News (2023)

A new page for a new year! This is where we'll be posting all the new stories for 2023! If you have any news you want to contribute, leave a comment in the section at the bottom of the page!

## M'Nex 22 for Mobil Takapuna

Another Mobil upgrade has taken place in 2023, as seen in new Google Streetview imagery. Mobil Takapuna has received a brand new Istobal M'Nex 22, replacing a Washtec SoftCare Intro.

(30/12/2023)

## Z orders 9 x Istobal M'Wash 3 Pro's

Z Energy will install 9 brand new Istobal M'Wash 3 Pro's in the first half of 2024, as part of an ongoing carwash upgrade program for the NZ-based fuel supplier. Thanks to a contact, I have permission to announce which of the 9 locations will be receiving these new machines! The new washes will be the first machine in the "M'Wash" series to appear in New Zealand. All will be configured solely as brush washes, with no combiwash or touchless option. This is similar to how Z's M'Nex 32's from the 2022-23 wave of the program were set-up.

Sandringham seems an interesting choice, given the Washtec machine there isn't that old and is a Combiwash, however it is reported by some that this machine has some mechanical faults that have expedited the need for replacement. Also, Charlton Corner is a sad one to see go, as it is Z's only SoftCare "Juno" model, but it is getting on a bit in years now, being 15 years old.

(16/12/2023)

## M'Start for Caltex Cavendish

New Google streetview has revealed that an Istobal M'Start has been installed at Caltex Cavendish in Manukau, Auckland. This new machine replaces an Istobal M'Nex 25 from around 2014-15. Considering that the M'Nex 25 was a combiwash, the move over to a fairly basic M'Start (even if it is fitted with all available features) certainly seems like a downgrade. The new machine is more less identical to one installed in 2020 at Caltex Springs Road, with a mixed White & Red gantry combined with Red & Grey striped brushes. Prior to the M'Nex 25, this site operated a Ryko Monarch II Touchless. The removed M'Nex 25 was one of only 4 installed in New Zealand, so losing it is very disappointing.

The only streetview of the new machine currently available isn't the closest, so we'll have to wait for the closer road to be updated by Google before getting a proper look.

(16/12/2023)

## Fastlane Car Wash opens in Timaru!

A brand new car wash facility has opened this week in Timaru, Fastlane carwash. The site features 5 self-serve bays and one automatic Touchfree wash, which is a Petit Accutrac 360i, and is only the second machine of this type to be installed in New Zealand so far. The new machine uses blue wash towers with custom signage on the gantry. Off-board drying is the only configuration offered for this machine.

(8/12/2023)

## Last BP-style Premier XL is gone!

Sadly, I must report that the last Ryko Premier XL built to BP-specifications is no-more. BP 2go at 163 Tay Street, invercargill, held the last example of a Premier XL featuring BP-design (with green brushes). The petrol station closed permanently at the end of June 2023. The car wash was decommissioned, and according to one source is likely being scrapped and sold as "spare parts".

There are now only 3 remaining Premier XL's still in New Zealand, all of which are Mobil Examples. One of these is also located in Invercargill, but as google streetview of it hasn't been updated since 2019, I'm unsure if it remains.

## BP Connect Whangaparoa - Upgraded!

BP has upgraded their Connect site on Whangaparoa Road, Whangaparoa, Auckland, with a brand new Washtec SoftCare2 Pro Silverlight replacing a Washtec SoftCare Pro. As per usual, it is once again the now-standard grey machine featuring BP Connect's "Ultra Wash" package. Google Streetview taken in February 2023 shows the replacement mid-progress, with the new machine waiting to be installed.

## BP Connect Cumberland Ave - Upgraded!

BP has upgraded their Connect site on Cumberland Ave, Dunedin with a brand new Washtec SoftCare2 Pro Silverlight replacing a Washtec SoftCare Juno. It's another of the now-standard grey machines featuring all the bells & whistles, with BP Connect's "Ultra Wash" package.

