New pet and automotive product introduction. Pup-Up, the first highly portable, stable and multi-functional vehicle access system for pets.

Dogs love car rides but lifting them in and out can be a pain for both the owner and the dog and jumping out of vehicles can damage dog’s joints. There are dog ramps to ease the pain but they are so large and bulky that once you stow the ramp there is no room left for Rover.

Nu-Tec Designs, which specializes in innovative hitch products, has found a solution to that problem with Pup-Up™, a patent pending, highly portable vehicle access system that provides pet owners with the first compact, lightweight, stable and multi-functional solution to get their pets in and out of their vehicles. Pup-Up will be featured in the new product showcase at the American Pet Products Manufacturers Associations (APPMA) 2004 Annual Pet Products Trade Show March 17-19 in New Orleans, LA.

“Current pet ramps are six feet long and simply rest on the edge of the tailgate or cargo area. They can sag & wobble making many dogs uncomfortable or unwilling to use them, and veterinarians reluctant to recommend them” says Nu-Tec President, Bill Schlicht.

What sets Pup-Up apart is the innovative hitch-mounted platform with an attachable, folding ramp that can be used separately or together depending on the needs of the dog. The 13”x15” step platform only weighs 4 pounds and has a 300 pound load rating. It simply slides into the hitch receiver and stores in a tote bag when not in use. Many dogs only need the step platform and the ramp can be added later if needed.

For dogs that need more help, the ramp unfolds and attaches securely to the platform; it does not sag or wobble. The complete system only weighs 17 pounds, folds to 23”x16” and stows in a compact, durable tote.

Pup-Up is for people too – the platform is multi-functional and also serves as a solid step platform for loading gear onto the SUV roof, as a seat at outdoor events or for putting on shoes or boots. Perfect for active, outdoor oriented SUV and truck owners. The ramp allows for easier loading of golf clubs, bicycles and cargo.

More information on Pup-Up can be found at www.pup-up.com or by contacting Nu-Tec Designs at 425.898.0995. Media and Buyers attending APPMA can find Pup-Up in the New Product Showcase and at Booth 527.

Nu-Tec Designs, LLC, a Redmond, Washington based new product development firm is well known in the automotive industry for creating “well thought out solutions to common problems”. Their flagship product, the Flip-Step®, was selected by Motor Trend as one of the best new SUV/truck accessories for 2002.

Contact Marie Lincoln, Nu-Tec Designs, LLC 425.898.0995 email: info@pup-up.com