Behind every smooth, efficient car wash is a complex ecosystem of motors, pumps, controls, and data working quietly behind the scenes. In this episode of ICA’s Car Wash Connections, host Kendra Johnson sits down with Tim Hider of Mitsubishi Electric Automation to unpack how those systems come together—and why control, data, and reliability matter more than ever for today’s car wash operators. From variable frequency drives and internal PLCs to predictive maintenance, networking, and embedded AI, this conversation explores how decades of industrial automation experience are shaping the future of the car wash industry. Tim also shares Mitsubishi Electric’s long history in harsh industrial environments, its deep involvement in the car wash space, and what operators should consider as they plan for growth, efficiency, and uptime in 2026 and beyond.

About Mitsubishi Electric Automation
Mitsubishi Electric is a global industrial technology leader with more than 100 years of history. Mitsubishi Electric Automation, the industrial automation arm of the company, has operated in North America for over 40 years and has supported the car wash industry for more than two decades. Known for high-quality variable frequency drives, PLCs, HMIs, networking solutions, and motion control technologies, Mitsubishi Electric focuses on durability, precision, and long-term reliability—especially in demanding, wet, and harsh environments like car washes. While the Mitsubishi name spans many industries, Mitsubishi Electric Automation specifically designs and manufactures the industrial components that serve as the “brains and nervous system” behind automated operations.

About Tim Hider
Tim Hider is Industry Marketing Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automation. He brings more than 15 years of experience in automotive automation engineering and has spent the past 10 years with Mitsubishi Electric. His background bridges high-precision automotive manufacturing and the evolving needs of the car wash industry, where automation, data, and uptime are increasingly critical. Tim works closely with OEMs, distributors, and operators to apply proven industrial technologies to real-world car wash challenges.

(3:24) Tim explains how all the electronic components come together behind the scenes.

(4:41) Tim goes back 100 years to explain Mitsubishi’s history and involvement in the car wash industry where they have been active for more than 20 years.

(6:12) Car wash sub-systems? Tim explains what they all are and what they do.

(8:55) A carwash is a series of systems. Tim explains several of the technologies that makes this all work together. Learn about internal PLC and PID

(11:10) It’s all about giving the operator control – Tim talks about some of the issues related to this and how it helps the team running the car wash.

(14:40) What can operators look to do to improve their business in 2026?

(16:02) Learn about the history of Mitsubishi’s history in this industry.

(17:35) What are the compelling reasons to dive into the Mitsubishi products?

(18:58) What impact does AI have?

(21:30) What’s IGBT? Tim explains!

(23:54) Tim talks about networking and explains why Mitsubishi is a “motion house”!

(26:08) What should an operator do with all of the data the get from these systems? Well…it depends!

(28:22) What can operators expect from the rare instance of failure?

(30:23) Why choose Mitsubishi Electric? Hear the elevator pitch!

Find out more about The Car Wash Show happening on May 11 -13, 2026.