carrier was also awarded by IF Design Award 2022.
Thule Group stops selling products to Russia in response to their invasion of its neighboring country Ukraine.
2021
In September, Thule broadens the product category Active with Kids with the new stroller Thule Shine and the updated version of the child carrier backpack Thule Sapling.
More information in our Spotlight section.
Thule Group named 'Europe's Climate Leaders 2021' by Financial Times The Financial Times examine 300 European companies and their work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Thule Group establish the first Thule Store in North America, Denver, Coloradom and in Latin America, Mexico City.
In connection to the Q1 interim report, the company presented its new Long-term financial goals and sustainability ambitions, 2021 - 2030. Includning double sales by 2030
Thule is awarded the IF Design Award 2021 for Thule TopRide bike rack and Thule RoundTrip Bike Duffel bag.
Thule is awarded the IF Design Award 2021 for Thule TopRide bike rack and Thule RoundTrip Bike Duffel bag. Our awings and bike racks are, again, awarded with the König Kunde Award. The most prestigus award given by the readers of Europe’s leading RV and camping magazines.
Thule Tepui Foothill Rooftop tent is awarded Gold at ISPO Award 2021
The assembly site in Hillerstorp, Sweden, expands by 5,000 square meters for Thule Group's global product development and global Thule Test Center as well as an additional 3,000 sqm for a park-like test track for products in the Active with Kids product category.
2020
Thule Group joined the internationally renowned ‘Science Based Targets Initiative’ in the company's ambition to further reduce the company's greenhouse gas emissions.
The new luggage series Thule Spira is launched in retail globally and the new City Stroller Thule Spring (launched in 2019) received the prestigious design award IF Gold Award.
2019
Thule Group expands its growing Outdoor and Adventure Camping category with Fly Fishing Rod Vaults, via the acquistion of the leading North American player Denver Outfitters
Red Dot
Thule is multiple awarded the RedDot Awards.
The Thule Revolve luggage and the Thule Vector roof box are both awarded the Red Dot Product Design Award. The Thule brand is named Best Outdoor Brand and is also awarded Best of the Best for Brands & Communication Design.
Thule launches the three wheel city stroller Thule Spring in connection to the global Kind+Jugend fair in Cologne, Germany, and the ABC Kids Show in Las Vegas, US.
Thule presents Thule Crossover 2, the third luggage line of the company
2018
For the first time Thule Group is reporting its sustainability work in accordance with the Global Reporting Index (GRI) and the UN Sustainability Goals.
Thule Group opens a new production site in the Polish city of Pila.
Thule Group acquires Tepui Tents, a leading North American Roof Top Tent company.
Thule sets the new standard as the global market leader with the launch of the next-generation roof rack systems.
Nationalmuseum (the Swedish National museum) includes the Thule Urban Glide stroller in its collection of outstanding Swedish design.
Thule Revolve, the first Thule hard-shell luggage, is presented.
2017
Thule Group commit to the UN Global Compact principles
Thule Group holds it first Capital Markets Day as a public company.
Thule introduces Thule Sleek, an all-new four-wheel stroller for urban explorers
Thule Group divests remaining part of the Specialty business - the US business for toolboxes for pick-up trucks.
The trading with the Thule Group share is moved from Nasdaq Stockholm Mid Cap to the Large Cap category.
2016
Thule introduces Thule Subterra luggage line at the IFA fair in Berlin
The next generation of Thule Chariot, the world's most sold multifunctional child carrier, and the Thule EasyFold XT, a new family member to the award winning, foldable bike carrier was launched at Eurobike, the world’s largest bike fair.
Thule Group acquired the Dutch company GMG B.V. with a focus on child bike seats under the brand Yepp.
2015
During 2015 the Thule Legend series of GoPro bags, developed in collaboration with Thule Crew member Matthias Giraud, was launched.
Thule Sapling child carrier backpack went on sale in stores, broadening the range of products in the Active with Kids category.
The Thule RideAlong Mini front-mounted child bike seat was awarded with the prestigious iF Product Design Gold Award.
A new 10,000 square meter distribution center for Eastern Europe was opened adjacent to our largest assembly plant in Huta, Poland.
The Snow Chain business is divested.
