The Australian eco success story of 2007 continues to make inroads across the world, with waterless carwash franchise
ecowash mobile set to operate in 10 countries over the next two months.
The franchise made a strong foray into the global market last year, with master franchises established in France, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan and the USA to bolster their previous expansion into Saudi Arabia.
New Master Franchises will launch Greece, Turkey and Dubai next month, followed by expansion into Sudan in March and Switzerland in April. Two master franchises in California and Florida are also being discussed for May.
It has been an emotional and memorable year for managing director Jim Cornish, who has grown the operation with operations director Stewart Nicholls from a two car operation in 2004. After breaking the 50 barrier for mobile units on Australian roads during the year, Mr Cornish said the franchise had a projection of at least 80 on the road domestically by the end of 2008, with an overseas expansion more than 200 cars conservatively.
“Our overseas markets continue to grow dramatically. There is a shift in volume happening now which I expect to become even more pronounced. At the moment it is probably 80% Australia and 20% the rest of the world. But I expect it to be more like 50/50 by the end of December, and that is taking into account Australia continuing to expand. So our overseas markets are really set to accelerate.”
A car boot full of major awards last year was a head spinning bonus for the operation.
“Last year was easily the biggest in terms of recognition – In September we received the 2007 Australian Business Award for the Enterprise in our industry category and were named the 2007 Franchise Council of Australia Emerging Franchise System of the Year (NSW/ACT), as well as making the BRW Fast Starters list.”
Two new products are scheduled to enhance their existing service for 2008. A showroom finish designed as the finishing touch for their ‘extreme ecowash’ (deluxe service), will be available publically to put the gleam into already clean cars. The showroom finish will complement their move into showroom vehicle maintenance with leading dealers including Melbourne City Lexus as well as major motor show associations with leading manufacturer Hyundai.
An aluminium polisher for bullbars and other aluminium car components will also be released.
One final product still in the laboratory is set to be unveiled worldwide later in the year - a unique protection product that is a yearly treatment on top of their normal ecowash service.
After experiencing the most significant year in their short history, ecowash mobile is revving up for a big 2008.
23-Jan-2008