Staff Reports
Continuing updates on the global car wash industry:
Parkin and CAFU introduce on-demand car wash in Dubai
Parkin, the largest provider of paid public parking in Dubai, has partnered with on-demand fuel delivery and vehicle services platform CAFU to launch the region’s first combined on-demand fuel and car wash service.
The initiative is now available across Parkin’s parking portfolio. Through the new service, customers can request refueling or a car wash while their vehicle is parked, either via a link sent through SMS or WhatsApp or in the future, directly through the Parkin mobile app. CAFU users will continue to be able to access the services through the CAFU app.
CAFU’s pressurized wash system is designed to lower water consumption, supporting the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030.
Tesco applies to open car wash station in Risca supermarket car park
Tesco has applied to install a car washing station in its Extra supermarket car park in Risca, a town in Monmouthshire, Wales, in the United Kingdom.
The firm has applied to Caerphilly County Borough Council requesting planning permission for a new jetwash to the store’s northeast. The station would be surrounded by 1.8-metre screens, and services there would include self-service jet washers, air and screen wash, and vacuum cleaners.
“The facility is in line with Tesco culture to offer their customers a range of services that provide their day-to-day needs,” the firm said in a statement submitted to the council.
Belfast firefighters host car wash fundraiser for food charity
Firefighters from Lisburn Road Fire Station in Belfast, North Ireland, have been praised for their community spirit after hosting a fundraising car wash in aid of food charity Foodstock.
Foodstock addresses poverty by providing essentials to low-income families and individuals in need, including food parcels, breakfast clubs and school uniforms. The event raised £1,026, which will provide healthy morning meals for children through Foodstock’s free breakfast program in local nurseries and primary schools.
Foodstock founder Paul Doherty said, “Our firefighters are true heroes in our community. They save lives every single day, yet all too often they are subjected to unacceptable attacks while carrying out their duties.”
Noise issues force new Colwood car wash to adjust late night hours
The SpeedWash Colwood in British Columbia officially opened to the public on Aug. 22. The new facility was marketed as Canada’s longest express car wash, and upon opening boasted 24-hour service.
However, that feature was not long for this world, as Colwood residents took to Facebook to complain about the noise generated by the car wash late at night. Some people even said it sounded like an air raid siren.
These complaints are the latest speed bump for SpeedWash, whose opening was delayed by nearly two months due to shipment delays of essential equipment. Colwood council took action, contacting SpeedWash and encouraging them to shorten their hours to 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Drivers warned against Tik Tok ‘car wash trend’ that can end up with costly repairs
Drivers in the United Kingdom are being warned against participating in a new Tik Tok trend in which TikTokers have been recording themselves climbing and dancing on their cars as they wash them in car washes.
According to a report by The Sun, the fan involves dancing, pressure-washing and even climbing on a car to the sped up soundtrack of Ellie Goulding’s “Lights.”
Experts explained how these actions could actually damage a vehicle. Drivers risk costly damage to their cars, including dents, cracked panels, and broken parts. One estimate for damage to roof tops ranges anywhere from £150 to over £1,000.
Car wash plan for historic Red Lion pub in Colnbrook
An application has been submitted to install a car wash at the rear of the historic Red Lion pub in Colnbrook, a village in Berkshire, England.
The Grade II-listed Red Lion on Colnbrook High Street is a 17th century timber-framed building, later re-fronted in the 18th century. It was once part of a network of coaching inns that thrived when the road formed part of the main London-Bath route. The building closed as a pub in June 2011 and more recently, in March 2022, its license was formally ended, allowing the premises to be used as a convenience store called the Red Lion Supermarket.
Now, a new application has been submitted to repurpose the vacant rear car park, a 413sqm area, into a car wash.
Brazil car wash and detailing services market poised for robust growth
According to Verified Market Reports, Brazilian car washing and detailing market is poised for robust growth through 2033, driven by a confluence of regulatory, environmental, and consumer-oriented factors.
Market drivers include tightening water use regulations under Brazil’s National Water Agency, spurring demand for low-water and waterless cleaning technologies. Additionally, government-backed sustainability incentives are encouraging small-to-medium businesses to adopt green operational models, aligning with Brazil’s national climate commitments.
Rising disposable income, particularly in urban regions, has also fueled consumer willingness to pay for premium detailing services – accelerating market value across metropolitan hubs. Emerging trends are centered around technological integration and evolving consumer behaviors.
Glasgow businesses, including car washes, hit with hefty fines after immigration raids
Businesses in Greater Glasgow, Scotland, have been hit with fines totaling over £330,000 after being raided for illegal workers.
The Home Office has named five companies that have been fined after being found to be employing staff who had no right to work in the UK between January and March this year.
Two of the locations were car washes – Foam & Away Car Wash on Millerston Street in Parkhead and Star Hand Car Wash & Valet Centre were hit with £40,000 and £120,000 fines, respectively. Three other businesses received fines totaling £175,000, also for immigration violations.
Australian car wash operator gets hit with $3,000 fine over outdated safety sign
One of the Australian Car Wash Association members recently contacted ACWA after being issued a $3,000 fine during a WorkSafe spot audit.
The operator – who asked to remain anonymous – explained that while the WorkSafe officer was complimentary about the site’s overall WHS standards (noting the operator believed he was quite fussy about WHS compliance), an outdated chemical storage sign was considered a non-negotiable breach.
