Staff Reports
Continuing updates on the global car wash industry:
German automatic car wash system market on the rise
A recent report by DataLoom Insights, indicates the German automatic car wash system market was valued at $500 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $800 million by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.3 percent between 2026 and 2033.
Tunnel-type automatic car wash systems dominate Germany’s market share, favored by commercial operators for high throughput and operational efficiency.
Southern Germany, especially Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, exhibits robust growth, driven by premium automotive clusters and urban density.
Deltic Wash Force announces addition of Lizzy Gareau
Deltic Wash Force, a provider of car wash solutions based in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, recently announced the addition of Lizzy Gareau as its financial controller.
In her role, Gareau oversees financial operations, including forecasting and reporting. She also brings a deep understanding of financial systems, which allows her to deliver valuable expertise and insight to the company.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Lizzy as part of our team,” said Brett Bunston, president of Deltic Wash Force. “Her leadership and financial expertise have played a pivotal role in supporting our growth.”
Canadian Carwash Association remembers its late chapter president
The Canadian Carwash Association is deeply saddened to share the news of the death of Nancy Rae Schmautz, an industry advocate, and long-time supporter of the CCA.
She was 68 and died in Calgary, Alberta. Schmautz was the first president and founder of the Western CCA Chapter. Schmautz championed such issues as water use and sewer discharge.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. July 29 at 106 Green Haven Ct., Foothills, AB. In honor of her deep love of birds and nature, the family kindly requests donations to the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area in lieu of flowers.
Maase Inc. to acquire stake in Chinese EV charging and car wash firms
Maase Inc., a Chinese financial technology company that provides services in insurance, claims adjusting and wealth management, has signed a non-binding framework agreement to acquire 100 percent equity of Qingdao Youdian New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and 49 percent equity of Qingdao Huijulaixi Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.
LaiXi, established in 2021, develops intelligent unmanned systems. The company has developed patented low-temperature car wash technology that operates at temperatures as low as -13°C without freezing.
Long-established Plymouth car wash hoping to stick around for good
A long-established car wash in Plymouth’s Millbridge area in England is hoping to stay for good. Plans are in to secure its future after more than a decade of operating under temporary consents.
According to a report in Plymouth Live, Superwash Millbridge Ltd., based in Stoke, has submitted a formal application to the Plymouth City Council for the permanent continuation of its car wash and valeting services.
The current planning permission expires on Sept. 24, 2025. Plymouth City Council is expected to consider the application in the coming months.
European automatic car wash machines market on the rise:
According to a recent report by Market Research Intellect, the European Automatic Car Wash Machines Consumption market was estimated at $3.5 billion in 2024.
The market is anticipated to reach $6.2 billion by 2031, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 8.2 percent during the forecast period (2025 to 2031). Driven by increasing industrial adoption and ongoing innovation in automobile and transportation applications, the market is expected to see substantial growth potential across the region.
Countries like Germany and the United Kingdom are investing heavily in smart systems and automation, while France and the Netherlands focus on sustainable and green technology integration.
Plans resubmitted for Middlesbrough car wash
Developers have resubmitted plans for a car wash in Coulby Newham in the Boroughof Middlesbrough in North Yorkshire, England. The plans for constructing a car wash facility in the Parkway Shopping Centre car park were initially rejected by the Middlesbrough Council in 2024.
According to a report by Teesside Live, rather than appeal the council’s decision, developers instead submitted the plans that include a new highways supporting document, which includes design revisions and management measures to address traffic congestion issues brought up with the initial rejection.
The council, or its planning committee, will now review the revised plans.
Wash Time car wash uses water from innovative purification system
A new water purification installation was unveiled recently at the Keiberg-Vossem business park in Tervuren, Belgium. Among the users of this innovative system is car wash, Wash Time, which now uses purified rainwater collected on site.
According to Car Wash Pro, the system uses a technique unique in Flanders. All rainwater at the business park is now collected in an “amphithewater” – a landscaped buffer basin that also serves as a recreational space for nearby residents and company staff.
As the water is naturally filtered and purified, it is either made available to nearby businesses or infiltrated into the soil to help replenish groundwater during dry periods.
How waterless car washes are saving millions of liters in Persian Gulf region
In a report from the Times of India, waterless car washes are emerging as an eco-friendly and efficient solution across Persian Gulf nations grappling with water scarcity.
The trend is driven by environmental concerns, government sustainability goals, and changing consumer habits in cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha. Startups and car care brands are capitalizing on the opportunity, offering convenient mobile services that save water and time.
The Gulf countries rank among the world’s highest per capita water consumers. With such alarming statistics, water conservation has become a national priority across the GCC.
Christ Wash Systems unveils automatic pre-spray system
Christ Wash Systems, based in Benningen, Germany, recently introduced its new Spraybar pre-spray system, designed to improve car wash efficiency.
