Staff Reports
Continuing updates on the global car wash industry:
Who has the cleanest cars in the United Kingdom?
According to the new “Britain’s Cleanest Cars Index” by CarFinance247, Newcastle tops the chart as the UK city where drivers take the most pride in their vehicle’s cleanliness, scoring high across car wash searches, facility availability, and low pollution levels.
Using a combination of public data on pollution, rainfall, water hardness and online search results, CarFinance247’s index ranks cities on a scale out of 500 to find the cleanest car spots.
Newcastle led the way with a score of 368. It was followed by Edinburgh (353) and Glasgow (349). Coming in last was Southampton (116), which had the worst pollution levels in the index.
Northwich car wash at risk after refusal of planning permission
MSP Car Customs Ltd applied for planning permission a year ago from Cheshire West and Chester Council. However, its Middlewich Road car wash in Rudheath – a village in Chesire, England – opened before the council’s decision.
A recent decision by the council has retroactively denied the car wash a permit, which in effect means it should close. Among the reasons for the retrospective refusal were disturbance to residents – due to noise from almost constant car washing – and the disruption to road users due to build-up of traffic.
MSP Car Customs Ltd has six months in which to appeal against the ruling to the Planning Inspectorate.
Permission sought for construction of new car wash in Ireland
Touchless Car Wash Ltd. has sought permission to develop a property at Ben Dunne Gym, Lismard Business Park in Portlaoise, Ireland.
The plans include the construction of a car wash automated unit, a plant room with a water recycling system and associated site works. It would utilize an area of an existing commercial car park, reducing by six the number of available parking spaces.
The car wash bay, which would operate 24 hours a day, would consist of a self-contained automated unit with washing, rinsing, and drying equipment.
Adam Green appointed president of IMO Car Wash Group Ltd
Adam Green, who first joined IMO Car Wash Group in 2019, was recently named president of the company, which is based in High Wycombe, United Kingdom.
Following Driven Brands’ acquisition of IMO (a global provider of car wash systems) in 2020, Green moved from UK Operations Director to Managing Director. In 2024, he was appointed COO.
With prior executive experience at Orange and Starbucks, Green’s leadership has emphasized performance, culture, and team development. During Green’s tenure at IMO, the company has expanded its service offerings with much success.
Germany leads the European car wash market
According to a recent report by Verified Market Reports, Germany leads the European car wash service market, with 2.7 million passenger cars sold in 2023, driving demand for vehicle-related services.
Germany accounted for 5.7 percent of the global mobile car wash service market in 2022 and is projected to lead the regional market in terms of revenue in 2030.
In addition, the mobile car wash service market in Germany is expected to reach a projected revenue of $695 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 9.6 percent from 2023 to 2030.
Canadian city declines request to subsidize car wash rates
Users at three car washes in Athabasca, a town in Alberta, Canada, may notice an increase in cost after town councilors voted recently not to provide subsidies for the water-heavy businesses.
The town has been contemplating a change to how they sell water to the three businesses. A Feb. 3 letter from Athabasca Car and Truck Wash asked for a reduction in the high-flow section of the bill.
Currently, Athabasca charges 40 per cent of its water rate for sewer so if a bill includes a $100 water fee, it’ll be an additional $40 for sewer.
Saudia Arabia car care product market expected to expand
According to a recent report by the IMARC Group, the car care product market in Saudi Arabia reached $117 million in 2024.
The market is expected to reach $158.77 million by 2033, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 3.10 percent between 2025 and 2033. The market is experiencing significant trends related to the rise in automotive ownership, the increasing knowledge of vehicle maintenance, and the premiumization of car aesthetics.
Citizens are also becoming proactive in protecting their vehicle appearance and function with the modernization of infrastructure and urban mobility in the Kingdom.
Time runs out proposed new car wash in Dandenong, Australia
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal recently rejected a time extension for a developer to begin building a new automatic car wash in Dandenong at Keysborough South shopping center.
