Back when AUTEC was founded, washing your car in the driveway was commonplace. The average car owner would wash their own car. It took a bucket, soap, water, old towels, precious time, and elbow grease. But the hassle of cleaning your car yourself, outdoors, every week, inspired one man to take a leap of faith – and, as a result, develop outstanding car-wash technology.

On August 1, 1981, Tom Hobby started AUTEC. Since car-washing at home was so prevalent, he took a risk, starting a business that counted on changing people’s mindset. As a natural visionary, Hobby supported the acceptance and ubiquity of automatic car-wash systems around the country. Progressing from hand-washing our own cars outdoors, to today’s outstanding AUTEC car-wash systems, we’ve taken a load off the everyday American.

In 2019 Vic Keller – business leader, entrepreneur, and founder of KLV Capital – partnered with Mr. Hobby and purchased the AUTEC business. Vic brings over 25 years’ experience building, growing, and leading a diverse portfolio of companies across numerous verticals including manufacturing and distribution, automotive, technology and e-commerce, and financial services. He is a firm believer in investing in people, not just businesses, and is passionate about the incredible business that Mr. Hobby has built. Vic’s vision is to leverage the successful model of AUTEC and his knack for driving innovation to lead the company into its next chapter.   

Since our inception, we’ve earned our reputation for providing customers with unprecedented wash quality, durable equipment, eco-friendly options, and trouble-free operation. All of this culminates in an exceptional return on investment – especially because consumers love an AUTEC car wash.

We specialize in and manufacture three car-wash systems: soft-touch, touch-free, and a combination system that provides both. We also manufacture a soft-touch polisher. Growing from a fledgling company started in the founder’s basement, to a multi-million dollar corporation, AUTEC’s Statesville, North Carolina, headquarters encompasses marketing, research & development, engineering & drafting, welding & metal fabrication, paint & surface preparation, electrical, assembly, technical service, and a complete chemical blending, formulating and packaging operation.

Success for our AUTEC Partners is our #1 priority, which is why we guide them through the buying and operating process. Dedicated to assisting them at every step, we help with demographic studies, site selection, and equipment choices, as well as evaluating their location and system options, all the way through everyday repairs and maintenance. 

The bottom line? AUTEC ensures its partners consistent cleaning performance to their customers, best-in-industry throughput, and the lowest-cost operation in the business – resulting in a solid ROI.