Not too long ago we heard that most thieves in the United States preferred the Toyota Camry, making it the most stolen car in 2001. Now it seems everything stays clean with a Toyota Camry too.
Not too long ago we heard that most thieves in the United States preferred the Toyota Camry, making it the most stolen car in 2001. Now it seems everything stays clean with a Toyota Camry too.
Yes, you have read correctly, it’s been named the easiest car to wash in America. This, of course, is not the same Camry that is on sale in South Africa. It debuted in the United States, and will eventually be on its way to South Africa.
The International Carwash Association Most Washable Car award said the Camry was noted for its smooth, aerodynamic design, which resists catching and retaining dirt, securely fastened mirrors, bumpers and wipers, retractable side view mirrors and rear window wipers and mouldings that do not protrude. These attributes made it easier for the car to go through a car wash and emerge undamaged.
And Toyota is quite pleased with its latest award. “Toyota, across the board, does pay attention to the washability of its cars,” Toyota spokeswoman Holly Ferris said.
She said one design revision was made to a rail that runs the length of its vehicles underneath the doors. “The rail was sharp and hands and towels were being cut, so we made sure the metal was smooth,” said Ferris.
The car wash industry has also been working to increase the survivability rate for vehicles.
“We’re constantly working with engineers in Detroit and elsewhere on designing cars with smooth lines, aerodynamic designs and not a lot of exposed details,” said Mark Thorsby, executive director of the International Carwash Association. “Between robotics and modern technology, we can virtually assure a vehicle can be safely washed without damage,” Thorsby said.
It seems a fair number of sport-utility vehicle owners are no longer taking their vehicles to car washes as the automated systems are not adapted for the bigger vehicles and they are more likely to be scratched.