The carwash market - France

The global carwash market is growing steadily, from $29.394 billion in 2021 to $37.526 billion in 2029, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1%. In France, the market is dynamic, with a strong preference for professional car washes. Demand analysis indicates that 52% of French motorists have used professional car washes, with the majority preferring specialized centers. The market structure is mainly segmented into high-pressure, roller and ecological car washes, with high-pressure washing accounting for almost half of the market.

As far as market trends are concerned, there has been a shift towards eco-friendly wash solutions due to concerns about water consumption. The summer of 2022 was marked by regulations restricting washing operations during heatwave periods. With raw material costs soaring in 2022, equipment prices, such as stainless steel, which rose by 58% per tonne, increased, impacting the market. Despite a slight disruption in 2020 due to COVID-19, the automotive maintenance and repair market (which includes carwashes) in France showed resilience, with a long-term growth trend of 36% in 9 years to 2021.

The French carwash market: sustained demand in the face of climate challenges and ecological considerations

The French carwash market reflects a dynamic and evolving industry, characterized by the French population's predilection for professional vehicle maintenance and cleanliness. With around 38 million vehicles on the road, the potential customer base for automatic car washes is considerable. Studies reveal a steady increase in the use of professional services, with around 52% of motorists opting for this convenience - a figure up on previous years.

Consumer behavior shows a clear preference for specialist car washes over those found in service stations or supermarkets. Interestingly, the frequency of visits also varies, with around 35% of users visiting carwashes at least once a month, while a majority prefer 3 to 6 visits a year. Given these trends, high-pressure carwash appears to be the first choice of French motorists, occupying almost 50% of the market. This popularity can be partly attributed to the fact that high-pressure carwashes offer a range of cleaning programs to suit different needs, with costs ranging from around 4 to 10 euros.

Roller washing, another preferred option, is faster and costs between 5 and 15 euros, offering consumers efficiency and cleanliness. What's more, French consumers are increasingly concerned about the environment. Ecological washing methods are gaining ground, combining minimal water use with natural cleaning agents. Although the price of these services is higher (between 30 and 120 euros), changing market dynamics indicate that consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for sustainable options.

In addition, the French carwash market is strongly influenced by weather conditions. Unusual weather events, such as unexpected snowfalls or the deposit of Saharan sand dust across France, have historically led to peaks in carwash demand. Such events underline the market's sensitivity to environmental phenomena.

The market is structured to accommodate both independent operations, which require considerable investment, and franchises, which require considerable investment.and franchises, which offer lower barriers to entry thanks to lower initial investments and established brand recognition. Nevertheless, ecological challenges and soaring raw material costs pose significant challenges for market players, underlining the need for sustainable practices and efficient resource management.

In summary, the French carwash market remains a high-demand sector, underpinned by consumer habits and a preference for professional services. The market is continually adapting to external factors such as climate, ecological concerns and economic fluctuations, which are reflected in the service offerings, pricing strategies and entry methods available to potential market entrants.

Leading carwash service providers revolutionizing the industry

The carwash sector is driven by dynamic players, each contributing to the industry in their own unique way. Here's a closer look at the notable companies steering carwash services toward growth and innovation:

• Éléphant Bleu: The carwash titan Éléphant Bleu is at the forefront of the European carwash market. Renowned for its remarkable capacity, it welcomes between 200,000 and 300,000 cars to its European stations every weekend. Éléphant Bleu has become a household name, earning the trust and support of countless vehicle owners looking for a comprehensive, efficient cleaning service.
• WashTec: The carwash innovator WashTec dominates the carwash equipment arena. The undisputed world leader, it employs over 1,800 people and has a vast distribution network supporting 40,000 installations in 80 countries. WashTec not only revolutionized the industry with the introduction of the gantry wash, but continues to play a leading role in research and development, shaping the future of the sector with its cutting-edge technologies.
• Ecolave: the ecological challenger Ecolave has established itself as the essential choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Specializing in ecological car washes and strongly committed to sustainable development, Ecolave uses natural products and a minimum of water. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative while aligning itself with green initiatives, making it an attractive option for responsible vehicle owners.
• CosmétiCar: A name synonymous with convergence CosmétiCar has attracted attention by combining the convenience of mobile services with environmentally-friendly practices. As the modern consumer seeks more personalized solutions, CosmétiCar delivers carwash services directly to the consumer's door, while respecting ecological standards and promoting water conservation.
• Autobella: The car detailing transformer Offering a comprehensive list of car care services, Autobella goes beyond traditional car wash offerings. Inspired by the American trend of "car beauty salons", Autobella offers premium services such as automated tunnels, thorough hand-cleaning and specialized treatments that restore a vehicle's radiance, positioning itself as a top choice for car care and beautification.

Together, these players contribute to the dynamism and constant evolution of the carwash market, each with its own strengths, customer base and approach to vehicle cleaning services. Their collective efforts not only serve millions of car owners, but also drive the industry towards greater efficiency.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 05/09/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Trends in the size of the carwash market
• Car wash habits
• Vehicle wash frequency
• Washing system preferences
• Preferences by wash location
• Criteria for choosing a carwash
• Google searches for "Car wash"
• Breakdown of different types of carwash in the automatic carwash market
• Growth in the number of motor vehicle maintenance and repair businesses
• Number of employees in motor vehicle maintenance and repair
• Change in average age of vehicle fleet at January 1
• Growth in sales (excl. VAT) in the motor vehicle maintenance and repair sector
• Evolution of the French car fleet