(11/9/2023)

## Z Valley finally on Streetview!

The car wash upgrade at Z Valley, Dunedin, was announced in late 2021 and commenced in 2022. It was one of 8 locations picked to recieve a brand new Istobal M'Nex 32 softwash, with dark blue brushes. New Google Streetview has finally come to Dunedin, revealing the new wash! This replaces a WashTec SoftCare Pro, which was installed by shell in 2008-9, replacing an old Ryko.

(9/9/2023)

## Secondhand SoftCare for BP Connect Bush Inn

BP Connect Bush Inn, located in Christchurch, has recieved a secondhand WashTec SoftCare Pro, retrofitted with Silverlight & BP's UltraWash program. This replaces another SoftCare Pro, which itself replaced a CK30. The choice to go with a secondhand wash is interesting, as this site was one of only two BP connect locations, known to have had machines using the old-style brush colours (Green, Yellow and Purple) instead of green stripes. The only other known example, found in Paraparaumu, Wellington, also got a secondhand machine recently instead of a brand new one.

(25/8/2023)

## Matamata opens NZ's first Karcher Kleenstar iQ

Matamata Car Wash Centre seems to have a history of rare car washes! Having first had a less-rare Ryko excel, the site got NZ's only ever Ryko SoftGloss Maxx in 2012. Sadly, the Maxx was written off in 2023, following a vehicle collision. The replacement wash is a brand new Karcher Kleenstar iQ. The model has been proving popular in European markets (including a major contract with Shell in the UK), but this is the first known example of its kind in NZ. Only one other Karcher car wash (a CB3) has been found at a public car wash in NZ, located at a car wash centre in Morrinsville. The new Kleenstar iQ features plain black brushes and a dark grey frame, which is the standard, base-colour scheme for the model.

(22/8/2023)

## M'Nex 22 for Mobil Aranui

Ongoing Mobil wash replacements continue, with new Google Streetview taken in July 2023 capturing the replacement of the car wash at Mobil Aranui, located in New Brighton, Christchurch. The site is a "Wash'n'Run" branded site, and previously operated a Washtec SoftCare Evo, but is now receiving a brand new Istobal M'Nex 22 as a replacement for the original mid-2000s Washtec.

(22/8/2023)

## Petit Accutrac 360-i comes to Palmy in NZ First!

A new type of Touchless car wash has come NZ, with Swish Car Wash in Palmerston North introducing a brand new Petit Accutrac 360-i. This system (made in the USA) features two moving side-wash arms with a static top arm. This design, which is different from the classic single L-shape arm used on most NZ touchless systems, is supposed to help reduce the cycle time of the wash. Another unique feature of this system is the off-board dryers, meaning the the car must drive through the wash bay exit to be dried - a feature that is common in North America, but almost never heard of here in NZ.

The new wash replaced an original-version Washworld Razor. The site's other automatic bay retains the existing Istobal M'Nex 22 that has been here for a few years.

(29/7/2023)

## BP Connect Hoon Hay Upgraded

This news is courtesy of Washtec Softcare Juno Guy (YouTube & Instagram). BP has upgraded their Takapuna Connect site on Wairau Rd with a brand new Washtec SoftCare2 Pro Silverlight replacing a Washtec SoftCare Pro from 2014, which itself replaced a Washtec CK30.

(6/5/2023)

Photo by: Washtec Softcare Juno Guy
## Further Additions to the M'Wash family

Istobal have announced two further machines being added to the new M'Wash family of machines. After having previously announced the M'Wash 3 Pro and launching the M'Wash 4, we now have the next two washes in the line up - M'Wash 3 and M'Wash 2. These new machines are intended to eventually replace the current M'Nex 22 and M'Start machines.

