SK Energy Invests in Subscription-Based Car Wash Startup 'Autostay'

Unlimited Automatic Car Wash with Monthly Subscription Fee of Around 30,000 KRW
Plan to Launch Combined Electric Vehicle Charging and Car Wash Service

On the 30th, SK Energy, a petroleum business subsidiary of SK Innovation, announced that it will invest in Otostay, a startup specializing in automatic car wash subscription services.

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] SK Innovation's petroleum business subsidiary SK Energy announced on the 30th that it will invest in Autosstay, a startup specializing in automatic car wash subscription services.

Founded in 2019, Autosstay offers automatic car washes as subscription products. It has developed and operates various types of automatic car wash machines, including touchless washers that do not directly touch the vehicle to minimize scratches. The company has capabilities in car wash services such as a mobile application that allows customers to easily book washes and manage subscriptions, store design and operation for washing convenience, and development of additional products necessary for high-quality car washes.

The car wash subscription product offered by Autosstay, priced at around 30,000 KRW per month, includes unlimited use of automatic car wash machines (limited to once per day) and provision of private spaces for self interior cleaning after exterior washing. Currently, Autosstay operates four stores in Hanam, Ilsan, Dongtan, and plans to expand to Paju, Incheon, Busan, and Cheonan within this year, followed by more stores in the metropolitan area and major cities by next year.

SK Energy plans to utilize Autosstay's automatic car wash subscription product as a core service of its eco-friendly vehicle service platform. As SK Energy's electric vehicle charging business expands in the future, it plans to introduce products combining charging and car wash benefits. However, both companies agreed not to disclose the specific investment amount.

In February this year, SK Energy launched the first 'Energy Superstation' business model at SK Bakmi Gas Station in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, which integrates renewable energy generation and electric vehicle charging at gas stations. In August, it invested in the U.S. energy solution company Atom Power to secure technology necessary for building electric vehicle chargers.

Lee Jae-ho, head of SK Energy's Solutions & Platform Promotion Team, said, "We expect to develop and provide solutions combining SK Energy's electric vehicle charging services with Autosstay's car wash services to alleviate inconveniences for electric vehicle users and accelerate the transition to eco-friendly vehicles."