The Thule Group Test Center in Hillerstorp, Sweden, is expanded and becomes the global test center in Thule Group
Thule Group is partnering with bluesign technologies will help to ensure that the textile materials we use meets our high demands on environmental impact, health and safety.
2014
Thule Group is listed at Nasdaq Stockholm and becomes a public company.
We introduce Thule-branded Technical Backpacks to our retail partners.
We widen our Active with Kids product portfolio with the Thule Glide and Thule Urban Glide sport strollers and the Thule RideAlong and Thule RideAlong Mini child bike seat.
Strategic focus on branded consumer goods leads to spin-off of Business Area Towing as a separate stand-alone company, Brink Group, and divestment of Business Area Trailer, becoming the stand-alone Brenderup Group.
2013
We launch Thule-branded protective smartphone covers with the Thule Gauntlet and Thule Atmos X3 series.
The Thule Chasm series of water resistant sport duffel bags and the Thule RoundTrip bike transport cases broaden the offer in the Sport&Travel bags segment.
Thule Crew is created.
With the motto “Spend more time outdoors”, the Thule Crew members are chosen to inspire us to live a more active life.
2012
We launch Thule Pack ‘n Pedal – a new, smart, and stylish bike bag and carrier system.
Thule Group is awarded "Action Sports Vendor of the Year" by American sports retailer REI (one of the world’s leading retailers for outdoor gear and sporting goods).
Thule K-Guard kayak carrier was awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award for Best Product Design.
Thule Easy-fit, the easiest snow chain ever to fit on the car, awarded Innovation of the year at EquipAuto in Paris.
Thule Wingbar roof racks receives a Honorable Mention in the prestigious Green Dot Awards for excellent environmental responsibility in producent development.
2011
Thule Group enters into the Active with Kids category via the acquisition of the Canadian Chariot Carriers Inc., world-leader of multi-functional child carriers.
The Thule SlideBar roof rack receives a Red Dot Product Design Award.
The Thule Crossover Rolling Duffle luggage was awarded the first best Product Innovation 2011 at the Travel Goods Show in Chicago (IL) US
2010
We introduce the Thule Crossover bags collection.
The Thule Adventure Team, the world’s leading multisport team, is formed
Divestment of the integrated roof rail business.
2009
We launch the Thule EuroPower bike carrier – the first purpose-made bike carrier for e-bikes.
Divestment of the North American towbar business.
2006
Thule Group acquires Case Logic, a leading company in Bags for Electronic Devices.
Case Logic had been founded in 1984 by Jamie Temple, member of the U.S. Alpine ski team, and had since become an almost iconic brand for storing cassette tapes and later CDs and DVDs. In 2006, the brand had a broad portfolio of, among other things, bags for Electronic Devices.
Thule Group acquires sport&cargo carrier brand Sportrack and towbar businesses in Europe and North America.
2005
Thule Group enters the Recreational Vehicle Product category by acquiring Omnistor, Europe's leading provider of bike carriers and awnings for RVs.
2004
Thule Group acquires König, one of Europe's leading providers of snow chains.
2001
We launch the Thule Hull-a-Port kayak carrier
1999
The Viking Pol factory in Huta, Poland, was acquired – manufacturing of bike carriers begins in Poland
In the fall of 1999 Thule Group took over ownership of the Viking Pol factory and began an intensive campaign to transform it into an ultramodern manufacturing unit. This would now make it possible to truly ramp up production of the towbarmounted bike carrier, which had been renamed the Thule EuroClassic.
1992
Launch of the first towbar-mounted bike carrier.
1983
Thule introduces surfboard carriers to the outdoor market in the US. World-famous surfer Robby Naish becomes a brand ambassador.
1977
The first Thule ski box (TB-11) is launched.
World-famous alpine skier Ingemar Stenmark from Sweden becomes a Thule brand ambassador.
1964
We introduce the Thule Roof Basket – a true innovation with its flexible fastening solution for easier mounting.
1962
We introduce the Thule ski rack – the first Thule product for carrying your sports gear.
1942
Erik Thulin and the small cottage where Thule was founded, just around the corner from where the Thule Group site in Hillerstorp is located today.
Thule is founded by Erik Thulin in Hillerstorp, Sweden.