Fifteen new locations will join the fast-growing car wash chain, offering customers elevated experience and value
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 1st, 2024) – Whistle Express, a leading brand in the rapidly consolidating car wash industry, is significantly expanding its portfolio in the Carolinas with the acquisition of Fins Car Wash, whose 15 locations will be converted to the Whistle Express brand.
The newly acquired washes will more than double the brand’s presence in South Carolina's Greenville-Spartanburg and Charleston markets, as well as North Carolina's Triad, Raleigh and Wilmington regions. Whistle will now boast 31 locations across the Carolinas and 150 systemwide, making the company the 10th-largest car wash operator in the country, according to Conveyor Car Washes, and the second largest in its home state of North Carolina.
The new Whistle sites will significantly enhance accessibility for drivers throughout the Carolinas and elevate service standards with the brand’s cutting-edge conveyor belt technology, offering customers greater flexibility to personalize their wash experience according to their preferences.
“We’re thrilled to acquire the popular Fins Car Wash brand to increase Whistle’s presence in the Carolinas,” said Whistle Express CEO Jose Costa. “As we forge ahead in the car wash industry, we're setting new standards and redefining what it means to provide an exceptional wash experience, but our goal is simple – to deliver unparalleled service and an unforgettable experience to every customer who trusts us with their car wash needs.”
Each of the washes will be fully Whistle Express branded later this year and the transition will involve investing in state-of-the-art wash technology, updated signage, and a revamped customer experience. To mark these exciting transformations, the company will host grand opening events at each location. Once the washes are officially open, customers will be able to use the new Whistle Express app, which offers a loyalty program, family plans, wash books and competitive member benefits.
In addition to competitive membership pricing, Whistle Express customers can expect easy-to-use technology and menu boards, along with free self-vacuum stations, floor mat-cleaning machines, and towels and sprays, all of which deliver a seamless wash experience resulting in a spectacularly clean vehicle.
The car wash industry is undergoing rapid consolidation as investors see opportunities to take what has historically been a fragmented business comprised of thousands of independent operators and offer customers a more consistent, elevated experience. Whistle Express has grown to become one of the largest car wash operators in the U.S., with plans to more than double its size in the next couple of years.
All Whistle Express locations use state-of-the-art technology that reclaims 85% of the water used in a wash and uses 91% less water when compared with a home wash. Customers can also add affordable and effective treatments – like Rain-X® rain repellent for windshields or Armor All® protectants and sealants – to extend the life of their car’s exterior and protect against bugs, pollen and other elements.
About Whistle Express
With more than 150 locations and counting, Whistle Express leverages technology and innovation to deliver a premium experience that saves customers time, money – and their car’s paint job. Customers can take advantage of the brand’s Unlimited Wash Club Membership Program, plus free supplies and amenities including microfiber towels, vacuums and mat-cleaning stations, to save money while getting their cars squeaky clean. Last year, the Charlotte-based company received a majority investment from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. to fuel its accelerated growth plan. For more information, visit www.whistleexpresscarwash.com.