Car Wash Show Europe 2023 Recap

Over 2,600 visitors from 75 countries came to Amsterdam for Europe’s largest car wash show. Both exhibitors and visitors look back on a successful show, where they saw new innovations and had the opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas.

How was the first day?

Visitors from 75 different countries came to the show at EXPO Greater Amsterdam on Thursday, September 21. There was a lot to do and see on the show floor. Exhibitors from all over the world brought their innovations to the show, to promote their newest or most successful machines and products.

In the Innovation Alley, companies presented their innovations, which help improve all kinds of business processes. On the main stage, there were relevant knowledge sessions throughout the day, with current topics for car washes.

Trends in the industry

In one of the sessions, Eric Wulf (International Carwash Association UK), Brian Madderson (Car Wash Association US), Erik Stern (BOVAG) and Thomas Drott (BTG Germany) shared their knowledge about the trends, challenges and opportunities for the carwash industry at home.

They pointed out the differences and all that has changed since the 2019 car wash show. We’ve also heard about some interesting trends. In The Netherlands, 52 percent of car branche organization BOVAG members use license plate recognition in the car wash. Furthermore, indoor vacuuming is clearly on the rise. And almost every carwash company nowadays has a loyalty program and over 93 percent (in the Netherlands) offer wash passes.

Wrapping up Car Wash Show Europe

As was on the first day, there was plenty of activity at the rest of the show. In addition to the booths and the Innovation Alley, there were knowledge sessions on a variety of topics that will play an important role in the carwash industry in the future.

How to keep your staff

As in many other industries, car washes throughout the US and Europe are currently struggling to find and keep employees.

According to operations manager Suzanne Huisman of Blinkie Carwash in Maaseik, Belgium, it is important to find out exactly what motivates employees within your company.

“It is easy to give people you want to retain more money or have a bonus system, for example. My experience is: involve your crew, let them have their say and listen to their ideas. Ask them what tasks they like best to do within the company. Make sure you become a family. That’s the main reason we start every day together with a good cup of coffee. That way everyone stays involved and feels an indispensable part of the company," said Huisman. Blinkie Carwash, a family business, with a 50-meter chain lane, is considered the premier carwash in Maaseik, Belgium.

Soapytopia

Car washes that work fast, well, safely, customer-friendly and deliver top-quality wash results are plentiful. So what do you need to do for your carwash to be distinctive and successful? How do you become a formula that consumers prefer and they enjoy going to every week?

"Create a community!” said Anne Mauler, vice president of marketing at car wash formula Soapy Joe’s Inc. in San Diego, USA.

Started in 2011 with one location, the formula already has 30 car washes and soon wants to grow to 50. “We built Soapytopia,” Mauler told Car Wash Show Europe. This is a membership community in which members are tied to the carwash formula in every possible way.

“We want to be on your radio, we want to be in your phone, we want to be where you are”, said Mauler. "But it has to happen in a playful way. When we noticed our customers have more dogs than kids, we decided to start a campaign around a Magic Pet Parade. It resulted in 400 % more interaction and leads, compared to other campaigns. It’s important to create an emotional connection with your customers, to build a lasting relationship."

Innovation Alley

Surprises abound at the cozy Innovation Alley, where Holger Dziadek was eager to talk about his e-Scrubber+. A handy little wireless device with a powerful motor that was originally developed to rid swimming pools of algae but also turns out to be great for waxing and detailing.

“Here, just put your hand on this brush,” said the German entrepreneur as the device spun around. The motor turns out to be a reliable tool even at low rotation, something Asian car detailers find very important.

“In this way, you can apply multiple layers of wax much better,” said Dziadek.

Smart traffic light

The tiny one-person company e-Scrubber is a nice contrast to its neighbors from Parksol. A fast-growing Lithuanian IT company active in various automotive sectors (parking, car wash guidance, hospitals), Parksol is at the CWSE with a smart traffic light that indicates whether the wash bay is occupied or not. The Parksol Self-Service Car Wash Guidance System is “especially useful for businesses with multiple wash bays and a busy on-call,” said Kristina Šašilaitė, one of the company’s developers. A sensor sees if there is a vehicle in the box, then a red cross flashes on and the routing is adjusted if desired.

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