Abstract: The present invention relates to a stow lift system for a vehicle comprising a support frame for mounting the lift system to a vehicle, a foldable lift platform and a rear impact guard, which is arranged to be held in the extended position by a holding mechanism. An actuator is further provided for actuating the first connecting mechanism such as to move the platform between first position and a second position. The first connecting mechanism comprises an engagement mechanism arranged for engaging at least one predetermined location of the rear impact guard such that the actuating force generated by the actuator during the movement of the platform is transferred to the rear impact guard so as to overcome the holding force applied to the rear impact guard by the holding mechanism and move the rear impact guard from the extending position to the retracted position.