The automatic system applies pre-wash cleaner to vehicles as they enter the wash hall, covering the front, sides and rear, without requiring additional personnel. By easing the workload for staff, the Spraybar system helps optimize operations. As customers pay, the cleaner begins working, loosening dirt and enhancing the wash’s results.
It also ensures the driver’s side window stays dry, allowing customers to easily open their windows for payment, without water getting inside the car.
Two arrested following immigration raid at Dorset car wash
Police and immigration enforcement officers made a pair of arrests recently at Ferndown Car Wash in West Ashley, a village in Dorset, England.
Two people, who were identified as nationals of Afghanistan and Iraq, were arrested after being found to be working in breach of their bail conditions.
According to the Dorset Echo, the incident is the second reported immigration raid at this car wash this year after three men were arrested at the site for illegally working in February.
CARSTAR car wash supports Cystic Fibrosis Canada
CARSTAR Hamilton’s Rymal branch recently hosted its annual Soaps It Up Car Wash in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. With cars lining up, grills fired up, and families turning out in full force, the event raised $1,800 for the cause.
With the help of local teens, first responders, and even the Hamilton Tiger Cats’ mascot, Stripes, the event brought the community together for a fun day of car washing, BBQ, face painting, and door prizes.
Police cruisers, fire trucks, and even a few Corvettes joined the lineup, while families enjoyed grilled burgers, hot dogs, and cold drinks.
Car Wash ‘Innovation of the Year’ awards for 2025 open 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.
Johor to revoke licenses of car wash operators who cater only to foreigners
Local authorities in Johor Bahru plan to revoke the business licenses of car wash operators who refuse to serve Malaysians and cater only to foreign customers, especially from Singapore.
Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said he viewed such behavior seriously, following viral social media posts alleging that a car wash outlet in Johor Baru prioritized Singaporean vehicles.
He said the state government would direct local councils to investigate such businesses and take firm action if the discriminatory practice continues, The Star reported.
Loogman adds flower kiosks to enhance car wash customer experience
Loogman Carwash has introduced flower kiosks offering fresh bouquets across locations in the Netherlands, aimed at elevating the car wash experience.
Thanks to a collaboration with Daily Flowers, several Loogman locations now host refrigerated vending machines where customers can conveniently purchase flowers at any time. The initiative brings together clean cars, convenience, and a touch of joy, aligning with the company’s mission to make each visit more than just a routine stop.
The Daily Flowers kiosks are already available at four locations while a new kiosk will be added to its tanken & wassen Aalsmeer facility, when upgrades finish and it reopens in October.
State planners urged to reject ‘outrageous’ $3.5 million Australian car wash
State planners have been urged to reject a $3.5 million car wash proposed for Fremantle’s South Terrace that has been described as “outrageous” by City of Fremantle councilors, a report in Perth Now says.
The development is proposed for 234 South Terrace in South Fremantle, owned by Glowmark Nominees, and will require the demolition of a building on that site. It will have three self-closing car-wash bays, four vacuum car bays, and a dog wash.
The city received 91 submissions when the proposal was advertised for comment, with 81 objections, mostly involving concerns over increased traffic and noise.
Car wash development plans move forward in Qualicum Beach
A development permit was recently approved for a car wash with a detailing shop and vehicle storage at 127 and 131 Fern Rd. in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada.
The permit is subject to a number of revisions. Those revisions, recommended by the Advisory Planning Commission, include the removal of the Fern Rd. East exit, replacing off-street parking spaces in front of the building along Fern Road with a sidewalk, and some additional landscaping.
The development permit application was approved unanimously, with a building permit still required prior to the start of construction.
Wanneroo, Australia, set for new $2.5 million gym and car wash development
Butler Boulevard in Wanneroo, Australia, is continuing to take shape, with plans for a 24-hour gym and car wash the latest development being proposed, according to a report in Perth Now.
The proposed site of the $2.5 million development includes a Ryderwear gym with a two-story building and 40 carparking spaces. The car wash will feature three automated bays, two manual bays and two vacuum stations. The gym and car wash are intended to operate 24 hours, seven days a week.
City residents are being asked to provide feedback on the proposal.
Jarrow car wash plans rejected over noise and safety concerns
Plans to convert a private car park in Jarrow, a town in South Tyneside, England, into a car wash and valet service have been scuttled over noise and safety concerns.
The South Tyneside Council’s planning department recently rejected an application for the land next to Jarrow Civic Hall, according to a report from Chronicle Live. During a council consultation process on the plans, there was public opposition with 13 letters of objection.
The complaints encompassed “limited parking” in the vicinity, congestion and traffic problems, heightened noise and disruption, the removal of the current car park, a reduction in property prices, and the presence of comparable car wash operations in the locality.
Clearwater Car Wash launches third annual ‘Wash Away Hunger’ campaign
Clearwater Car Wash, located in St. Albert, a city in Alberta, Canada, is gearing up for its annual ‘Wash Away Hunger’ campaign, where it collects donations for the St. Albert Food Bank.
