Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
- Canadian Car Wash Association | The CCA is dedicated to sharing knowledge and best practices, as well as promoting the benefits of professional car washing in Canada.
- Automotive Industries Association of Canada | The voice and resource that leads innovation in Canada’s auto care sector. An organization with 1,000s of members from coast to coast.
International Associations
- International Car Wash Association | A nonprofit organization whose members own, operate or support nearly every car wash business in dozens of countries. Explore ICA’s upcoming events here.
- International Detailing Association | The leading global association for professional detailing operators, suppliers, and consultants to the industry. Check out the Canadian chapter here.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
- Convenience & Carwash Canada | A widely-read Canadian magazine with articles about car washes, convenience, and petroleum retail. Published every other month.
- Convenience Store News Canada | A magazine aiming to connect and inform the convenience, gas and car wash industries across Canada and help drive your business success.Check out car wash specific articles here.
- Canadian Carwash Association Communique | An online platform providing centralized access to articles related to car wash businesses in Canada.
- Car Wash Magazine | The official publication of the International Carwash Association. Bundled annual rates available with the purchase of 10 or more individual subscriptions.
- Auto Laundry News | Auto Laundry News content ranges from technical information to "how-to" articles, new-product announcements, facility profiles, and industry-segment surveys. Published monthly.
- Professional Carwashing & Detailing Magazine | PC&D delivers usable information on carwashing and detailing consumer trends, business and employee management, problem vehicles, and the latest products and technology. Published monthly in print and online.
Consultant & Other Websites
- WashWorks Canada | An Ontario-based company with over 30 years of car wash experience offering consultation on design, equipment selection, operational strategies, service and maintenance.
- CarwashOS | Offers several programs for car wash professionals at different stages of their careers. Check out the programs page to download brochures and schedule a free consultation.
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Blogs & Discussion Forums
- Auto Dealership Industry Overview | This sample market research blog, prepared by our business librarians, provides a general industry overview and illustrates what you can gain from market research. For more current and relevant information, continue following this guide — it will lead you to industry-specific resources to help you carry out your own market research.
- CAR WASH podcasts | A podcast produced by the International Car Wash Association that provides interviews with leaders inside and beyond the car wash industry.
- Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast | Created by Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine to cover industry trends, ideas, and strategies to improve profits.
- The Detailing Business Class Podcast | Focuses on proven strategies and tactics for opening a successful auto detailing business.
- Car Wash Advisory Podcast | A podcast for more established car wash business owners interested in mergers, acquisitions, selling your business, and staying ahead of industry trends.
- Pints and Polishing Auto Detailing Podcast | “The most influential and listened to podcast for the Car Car Industry.” Provides fresh perspectives, motivational encouragement, and real talk.
- The Auto Detailing Podcast | Aims to provide free, quality information to people looking to start their own auto detailing business from experienced owner Jimbo Balaam.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.