In this interview, we delve into the world of McLaren and explore the intricacies of their high-end car care solutions. From the inspiration behind their products to the cutting-edge technology they employ, Vincent Giguere of McLaren Car Care North America offers invaluable insights into not only the brand, but the art and science of automotive detailing products.
1. Can you tell the readers a little bit about your background? What areas do you focus on within the business?
Where should I begin? I was born and raised in Quebec City, Canada. I’ve been passionate about cars since childhood, and now, at 35 years old, I hope to share that passion with my newborn son. At 20, while studying at university, I started my first business-a digital advertising agency. Looking back, diving into entrepreneurship at such a young age wasn’t the safest choice, but I was restless and driven by an intense desire to create something of ,my own. What began as a small agency run from my apartment quickly grew into a thriving company with an amazing team and a beautiful office. Eventually, I decided to drop out of university to fully commit to this adventure.
However, my true passion-cars-never left my mind. I had always dreamed of launching my own brand in the automotive industry. With my agency’s success, I was finally in a position to fund that dream, so I took the leap.
Fast forward 10 years, I’ve manufactured and launched brands in the vinyl wrap, paint protection, and car care industries. Among these, my love for car care and detailing has always been the strongest. The constant innovation and evolution in this market continue to fascinate me, which is why our manufacturing company now focuses exclusively on car care and detailing products.
2. Everyone knows the world famous McLaren name. Can you provide some insight on how the car care line was developed?
McLaren is not a brand that approaches collaborations and product licensing lightly. Our exclusive car care partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 Team goes far beyond simply placing their name on a label for marketing purposes. Each product was meticulously formulated and rigorously tested in collaboration with McLaren, receiving full approval from their team.
In Formula 1, the quality and ease of use of detailing products are crucial. Race cars must always look immaculate-whether on the track, at public events, or during media appearances. This partnership ensures that our products meet the demanding standards required to maintain the pristine appearance of McLaren’s race cars in every scenario.
3. Many detailers worry any brand that is new to them may just be from another manufacturer with a new label and a tweaked formula. In many of our conversations you’ve noted how thorough and methodical the research is in developing these products. Can you share a little bit about this process?
Detailers are right to have this question in mind when a new brand appears on the market, it’s a valid one in an industry where trust is built on performance. As a manufacturer, our team is responsible for the whole production process. From formulation, raw material selection, blending, filling, packaging, quality control, every single step is done in house and follows very strict procedures. We are the ones doing private labels for other companies, not the other way around.
Our team includes multiple chemists, some with over 25 years of experience in car care and detailing product formulation. That gives us the possibility to perform a completely original and thorough development process.
The product development starts with identifying specific challenges faced by consumers or detailers on a specific product type, from ease of use to durability and performance. Once we have established the required product characteristics and features, the formulation works begins. Using only high-quality ingredients, our formulations are then tested extensively in lab and real-world conditions. We also collaborate with multiple and very different detailers to get their feedback, helping us refine and perfect each product before release. We don’t stop at just “good enough” We refine our formulas through multiple iterations, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed expectations in terms of performance, usability, and every detail like scent and packaging. This commitment to innovation and quality is why our products are trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike—because they’re born from passion and designed for results.
4. I know there has been a major development for McLaren Car Care with a world class facility opening in North America. Can you tell us about the facility?
We’re excited to announce that we will open a new state-of-the-art facility in Montreal, Canada. This advanced factory is designed to enhance our production capabilities and ensure the highest quality standards. Equipped with cutting-edge automation technology, the facility will streamline manufacturing processes, allowing for precise formulation and consistent product quality. Automated systems handle everything from ingredient mixing to packaging, reducing human error and increasing efficiency. Additionally, the facility incorporates sustainable practices, including energy-efficient machinery and waste reduction programs, aligning with our commitment to environmental responsibility. This investment underscores our dedication to delivering premium car care and detailing products to our customers.
5. McLaren Car Care is huge on training. What drives this?
At McLaren Car Care, training detailers is a cornerstone of our mission because we believe that even the best products are only as effective as the hands using them. The detailing world is also changing very quickly, becoming more and more competitive for the detail shops, consequently, it’s never been so important to have proper training. Our products and systems are engineered for precision and performance, so it’s crucial that detailers understand how to maximize their potential. Providing thorough training ensures that professionals not only achieve optimal results but also build confidence in our products.
Training also aligns with the McLaren ethos of excellence and innovation-every detailer who uses our products is an ambassador of the McLaren Car Care brand. By empowering them with knowledge and techniques, we uphold our commitment to quality while fostering a community of skilled, informed professionals. Ultimately, it’s about creating a seamless experience for both detailers and their clients, ensuring our products deliver the exceptional performance they’re designed for.
6. What surprises you the most during your educational sessions?
What surprises us the most during our educational sessions is the incredible variety of techniques and methods that car detailers use to achieve their results. It’s fascinating to see how individual styles, preferences, and experiences shape the way detailers approach their work. From unique application methods to creative problem solving for specific challenges, no two detailers seem to work exactly the same way.
7. Scents have never been a huge deal to me, because ultimately the products works well or not, the scent is a secondary feature for me. Every once in a while a nice new scent catches my attention but it’s not too often. The scents on many of these products, especially the interior ones are amazing. They are noticeable yet not overpowering, and almost seem like they come from more of a cologne/perfume background rather than our typical cherry or strawberry. What can you tell us about how these scents were developed and selected?
The development of these scents was a meticulous process centered around enhancing the consumer experience and redefining expectations in car care. We wanted to move beyond the predictable, overplayed aromas and create fragrances that resonate on a deeper, more sophisticated level. To achieve this, we collaborated with professional perfumers who understood our vision. Through consumer testing, we identified key scent characteristics that would complement the functionality of the products while providing a positive and memorable experience.
8. Lastly, do you get to drive any of the F1 cars? I assume no, but have you gotten to have any amazing experiences being affiliated with the race team either driving or watching?
I wish we got to drive F1 cars ! As much as I have a lot of seat time and track experience, I think F1 cars are way above my skillset. However, we are lucky enough to enjoy F1 races, visits at the McLaren Technology Center and awesome collaborations with McLaren Dealerships.