Drivin' Through

One year ago (October 2014), this column carried the title “Tech Gets Scary.” We did not know the half of it. »

There have been occasions in the past when industry tradeshows have followed one another with such rapid succession that travel arrangements became a challenging endeavor.  »

It has taken some time, more than 15 years, but finally the International Carwash Association (ICA) and the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) have struck an accord.  »

“Smart coatings are coming and will open the way to more dynamic, higher performing products.”  »

“The Baby Boomers are coming.” That was the clarion call sounded some years ago by retailers and marketers alike in anticipation of that large demographic entering the consumer economy.  »

This one was different. Although back in familiar territory — Las Vegas — The Car Wash Show 2015 differentiated itself from previous shows in several ways. What really set this show apart, though, was the buzz.  »

At the end of March, engineers from Delphi Automotive declared themselves thrilled with the results of the first ever cross-country trip undertaken by an autonomous car.  »

In this year’s teaser for its annual event — in the form of an e-mail blast — the International Carwash Association poses a challenge to car washers everywhere with the question: “You think you know The Car Wash Show?” The ICA,... »

For some time there has been talk of the automobile becoming less relevant to young Americans. Studies have concluded that they are less enthusiastic about driving, that when they do drive they drive less than previous... »

New research by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) foresees large numbers of partially self-driving or autonomous cars with highway- and traffic-jam-autopilot functionality appearing on our roads by 2017. Fully autonomous driving... »

Those involved in the car wash industry are ever mindful of water. It is the one resource that operators cannot do without. »

The National Automobile Dealers Association’s (NADA) recently released forecast for 2015 covers several areas that impact the car wash industry.  »

Out and about on a Sunday afternoon with cloudless skies and mild temperatures: the ideal circumstances for a car wash. I had not planned on having the car washed, but on my way home I decided to stop in at the first wash I came... »

More than a year ago, in this space, I lamented the erosion of privacy. Not only are people becoming more comfortable living their lives in the public square, they seem also to accept, with little complaint, the collection of... »

Recently, two unrelated events came together for me as a single issue. First was a news item pointing to California’s record breaking drought and explaining how motorists could still responsibly wash their cars by utilizing a... »