With these new washes, we can now take a look at the current full M'Wash Line-up

**M'Wash 2:** A basic 3-brush wash designed as a replacement to the M'Start

**M'Wash 3:** Standard 3-brush wash, the standard version of the M'Wash 3, designed as a replacement to the M'Nex 22

**M'Wash 3 Pro:** Premium version of the M'Wash 3, designed as a replacement to the M'Nex 32

**M'Wash 4:** This is a brand new premium 3-brush machine, designed to have all the latest technology on offer.

(27/4/2023)

M'Wash 2M'Wash 3M'Wash 3 ProM'Wash 4
## 360plus for Caltex Hastings

New Streetview taken in October 2022 reveals that Caltex Hastings has replaced it's 2013 Laserwash with a new 360plus model. It's not easy to spot right away, but the presence of 4 angled dryers/blowers gives it away as being a 360plus. The new wash replaces an original Laserwash 360 that was installed in 2013 to replace a Mark VII Merchandiser Touchless system.

(25/4/2023)

## New Istobal Product - M'Wash 3 Pro

Istobal has announced another new machine for their new "M'Wash" series. The new M'Wash 3 Pro comes in, following the successful launch of the M'Wash 4 in 2022. The M'Wash 3 Pro follows the same basic gantry design of the M'Wash 4, but has scaled-down features, such as using the existing M'Nex-series dryer instead of the new rotating dryer seen on the M'Wash 4, and does not have the raise-and-lower side dryer manifolds. It will, however, incorporate some of the other existing features, such as Infinate Mousse. The new machine is essentially a replacement for the current M'Nex 32 and Flex 5 machine (with a 5-Brush version expected to come soon), and therefore uses a lot of the features currently present in both machines.

The new M'Wash 3's defining feature, is the new "ColourFest" design, which allows for some beautiful colour-based customization options for the gantry, including the vinyl on the fairings and the colours of the brushes.

Whilst there are currently no machine in the M'Wash Family in use in NZ, Istobal remains one of the country's most popular car wash brands, with Mobil, NPD, Z, Caltex & Challenge all operating a variety of Istobal Machines, alongside many private car wash operators. The higher-spec M'Wash 4 has also recently seen it's first example in Australia, so it is hoped that one or both of these new models will make it to NZ soon.

With the M'Nex series still in production and still looking modern with its sleek designs, it can be hard to remember, sometimes, that the N'Nex range has been around for over a decade now, so it probably is time to move on to a newer range of machines. I estimated at the time the M'Wash4 was launched that we would likely see further models come into the M'Wash Range as they group gradually launches new models to eventually replace M'Nex altogether, and this serves to prove that theory likely being right.

(14/4/2023)

## BP Connect Takapuna Upgraded

BP has upgraded their Takapuna Connect site on Wairau Rd with a brand new Washtec SoftCare2 Pro Silverlight replacing a Washtec SoftCare Pro from 2010, which itself replaced a Washtec CK30.

(10/4/2023)

## BP Connect Taupo Upgraded

BP has upgraded their Taupo Connect site with a brand new Washtec SoftCare2 Pro Silverlight replacing a Washtec SoftCare Pro from 2012, which replaced a Washtec SoftCare Juno. No photos (yet) for this one, but i have this news on good authority from a reliable source!

(4/4/2023)

## BP Connect New Lynn Upgraded

BP has upgraded their New Lynn Connect site as well, with a brand new Washtec SoftCare2 Pro Silverlight replacing a Washtec SoftCare Pro from 2012, which replaced an early Juno before that,

(3/4/2023)

## BP Connect Newmarket upgraded

This one was a surprise! BP Connect Newmarket, Auckland is next to be upgraded to a brand new Washtec SoftCare2 Pro Silverlight. This is replacing a Washtec SoftCare2 Juno, which actually wasn't that old, having replaced an older Juno only in 2015-16, so I was shocked to find that this has already been replaced. As expected, the new wash features all the bells & whistles, with BP Connect's "Ultra Wash" package. Engineers can be seen installing the new wash in brand new Streetview taken in February 2023.

(3/4/2023)

## BP Connect Mt Wellington upgraded

The next BP Connect upgrade has been confirmed via Google Streetview, with another brand new Washtec SoftCare2 Pro Silverlight, replacing a Washtec SoftCare Juno from around 2012-13. As expected, the new wash features all the bells & whistles, with BP Connect's "Ultra Wash" package.

