Staff Reports
Continuing updates on the global car wash industry:
MMCG to lead data-driven workshop at Car Wash Show Europe 2025
MMCG Invest, LLC, an analytical company specializing in car wash feasibility studies for developers and lenders, will lead an educational workshop during the Sept. 24-25 Car Wash Show Europe in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Michal Mohelsky, the company’s founder and lead analyst, will lead the workshop which will be focused on site planning, site selection analysis, feasibility case studies, and consumer behavior analytics in the car wash industry.
Mohelsky plans to demonstrate how MMCG’s advanced analytical tools – including the use of mobile phone location data and tracking applications to analyze traffic patterns – support high-precision site selection and development strategies.
Brazilian man was working illegally at car wash in Tullamore (Ireland)
A Brazilian national was recently charged with working illegally in Ireland during last week’s Tullamore Court.
According to the Offaly Express, Joseph Rodrigues da Silva, 22, of Tullamore was charged with violating Sections 2 and 3 of the Employment Act while working illegally in a car wash facility. He pleaded guilty.
da Silva’s attorney told the court his client fled Brazil for Ireland because of threats to his life from a criminal organization. He was convicted and sentenced to one month in prison, which was suspended for two years.
Tommy’s Express Car Wash debuts in European market with location in France
Tommy’s Express Car Wash, one of the largest car wash franchises in the United States, has officially expanded into the European market with the opening of its location in Allonne, near the Saint-Lazare suburb of France.
The Allonne facility features the iconic Tommy’s Express fully automated wash tunnel and includes the use of advanced water reclamation systems and eco-efficient equipment.
Guests can take advantage of the Tommy’s Express mobile app, which features license plate recognition for easy entry and access to four customizable wash packages. The app also offers unlimited wash subscriptions for one low monthly fee.
New minimum wage rules for car wash operators in Australia
The Australian Car Wash Association recently highlighted important wage and superannuation updates following the Fair Work Commission’s 2025 Annual Wage Review Decision, confirming a 3.5 percent increase to the National Minimum Wage and all Modern Award classifications.
These changes will affect most employers beginning on July 1. The Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 covers most car wash staff.
Due to structural complexities, the final wage tables for this Award are still pending and expected to be released in the coming weeks. These changes carry legal obligations and significant penalties for non-compliance.
Car Wash Association welcomes immigration crackdown at UK car washes
The Car Wash Association, a non-profit in the United Kingdom that sets quality and safety standards in the car wash industry, says it welcomes the crackdown on illegal working arrests and believes even more should be done.
The CWA says there has been a 51 percent rise in illegal working-related arrests since July 2024. Immigration Enforcement teams have also undertaken nearly 50 percent more visits.
“The scale of non-compliance is extremely alarming, and these operations undermine legitimate car washes,” a statement from CWA chairman Brian Madderson said. “Civil penalties up to millions were issued during 2024 alone – however, only 5 percent of these fines were collected.”
Georgian car wash company Strong Wash invests in development
Strong Wash, a leader in the production and distribution of auto chemicals, installation of car washes, and sale of high-pressure washing machines, plans to invest in technology development.
The company recently relocated to a new facility in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. The state-of-the-art facility spans 750 square meters and utilizes European raw materials for manufacturing its products.
With a significant footprint throughout Georgia, the company is also expanding into exports. Their car shampoos have begun reaching markets in Armenia, with plans for further growth. The company is committed to continued innovation in its automotive cleaning products.
For 90 years, Kärcher has maintained a commitment to innovation and sustainability in vehicle wash
Founded on Jan. 2, 1935, by Alfred Kärcher as a tinkerer’s workshop for heating technology in Stuttgart, Germany, the family-owned company developed over nine decades into a world-renowned brand for cleaning technology.
Kärcher has been producing vehicle cleaning systems for over 40 years. In 1982, Kärcher developed the SHD-R 600, the first pump for self-service wash bays. Over the years, the Vehicle Wash division developed into a new Kärcher business unit and has been continuously expanded ever since. From 1993, Kärcher offered a gantry car wash system completely tailored to the customer.
In addition to innovation and a broad portfolio of over 3,000 cleaning and care products, sustainability also continues to play a central role.
Car wash operator Loogman introduces new subscription program
Loogman, a company that offers car wash and car care services in the Netherlands, has introduced a new subscription program, giving customers unlimited access to its car wash service for a fixed monthly price.
With the new Loogman Wasabonnement, customers can wash their car as often as they want using the brand’s wash program (Wasprogramma 1) at any of the company’s nine locations for €39 per month.
The system uses license plate recognition to identify subscribers automatically at the car wash entrance. In addition to unlimited exterior washes, members can earn reward points when they purchase additional services such as interior cleaning or Loogman’s wiper service.
For taxi drivers, Loogman has launched a separate plan priced at €79 per month, which allows them to wash their taxi once per day using the premium wash package.
Several speakers already lined up for Car Wash Show Europe 2025
Several speakers have already been set for this year’s edition of Car Wash Show Europe, which takes place Sept. 24-25 at EXPO Greater Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Speakers from across Europe will share their expertise on strategy, customer experience, growth and technology.
Among those sessions already scheduled include Brian Madderson from the United Kingdom’s Car Wash Association, Michael Mohalsky from MMCG in the Czech Republic, Paul de Vries of DCDW in the Netherlands, Haske Verhees of Carwashdeals.com in the Netherlands, Jan Nelissen of TOTE-M in the Netherlands and Lars Hecht of The Car Wash Doctor in Denmark.
Car Wash ‘Innovation of the Year’ awards for 2025 are for submissions
The Car Wash Innovation of the Year Awards 2025 are officially open for submissions. The awards recognize the most forward-thinking innovations in the car wash industry, celebrating advancements in sustainability, digitalization and technology.
