Uncover Opportunities in a Stabilized Yet Competitive Car Wash Market

Over the past decade, the number of car washes per vehicle in Germany has declined by 25%. While the COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary dip, the market has since rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. Demand has stabilized, and despite fewer overall washes, car wash operators continue to benefit from rising prices—generating over €3.5 billion annually.

In 2023, German drivers visited automated car washes, service stations, and self-service wash bays more than 300 million times. When choosing a location, consumers prioritize high-quality results, modern equipment, cleanliness, and increasingly, environmental sustainability. Many state-of-the-art facilities now employ water-saving technologies and eco-friendly cleaning agents.

This detailed market report by BBE Automotive GmbH, Cologne, is based on surveys of 2,000 maintenance-responsible vehicle owners. It provides comprehensive insights into consumer behavior, spending patterns, competitive pressures, and potential for revenue growth across different regions.

Key Topics Covered:

• Is environmental sustainability a decisive factor for wash location choice?
• How is sustainability communicated in car wash marketing?
• What level of competition exists in the market?
• Why do customers choose specific wash facilities?
• What are the average customer expenditures?
• How are premium wash services perceived?
• What are the habits around interior vehicle cleaning?
• How interchangeable are wash facilities in the eyes of customers?
• What is the washing potential at your location?

Benefits for Readers:

• Identify regional differences and understand their implications.
• Evaluate your pricing strategy based on consumer willingness to spend.
• Detect emerging trends and developments early.
• Optimize your marketing for targeted outreach.
• Discover new revenue opportunities.
• Understand customer motivations to tailor your services effectively.

Study Objectives & Methodology:

The core goal of this report is to provide a detailed market analysis and identify strategic levers to unlock growth potential. It includes:

• In-depth analysis of car wash customer behavior.
• Insight into consumer attitudes and experiences with car washing.
• Calculations of regional washing potential.

Methodology:
A series of representative online surveys conducted annually among 2,000 car owners with maintenance responsibilities:

• January 2024
• January 2023
• January 2022
• January 2021
• January 2020
• January 2018
• January 2016