The third annual campaign will run the entire month of August, and the car wash will accept monetary donations on behalf on the St. Albert Food Bank as well as non-perishable food items and unexpired products. The car wash collected $1,300 in donations plus food items in its first year and jumped to over $8,900 in monetary donations plus three full bins of food in 2024.
On Aug. 29-30, there will be food trucks on hand, and a ‘spin to win’ for people who donate, with various prizes, including free car washes.
CGS Car Cleaning in Belgium uses smart battery to boost sustainability
CGS Car Cleaning in the Belgian village of Leffinge has installed a smart battery system to store solar energy generated by the car wash’s rooftop panels. The goal is to optimize electricity use and reduce the business’s environmental footprint.
The battery allows CGS Car Cleaning to store energy and use it later, helping the site operate more sustainably. Fifty extra solar panels were recently added, positioned to maximize output during evening hours in the off-season.
The new battery comes from Chinese manufacturer SAJ and is the first of its kind installed in Belgium.
UNITI Expo 2026 to host global stage for the car wash sector
Ahead of 2026, the next edition of UNITI Expo is gaining momentum with the car wash and car care themed area primed to be more successful than ever. The area is attracting strong international interest, especially from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States.
To meet the high demand for exhibition space, the car wash and car care area has significantly expanded to a record 16.500 m² in 2026.
The 2024 edition brought together 126 car wash exhibitors from 25 countries in Stuttgart (Germany), making UNITI Expo the largest car wash trade fair in Europe. In 2026, all presentations of the Carwash Forum in German and English will again be simultaneously translated.
Evaluating the state of the Canadian car wash industry
The Canadian car wash industry is a steadily growing sector, expected to generate approximately $1.5 billion in revenue in 2025. It includes a mix of in-bay automatic washes, conveyor systems, self-service bays, mobile services and full-service detailing, according to the Canadian Carwash Association.
Over the last decade, the industry has evolved to meet the changing needs of consumers, particularly with a shift toward convenience and automation.
In-bay and tunnel washes have gained popularity, and operators are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices to align with consumer expectations.
Week-long crackdown on illegal workers targets car washes in Great Britain
The Car Wash Association said it welcomed a recent week-long nationwide crackdown by the Home Office on illegal worker hotspots, which included car washes.
In addition to approximately 280 arrests during Operation Equalize, more than 50 businesses, including car washes, were issued civil penalty referral notices, which could lead to large fines if they are found to have employed illegal workers.
The CWA is calling on tougher penalties, such as businesses being suspended from operating until their fines are fully paid.
State planners back $3.5 million car wash for Fremantle despite council rejection
State planners have approved a car wash in South Fremantle at what has been described as a “landmark site” over the objections of local residents and the council, according to a report by Perth Now.
The proposal for a $3.5 million car wash received more than 80 objections when it was advertised for comment and unanimously rejected by the City of Fremantle last month. But the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel approved it 3-2 at its July 30 meeting after a motion to reject it was lost 2-3.
The development plan calls for three self-closing car-wash bays, four vacuum car bays, and a dog wash.
Two car washes each fined £180,000 by Home Office for illegal workers
Clean Car Centre Car Wash in Coventry and Bubbles Hand Car Wash in Edinburgh were both fined £180,000 by the Home Office.
Officials regularly ‘name and shame’ companies that have been employing staff with no right to work in the UK. Working unlawfully has been cited as a major factor in drawing illegal migrants to Great Britain. It has prompted the Home Office to hike fines to £45,000 per worker and carry out more raids across Coventry and the West Midlands.
Figures revealed that more than 200 UK businesses were fined for employing illegal workers between October and December 2024.
Asia Wash expanding its presence in Europe
Asia Wash, a Taiwanese car wash manufacturer established in 1985, is expanding its presence in Europe. The company combines Taiwanese technical expertise with Chinese production capabilities, an approach reflected in the concept of ‘Taiwan tech, China made.’
Asia Wash first sold tunnel models in Europe in 2023, in Germany. After participating in the same year at the Car Wash Show Europe they also delivered tunnel models to Spain.
The company offers rollover models, tunnel machines, touchless systems, bus and truck washers, train washers and unattended solutions, designed to meet a wide range of operational needs.
Australian car wash showcase expands to two new cities this October
Following packed-out events in Brisbane and Perth last year, Rinse! – the Australia Car Wash Association’s signature car wash showcase – is going trans-Tasman and heading south, with Auckland and Melbourne joining the tour for the first time in October 2025.
The event has become a favorite on the ACWA calendar, combining practical supplier insights with relaxed, no-pressure networking in a format that’s fast, friendly, and fluff-free.
Designed for both new and experienced operators, Rinse! is about giving attendees a chance to see what’s new, meet the right people, and soak up smart ideas to take back to their sites.
