An Exclusive Interview on Innovation, Challenges, and the Future of Detailing in India

By the Detailing Insiders Editorial Team

Introduction

The Indian auto detailing industry has grown leaps and bounds over the last decade. At the forefront of this transformation stands Mr. Anckur Sama, the visionary founder and CEO of CarzSpa Detailing Studios — India’s first and largest organized detailing franchise network.

From humble beginnings to shaping an entire industry, Anckur’s journey is not just entrepreneurial—it’s inspirational. In this exclusive sit-down with Detailing Insiders, we dive deep into the mind of a detailing pioneer to explore his early struggles, the DNA of CarzSpa, evolving market trends, and what lies ahead for detailers across the country.

Q1: Let’s go back to the beginning. How did CarzSpa start?

Anckur Sama:

“It all started with passion. Back in the early 2000s, I was working in the automotive domain and realized a massive gap—people loved their cars, but they didn’t know how to care for them beyond basic washing. The concept of ‘detailing’ as a specialized service didn’t exist in India.

That’s when I decided to introduce something world-class, yet localized. We opened the first CarzSpa studio in Surat in 2006, and to be honest, most customers at that time didn’t know what ‘detailing’ meant. We had to educate the market—one customer at a time.”

Q2: Today, CarzSpa has over 85 studios. What’s been the core philosophy behind the brand’s success?

Anckur Sama:

“Two words: Consistency and Credibility. We didn’t want to be just another detailing shop. From day one, our goal was to build a standardized experience—no matter whether you walked into a CarzSpa in Mumbai, Surat, or Guwahati, the quality, service, and professionalism had to be the same.

We also invested early in training and certifications, both for our franchise partners and their staff. That’s how we earned the trust of not just customers, but OEMs and luxury car dealerships.”

Q3: How has the Indian consumer evolved in terms of car care awareness?

Anckur Sama:

“Massively. Ten years ago, people saw detailing as a luxury. Today, they see it as a necessity—especially with rising ownership of premium cars, improved roads, and more aspirational lifestyles.

Customers now ask about ceramic coatings, they compare brands, they want warranties, and they’re even willing to invest ₹12000–₹40,000 if they see real value. Awareness has increased thanks to social media, influencers, and education-driven brands like us.”

Q4: Technology is changing every industry. What role does it play in modern detailing?

Anckur Sama:

“Technology is the game changer. At CarzSpa, we were one of the first to introduce paint depth meters, IR curing lamps, coating thickness testers, and even proprietary ceramic coatings tailored for Indian climates.

Now, we’re integrating tech even in operations—CRM systems, automated invoicing, AI-driven service recommendations, and training via VR modules are all being explored. The goal is to elevate detailing from a service to a systemized, tech-powered business.”

Q5: What’s been the biggest challenge in scaling the CarzSpa franchise model?

Anckur Sama:

“Maintaining quality at scale is the toughest part. With 85+ studios and counting, ensuring every technician understands our SOPs and brand promise requires rigorous training and frequent audits.

We also faced skepticism in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities initially. People thought we were selling ‘expensive cleaning’. But once they experienced the results, they became our biggest advocates.”

Q6: Tell us about the CarzSpa Academy. Why did you feel the need to invest in training?

Anckur Sama:

“Because training is the backbone of detailing. A brand is only as good as the hands that deliver it. We launched CarzSpa Detailing Academy to upskill youth, offer career paths, and maintain excellence across franchises.

Today, we train not just our franchise staff but also independent detailers who want to learn the craft. It’s a way of giving back and ensuring industry standards remain high.”

Q7: How do you view competition in the detailing industry today?

Anckur Sama:

“Competition is good—it pushes everyone to innovate. But what I’ve observed is that many jump into this industry thinking it’s an easy win. Detailing is capital-intensive, skill-intensive, and brand-sensitive. Without processes, training, and long-term vision, many fade out.

At CarzSpa, we don’t compete with others—we compete with ourselves. Every new outlet we open must be better than the last.”

Q8: What trends are you seeing in the Indian detailing market in 2025 and beyond?

Anckur Sama:

“Great question. Three clear trends:

1. Ceramic and Graphene Coatings are becoming standard asks. Customers now compare specs like they would in smartphones.
2. Detailing for EVs is on the rise—many EV owners are early adopters and want premium care.
3. Women in Detailing – we’re seeing a growing interest from women as professionals, entrepreneurs, and even detailing clients. That’s a very welcome trend.

Additionally, detailing will become more tech-integrated and service-personalized. Expect mobile detailing units, IoT-enabled reminders, and even detailing subscriptions!”

Q9: What’s next for CarzSpa? Any big vision you’d like to share with our readers?

Anckur Sama:

“We want CarzSpa to be the first Indian detailing brand to go global. We’re working on expanding into Southeast Asia and the Middle East soon.

At the same time, we’re building a direct-to-consumer product line and investing in AI-powered diagnostics for car surfaces. Think: your car’s paint telling you when it needs correction. That’s the future, and we want to lead it.”

Final Words

From pioneering ceramic coatings in India to building a nationwide franchise empire, Anckur Sama is not just growing a business—he’s cultivating an ecosystem. His relentless focus on education, quality, and future-ready innovation is shaping the future of auto detailing across the subcontinent.

As we wrapped up the interview, one thing was clear: CarzSpa is not just a brand; it’s a movement. And Anckur Sama is the visionary steering the ship.