(3/4/2023)

## Waitomo Ruakura now open!

Here's one we missed from back in December! Waitomo has opened their brand new flagship service centre in Ruakura, Hamilton. The new location has been built to compliment the new State Highway 1 Motorway, which opened last year also. As per previous Waitomo builds, the site has a brand new PDQ Laserwash 360plus touchless car wash with LaserGlow.

(27/3/2023)

## Upgrade for BP Connect Glendene

BP has installed a brand new Washtec SoftCare2 Pro Silverlight at their BP Connect site in Glendene, West Auckland. The site previously had a SoftCare Pro that was installed in 2013-14 as a replacement for the original CK30. This replacement is a little surprising given the previous wash had actually been refurbished & upgraded ultra wash specifications.

(24/2/2023)

## M'Nex 22 for Waipukurau

Mobil has upgraded the car wash at it's location in the small North Island town of Waipukurau with a brand new Istobal M'Nex 22. The site was originally home to an Istobal M10, but was upgraded around 2014 with a Washtec SoftCare Evo. Now, the site has been upgraded again with the new M'Nex 22.

(5/2/2023)

## Surprise Washtec for Mobil Wairoa & Ryko Excel Extinct!

Mobil are known for their Istobal and PDQ purchases, but a surprise and rare installation has come to Mobil Wairoa, with a grey Washtec SoftCare2 Pro with black brushes. The site has always been an unusual one, having previously had an equally rare Ryko Excel. Why this install has been done I am not sure. Wairoa is a small town and is likely a franchise-controlled site. Neither the original nor the re-painted wash bay match the normal colours of Mobil's wash bays.

This upgrade does mean that the excel is sadly now Extinct in New Zealand.

(20/1/2023)

## Tracer for Bulls!

Mobil are completing a full renovation of their site in Bulls - home to the towns only Car Wash. As par tof this renovation, the car wash has been upgraded to a brand new Istobal Tracer Touchless system, an interesting choice given in past years Mobil have reserved touchless washes specifically for their "Wash'n'Run" branded sites, which this is not. This is now the third Tracer to be installed by Mobil. The old machine was one of the last remaining Ryko UltraClean's in NZ, and this upgrade does mean that there are, alarmingly only two left. Sadly, there is a real chance that the type may well be extinct by the years end.

(18/1/2023)

## M'Nex 22 for Palmerston North

Mobil's only car wash in Palmerston North has been upgraded as part of a full renovation of the entire forecourt. The new machine replaces a Washtec SoftCare Intro, which was installed secondhand in 2019 to replace a Ryko UltraClean. The Intro itself was a very old machine (the model was only produced from 2002 to 2005 before being replaced by the SoftCare Evo), so the new M'Nex 22 will be a welcome upgrade.

(18/1/2023)

## BP Palmy next on the list!

BP Connect Palmerston North is the next BP Connect to recieve a new Washtec SoftCare 2pro Silverlight, this time replacing a SoftCare Juno (and before that was a CK30). This has been confirmed by new Google Streetview images taken in October and released just this week. The other BP car wash in Palmerston North is a BP 2go, which has a SoftCare 2pro Combiwash (also Silvelright), however as this new one is a Connect, it is only a standard soft-wash only 2 pro.

(18/1/2023)

## Two more BP upgrades!

Today I can confirm another two BP Connect locations have been upgraded with new Washtec SoftCare 2pro Silverlight's. Both are the same as those we've been seeing installed gradually throughout last year. The two upgrades are:

* Te Irirangi Dr, Auckland, replacing older SoftCare Pro - confirmed via Google Streetview.
* Cumberland St, Dunedin, replacing SoftCare Juno - confirmed via contact.

Thus far, only the Auckland upgrade appears on Streetview

(8/1/2023)

## Gull Gore closes

Gull's petrol station in Gore has closed down, according to a source. The site was originally a Mobil with an Istobal M12, and still carried Mobil branding when the wash was upgraded to Gull-specification M'Nex 22 combiwash. The site soon thereafter transitioned to a Gull Station, becoming only their third location with a car wash. Sadly this site has now closed. Given the wash is not that old, it can only be hoped that it will be able to be recycled somewhere else.

(8/1/2023