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A waterless, environmentally-friendly car washing service is being launched in Bahrain in a bid to save water and provide jobs for Bahrainis.
The mobile service, Ecowash, is the first of its kind in the kingdom and officials believe it will prove a hit with motorists at the same time as saving hundreds of gallons of precious water.
"I have lived in Bahrain for 28 years and I've seen it move from a green and lush island to concrete-covered and dry," explained managing partner, Brian Davis.
"There have been water shortages in the recent months so anything anyone can do to save water and protect the environment is a good thing.
"It's taking a step towards changing mindsets and making the idea of conservation fashionable."
Developed in drought-stricken Australia by two racing car drivers, the service has been internationally franchised and has taken off in desert countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The new service utilises a polymer compound product which lifts the dirt from the surface of the car and leaves a fine layer of polish which is wiped away to leave a gleaming and protected surface.
"The Ecowash process is totally waterless and scratch-free," said Mr Davis. "Because we are waterless it can be performed anywhere, anytime. We come to you and clean and polish your car so you don't have to do it in your spare time or put your valuable asset at risk from amateur car-washers.
"People here love their cars and this service allows us to look after them and keep them in sparkling condition for longer."
A fleet of orange cars and teams of trained operators are on call 24 hours a day.
Bahrain's car showrooms have already snapped up the service; Ecowash teams have been polishing the gleaming bodywork of scores of Rolls Royces and Bentleys at the Zayani showroom.
As the company grows, officials hope to attract Bahrainis to open their own sub-franchises.
"We want to support Bahrainis and put them in business," said Mr Davis. "We intend to set up Bahraini entrepreneurs who lack start-up capital, by offering exclusive territories, training, equipment, as well as specialised vehicles in order for them to run their own businesses.
"Experience has shown that such a business model has a far higher than average success rate, we can therefore help those with ambition to succeed where otherwise they might not get the chance."
Mr Davis also said he does not want to put Bahrain's legions of street car-washers out of business.
"There is still room for them because between ecowashes a damp cloth or chamois can be run over the bodywork," he said. "Or they can also open their own franchise."
Ecowash offers a number of services from the 'basic Ecowash' priced at BD4.5, a 'premium Ecowash' that includes the interior of the vehicle priced at BD8.5, to the extreme Ecowash which includes bumper renovation and mirror finish, priced at BD15. Personalised packages are also available.
For more information call 17400277 or visit www.ecowash.com.bh.
