Around the Industry - February 2015 - Professional Carwashing & Detailing

Around the Industry – February 2015

Industry news and highlights from the car care industry.

Water reclaim system allows carwash to open during drought

WICHITA FALLS, Kan. — The city has said carwashes cannot be open on Mondays because of the drought’s strain on its water systems, but All American Super Car Wash has found a way around that, according to timesrecordnews.com.

The carwash has invested about $60,000 on two water reclamation units to reuse all water at one of its locations. The system allows it to remain open on Monday.

The closed-loop system allows the carwash to operate off of potable water. “We’ve cut our water consumption at this location maybe 50 to 60 percent from the previous month prior to having it,” shares general manager Jim Cadotte, in the article.

Cadotte adds in the article that his goal is to be “100 percent independent of city water at some point.”

New Clean Water Act standards restrict community carwashes

MARYSVILLE, Calif. — Many community-organized carwashes will no longer be allowed to operate due to new federal Clean Water Act standards, according to the Appeal-Democrat.

The carwashes must operate on “lots containing commercial carwashes that recycle soapy water or in open fields where water doesn't go into storm drains.”

Residents washing their cars in their driveways are not affected.

Yuba County is working to pass an amendment to its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System program to comply with the new regulation.

“Carwashes and how the state has defined them call it an illicit discharge,” states Dan Peterson, principal engineer for Yuba County, in the article. “Municipalities are required to go out and initiate enforcement.”

Peterson also shared the city will begin an education program to inform organizations like churches that the washes are no longer allowed at their locations.

Acura dealer named ‘Simply the Best’ detailer

MECHANICSBURG, Penn. — Bobby Rahal Acura has been recognized as “Simply the Best” by Harrisburg Magazine for outstanding auto detailing services, according to a press release.

The “Simply the Best” awards allow the magazine readers to identify top businesses in the area.

“We are dedicated to providing nothing but the highest quality auto detailing services to our clients, who take pride in keeping their vehicles looking good,” shares Jon Miller, general manager at Bobby Rahal Acura, in the release. “We’re very thankful for our clients’ support, and we’re honored to have been recognized as ‘Simply the Best’ Auto Detailer in the area.”

The dealership also earned awards in the Auto Dealer, Auto Service Department and Use Auto Dealer categories.

The company offers three detailing packages ranging from $71 to $255.

New owner giving wash a $700,000 makeover

TULARE, Calif. — The Tri-Star Car Wash will receive a $700,000 remodel when its new owner, Sam Siam, transforms it into a new Waterdrops Express carwash, according to the Visalia Times-Delta.

The 45-day project will remove the café and install 27 covered vacuum stalls and four pay stations. The site’s landscaping and the building’s exterior will also be changed.

Waterdrops also has locations in Dinuba, Porterville, Hanford and Oxnard.

“Tulare was one of the nicest cities,” Siam states in the article. “We always wanted to have a location there. We are happy to have a location there.”

The carwash will employ 12 people. It will be the second wash in the Del Lago Plaza shopping center when it opens.

Liv India plans to double locations

MUMBAI — Liv India Group will utilize the franchise model as a major vehicle to expand its car-cleaning outlets to 100 over the next year, according to ETAuto.com.

“Mechanized car-cleaning system is already a $5.97 billion business in the U.S. with more than 14,414 successful outlets and in India it is just at the threshold of picking up,” states Liv India management vice president Jasmeet Singh, in the article.

Carwash operations in India range from simple hand washes that often lack transparency, to sophisticated jet wash technology.

Liv India has two franchise models: Speed Wash, a stationed carwash, and Cozi Cars, a mobile detailing concept.

The company established its first location in 2011. It is optimistic about future profits as India’s car industry grows.

Carwash partners with dealership to give away car

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Northgate Express Car Wash ended its Christmas giveaway after three months when it awarded a car to the contest’s grand prize winner, according to a press release.

Camille North received an Audi A6 Quatro as the first place winner in the $15,000 I DID IT CLUB Christmas Giveaway.

Nineteen additional customers were also selected as winners of other prizes, including hotel stays, free carwashes and a home security system.

North calls winning the contest a miracle. “My car is in horrible condition. The windshield wipers don’t work, and I have been trying to see how to get a better car, but don’t seem to have the money for a car payment,” she shares in the release.

Right Price Auto partnered with Northgate to hold the giveaway.

Through the I DID IT CLUB Monthly Car Wash Club, members receive discounts for unlimited carwashes. The discounted amount is donated to a different charity each month.

Couche-Tard increases competition with acquisition

LAVAL, Quebec — Alimentation Couche-Tard has agreed to acquire The Pantry, according to retailwire.com.

The transaction will allow Couche-Tard a greater presence in the Southeastern and Gulf Coast regions of the U.S.

With the merger, the Canadian c-store’s number of locations will rival 7-Eleven.

7-Eleven operates about 8,700 stores in North America. With The Pantry acquisition, Couche-Tard will operate 7,815 stores.

Couche-Tard brands include Mac’s and Circle K as well.

The Pantry has lately focused on selling high-margin fresh food. Fuel sales account for the largest portion of its revenue.

Staten Island residents choose ‘Best Car Wash’

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Readers of the Staten Island Advance chose Armstrong Car Wash as the “Best Car Wash” in the 2014 Staten Island Readers’ Choice Awards, according to SILive.com.

More than 10,000 votes were cast in the “Best Shopping & Services” categories of the awards.

Armstrong Car Wash received 924 votes. Empire Car Wash was the first runner-up with 531 votes.

The second runner-up was H2O Auto Spa with 510 votes, and Euro Auto Spa received 255 votes for third runner-up.

Carwash veteran passes away

FENTON, Mich. — Ronald Bell, owner of Southern Pride Car Wash Systems, passed away Dec. 17 at the age of 74, according to an obituary.

Bell was recognized as a pioneer in the self-serve and touchless carwash industry. He also received the several association awards.

His company once sponsored NASCAR drivers Richard and Kyle Petty.

A memorial service was held Sunday, Dec. 28, at Temrowski Family Funeral Home.

Officials detect oil leak at area wash

SWANSEA, Mass. — An oil leak was found at Kwik Lube N Tune and Kwik N Kleen Car Wash, according to southcoasttoday.com.

A local resident reported a suspicious fluid coming from a catch basin at the site.

Conservation Commission agent Colleen Brown investigated the report and found possible oil in catch basins around the property.

According to the article, the oil could have leaked into the Coles River.

The Swansea Fire Department and Environmental Protection Agency were also alerted of the situation.

CORRECTION

In the December issue of Professional Carwashing & Detailing, we printed misinformation about driverless car crashes and an anti-collision theft mode. There is no anti-collision mode in vehicles; rather, when a vehicle is left in drive, it often locks up and it is difficult to get inside the vehicle to stop its movement.

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MPE partners logo

CLEVELAND and BOSTON — MPE Partners, along with its portfolio company Appearance Technology Group, announced the acquisition of P&S Detail Products.

Founded in 1961, P&S is a leading designer and manufacturer of branded, consumable car care liquid chemicals for professional and do-it-yourself users.

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Tint World opens new location in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Owners Scott and Susan Hellervik open Tint World Louisville, while planning two additional area locations.

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