According to a report in the Dandenong Star Journal, WP Holdings Australia Pty Ltd had failed to start work on the two-bay car wash at since a council planning permit was issued in 2019. In that time, three multi-story dwellings were built nearby.
In its decision, the VCAT refused WP’s application for a six-month extension to start work and a two-year extension to complete the car wash.
Kenzie’s Car Wash in Dubai offers luxury, eco-friendly services
Kenzie’s Car Wash is offering premium automotive care for everyday drivers and luxury vehicle owners alike and emerging as a top choice in the UAE’s competitive car care industry.
Kenzie’s waterless car wash process reduces water waste while delivering a swirl-free, spotless finish. The company offers a full range of services, including interior and exterior detailing, paint protection film installation, nano ceramic coating, scratch repair, and eco-friendly waterless car washes.
The services are delivered by highly trained professionals using industry-grade equipment and safe, pH-balanced products.
IMO Car Wash launches ‘Quick Pay’ payment service
IMO Car Wash is revolutionizing the car wash experience with the launch of ‘Quick Pay,’ a new digital payment solution designed to make car washing faster, easier, and more convenient than ever.
Now available across the United Kingdom and Germany, Quick Pay allows customers to simply Scan, Wash and Go – all from the comfort of their car. By removing the need for physical payment terminals and reducing queue times, Quick Pay enhances the customer experience while driving increased digital adoption and revenue growth.
Customers across the UK can start using Quick Pay now, with Germany set to follow in the coming weeks.
Top 9 car wash app development companies in Dubai, UAE
With its thriving auto culture, smart city infrastructure, and mobile-first population, Dubai has become the perfect breeding ground for on-demand car cleaning services.
From real-time bookings to doorstep detailing, the city is embracing digital transformation in the car care sector faster than ever before. A recent post by Apptunix digital marketing company, examines the Top 9 car wash app development companies in Dubai and the UAE.
The firms deliver cutting-edge mobile car wash booking apps, custom scheduling systems, and full-scale online car wash management platforms.
Schmicko brings car care to doorsteps across Sydney, New South Wales
From Schmicko Sydney, a trusted leader in premium mobile car care, is rolling out its advanced car detailing, washing and protection services across Greater Sydney (Australia).
As a top provider of car detailing in Sydney, Schmicko offers everything from mobile car wash and ceramic coating to roof lining repair and dash cam installations. Schmicko is redefining the way Sydneysiders care for their vehicles-with expert services delivered straight to their door.
The company uses eco-friendly practices, is fully insured on every job, and ensures each technician is professionally trained and equipped with top-tier products.
Mount Royal (Quebec) car wash takes financial hit over Hydro-Québec project
The owner of Details Car Wash says he’s already lost about $50,000 in revenue in May after construction took over the area where his car wash is located in the Town of Mount Royal.
According to the Montreal Gazette, detours and heavy traffic have made it difficult for customers to access the car wash. Lucerne Road, which is used to access the entrance of the car wash, is down to one lane.
The Hydro‑Québec project to build an underground transmission line began in late April, but the owner only found out about two weeks before it started.
Immigration arrests made at Hampton Wick (England) car wash
Immigration officers recently arrested four Indian nationals, identified as “male overstayers”, at a car wash in Hampton Wick, an area in southwest London. The individuals were detained pending removal from the United Kingdom.
According to the Teddington Nub News, upon officials’ entry at Hampton Wick Car Wash, several individuals were observed fleeing the property and were then apprehended by Immigration Officers.
“This government is cracking down on the criminal industry at every level, including stepping up our visits to businesses, such as car washes, where illegal working is take place,” a statement from the Home Office said.
Member banned from car wash in Canada for ripping down Pride flag
A car wash in Waterdown, Ontario, Canada, had one of its pride flags ripped off a door last week by a customer who said they were offended by the LGBTQ+ symbol.
Security camera footage from Red Hill Car Wash showed the man grabbing scissors or pliers from his truck and ripping down the flag. The man, who held a VIP membership at the car wash, was banned.
According to CHCH News, he returned days later to attempt to get his car washed. He refused to leave at first when told to leave and later left before police arrived.
