Shanghai auto owners have taken a great fancy lately to a high-pressure steam car wash as it saves water and is kinder on their vehicles.

According to the Shanghai NCT Co. Ltd which has launched the new service, only 250 grams of water are needed for one car wash which usually takes about 10 minutes.

One conventional car wash in Shanghai will generally use 200 liters of water. There are 50,000 automobiles in Shanghai on average waiting to be washed every day.

Apart from water efficiency, the steam car wash also is easier on the vehicle's luster, prevents rust and cracks and thoroughly washes the chassis and engine.

Needing only a steam engine, some special cleansers and duster cloths, the environmentally-friendly business costs no more than 10,000 yuan to set up and has become an ideal option for laid-off workers wishing to be self-employed.

(Xinhua News Agency August 2, 2002)