“I thought I had everything covered,” the operator told ACWA, “but the fine shows how even the smallest detail can cost you dearly.” The event serves as a warning for all car wash operators. Even if you run a tight ship, small oversights can lead to significant fines.
European car washing system market is set to expand
According to a recent report by Verified Market Research, the European car washing system market size was valued at $3.3708 billion in 2024. It is projected to reach $5.3877 billion 2031, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.66 percent.
The market research industry is propelled by several key drivers that continue to shape its expansion and relevance across sectors. The exponential growth of digital data, fueled by widespread internet penetration, mobile usage, and social media engagement, has provided researchers with unprecedented access to consumer behavior and preferences.
Businesses are increasingly leveraging these insights to enhance customer experience, optimize product offerings, and fine-tune marketing strategies.
Doctor Carwash in Italy installs first detailing conveyor
Doctor Carwash, located in Brescia, Italy, has become one of the few car washes in the country to feature a full-length detailing conveyor system. The existing system, which had been in place for over 10 years, faced multiple challenges, leading to excessive downtime and ongoing maintenance issues.
Doctor Carwash, reached out to Ammeraal Beltech to explore options for renewing the detailing conveyor with a new uni-ACB plastic modular belt. At the time, Carwash Transmissies had just begun a partnership with Ammeraal Beltech to develop their own solutions for both dual-lane express washes and detailing conveyors.
One year later, the new conveyor system, installed with support from Maurice Piket Techniek, was successfully launched in early July.
Car Wash Show Europe 2025: Shaping the future of car wash
Amsterdam will soon be the meeting point for the international car wash industry. Car Wash Show Europe 2025 at Expo Greater Amsterdam brings together more than 3,000 professionals from over 70 countries for two full days of innovation, knowledge and networking.
With a pre-show program on Sept. 23 visitors can look forward to three days that combine business opportunities with practical insights. Visitors can explore the latest solutions from more than 50 international exhibitors, ranging from advanced wash systems and sustainable water and energy concepts to smart digital tools and payment systems.
The conference program features education sessions with over 20 experts sharing insights into customer loyalty, sustainability, marketing and efficiency.
Brit car wash bosses helped smuggle migrants into Europe
Video footage has emerged showing migrants being smuggled into Europe via lorry and boat, aided by a human trafficking operation run from a car wash in Wales, according to a report in The Daily Star. The video reveals one migrant hidden in the back of a lorry, while others are seen on the side of a speedily moving boat.
Dilshad Shamo, 41, and Ali Khdir, 40, raked in several thousands of pounds by assisting migrants from outside the EU – predominantly from Iraq, Iran, and Syria – to violate immigration laws and illicitly enter countries such as Italy, Romania, Germany, and Croatia.
The duo operated their scheme from the Fast Track Hand Car Wash on Pontygwindy Road, Caerphilly, between Sept. 30, 2022, and April 19, 2023.
South Korea commercial car wash system market is expanding
According to Verified Market Reports, the South Korea commercial car wash system market was valued at $700 million in 2022 and is projected to reach $1.1 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8 percent from 2024 to 2030.
The commercial car wash system industry in South Korea is driven by rapid digitalization, a tech-savvy population, and strong demand from businesses seeking consumer insights in a highly competitive and trend-sensitive market.
The rise of e-commerce, K-pop, and K-beauty has fueled the need for real-time data analytics, while government support for innovation and ESG compliance is pushing companies to invest in research-driven strategies.
Swindon car wash business fined £40,000 for hiring illegal workers
A Swindon car wash business has been fined £40,000 for hiring illegal workers. Swift Wash Car Wash at 44 Westcott Place was fined the hefty sum between January 1 and March 31, after a visit from immigration enforcement discovered the business had hired workers illegally. Swindon is a town in Wiltshire, England.
The business is listed under Swift Garage LTD on Companies House, and the director is listed as Noah Kailo. According to a report in The Advertiser, the site is now under new management.
Data about businesses fined for employing illegal workers is published by the Home Office four times a year and the latest report was released on Aug. 29.
Inverness car wash fined £45,000 by the Home Office
A car wash in Inverness, a city in the Scottish Highlands, has been fined for hiring illegal workers. IMO Car Wash on Longman Road was fined £45,000 by the Home Office for employing illegal workers.
According to the UK Government, employers can be sent to jail for five years and have to pay an unlimited fine if found guilty of employing someone they knew or had ‘reasonable cause to believe’ did not have the right to work in the UK.
Two businesses in Aberdeen were also fined, with Little Hong Kong receiving a fine of £135,000 and New Greenfern Chinese Takeaway fined £45,000.
Kilworth Car Wash’s green roof brings environmental and customer benefits
Kilworth Car Wash in Ontario, Canada, opened in 2022 and features four self-service bays and two automatic car wash facilities. Kilworth Car Wash also has a green roof – not a reference to color, but to the greenery which grows atop the building.
The owners said the idea of adding a green roof was something they did not consider at first until they saw how it would help integrate the building into the surrounding neighborhood and help with issues such as storm runoff and the operation’s water reclamation efforts.
The roof’s vegetation also helps in regulating the heating and cooling of the building, acting as a natural insulator. During the summer months, the roof cools a large part of the building, and in winter helps in keeping the operations warm.