The winners will be revealed during the Car Wash Innovation Awards Show on Sept. 23, the evening before the Car Wash Show Europe officially opens.
The categories are sustainable innovation; digital innovation: and technology innovation. Click here to make a submission. The winners will be determined by a 50/50 combination of jury scoring and public votes.
Appeal filed in denial of car wash in South Wales
Mahmmod Hussein Taha has filed an appeal against the Torfaen Borough Council’s refusal to grant change of use planning permission to allow a car wash to be built at a car park also used by a food van and a hairdresser.
The appeal claims allowing the car wash business would provide a “vital new source of income” to Pontnewydd Workingmen’s Club and Institute, in Cwmbran, a town in South Wales, England.
The plan was twice turned down as it was claimed it had failed to show there was sufficient space for vehicles to safely access and exit the site. Those concerns hadn’t been satisfied in a revised application rejected in March of this year.
Swiss company Riwax expands in Benelux with Altac as distributor
Riwax-Chemie AG, a Swiss-based company, will transfer the distribution of its car wash cleaning and maintenance products in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg to Altac Coating Group.
The change will take effect on July 1 and will be managed under a new company structure called Riwax Benelux B.V.
While the Dutch car wash market is quite developed, Riwax believes there is a strong demand for high-end products and believes with Altac’s customer network, it can reach more car wash operations.
British Columbia car wash notes Google review milestone and award
The Express Auto Wash in Surrey, British Columbia, recently passed 900 Google reviews with a 4.9 (of five stars) average rating. The site was also recently voted “Best Car Wash in Surrey.”
In a message on LinkedIn, Ayaaz Jamal, president of Express Auto Wash, wrote: “To the team: Your hard work and customer-first mindset continue to raise the bar. To our customers: Thank you for trusting us with your vehicles and for showing your appreciation through your reviews.”
Express Auto Wash has locations in Vancouver, Surrey, Coquitlam and Kamloops in Canada.
Car damaged at Bishop Auckland’s IMO Car Wash, County Durham
Glyn Davies, who is 74 and from Bishop Auckland, took his Ford Kuga car to the IMO Car Wash in the town’s Tindale Crescent a number of times before and had never experienced any issues.
But recently, Glyn was in the car wash when his Kuga suddenly veered left and smashed into the side of the car wash machinery. The car sustained a gouge mark along one side, and one of the wheel trims and tires was damaged.
According to a report by The Northern Echo, IMO and its insurer have accepted liability and said it will pay for all damages. IMO claimed an “emergency stop” was initiated by the car wash.
How car washes are fined £3 million a year for hiring illegal migrants to work
According to a report in The Scottish Sun, “dodgy” car washes hiring illegal migrants in Great Britian have been fined £12 million over the past four years by the Home Office – but most of it remains unpaid.
Businesses who pay the illegal migrants low wages are simply closing down or selling off their property after being caught to avoid paying the fines. Figures obtained by The Sun show the number of street corner firms fined has rocketed 800 percent since 2021, and £8 million in fines remain outstanding.
Government data says an eight-year high amount of fines were dished out in the first half of this year.
Planning Inspectorate backs car wash rejection in South Yorkshire
Wayne Hadfield had twice been rejected permission to turn land at Three T’s Business Park into a car wash in Blacker Hill, a small village in South Yorkshire, England.
The businessman then elected to appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate, which has the power to overrule the Barnsley Council. The Inspectorate, however, recently ruled in the council’s favor and dismissed Hadfield’s appeal.
According to a report in the Barnsley Chronicle, the Inspectorate noted no noise survey had been provided and, “The car wash is likely to utilize noise-generating equipment such as generators, jet washes and vacuums. Furthermore, there would be additional noise from engines and potentially music from vehicles.”
Tips on starting a car wash in Australia
With Australia’s passion for vehicles, increasing demand for eco-friendly services, and rising expectations for convenience, setting up a car wash is a smart investment.
As proud members of the Australian Car Wash Association (ACWA), CleanaWater offers guidance and sustainable solutions, helping you navigate everything from wastewater management to setup costs for your new car wash business.
CleanaWater offers a handy four-step guide to follow when thinking about starting up a car wash business in Australia – focusing on research, locations, equipment and costs.
Drivers warned Colwood car wash construction could cause delays
According to a report in the Victoria News, as work continues on what will be Canada’s longest express car wash tunnel, drivers can expect delays.
The developer of the new Speedwash site, located at 2357 Sooke Rd. in Colwood, British Columbia, is also constructing road improvements near the site.
The work, which is expected to take place up until July 14, includes curb, sidewalk, bike lane, street lighting, center median, boulevard landscaping and paving. Drivers have been advised to avoid the area or expect delays with a single travel lane in each direction.
Canadian car wash tunnel system market expected to grow significantly
A recent report by Market Intelligence Trends, indicates the Canadian car wash tunnel system revenue was valued at $1.5 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach $2.8 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.5 percent between 2026 and 2033.
With the rising number of vehicles in Canada, car wash tunnels are gaining popularity due to their ability to serve a large volume of cars with minimal manual labor.
As the market shifts towards automation and sustainability, companies that invest in developing and installing advanced car wash tunnel systems can capitalize on the growing demand.
Nearly 150 foreign nationals, three locals detained in Johor car wash raids
A total of 147 foreign nationals and three local men, all aged 21 to 57, were recently detained in a coordinated immigration enforcement operation at 64 car washes across Johor, Malaysia.
According to a report by Bernama.com, the operation involving several police agencies targeted non-compliance among operators as well offences involving undocumented migrants, drugs and online gambling.
Offenders face penalties up to RM100,000, jail sentences of two to five years and whipping for certain offences.
