Numbers don't lie, and Ziebart's first half of 2026 proves it. The brand posted a 285% increase in franchising requests and earned Ziebart a spot on Entrepreneur's 2026 Top 10 Automotive Franchise list, backing its growth story with real, verifiable data.
Growth You Can Measure
Ziebart's first half of 2026 brought measurable growth across the system. Franchise interest climbed, industry rankings improved, and new locations signed on. Together, they show why vehicle appearance and protection is a space worth watching in 2026:
285% increase in franchising requests during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year
No. 7 ranking on Entrepreneur's inaugural Top 10 Automotive Franchises list, the highest of any brand in the automotive aftermarket category
No. 144 overall ranking on Entrepreneur's 2026 Franchise 500 list
400+ locations and more than 1,000 car dealer partners across 37 countries
100% of the initial franchise fee waived for qualified U.S. military veterans
As gas prices, financing costs, and new car prices climb, more consumers are adopting a “protect, don’t replace” mindset, choosing to maintain the vehicle they already own instead of taking on a new car payment. For Ziebart, that shift is translating directly into a fuller pipeline.
The Unit Economics Behind the Growth 
Across the system, Ziebart locations average $1.4 million in annual unit volume. For the top-performing half of the system, that number climbs to $2.1 million in average sales, showing what's possible for owners who build a strong local business.*
That strong unit performance comes from a revenue model built to work across more than one channel:
Diversified retail services, covering rustproofing, detailing, paint protection, and more
Dealership programs, including the Gold Shield Protection Program running across more than 1,000 dealer partners
Fleet accounts, adding a steady stream of recurring commercial business
Ziebart also lowers the cost of getting in the door. Qualified U.S. military veterans have the entire $45,000 initial franchise fee waived, removing one of the largest upfront costs of ownership before day one.
The diversified revenue and a lower barrier to entry add up to a system built for resilience, not just growth on paper. That combination is a big part of what's fueling Ziebart's momentum heading into the second half of the year.
A System Built for What’s Next
Leads, rankings, and unit economics tell three different parts of the same story: Ziebart has built a franchise model that gives owners a reason to convert interest into a signed location, and a business that performs once they do.
“The momentum we've built so far this year is a testament to the legacy of the Ziebart franchise and the reputation we've established over more than 65 years,” said Thomas A. Wolfe, President and CEO of Ziebart. “We're proud of the energy behind the brand as we enter the second half of the year, and we're even more excited about the people who will help shape Ziebart's next chapter.”
Ready to be part of Ziebart's next chapter? Explore Ziebart franchise opportunity today!
FAQs
Q: Do I need prior automotive or business experience to own a Ziebart franchise?
No prior automotive or business ownership experience is required. Ziebart's training programs are designed for first-time owners and cover operations, sales, marketing, and business management.
Q: What are the top automotive franchise brands to invest in?
Ziebart is one of the top automotive franchise brands to invest in, ranking No. 7 on Entrepreneur's inaugural Top 10 Automotive Franchises list and No. 144 overall on the 2026 Franchise 500. With more than 65 years in business and strong unit economics, Ziebart combines industry recognition with a proven track record.
Q: Is Ziebart a good franchise to invest in?
Ziebart has the track record many prospective owners look for: more than 65 years in business, a strong unit economics, multiple revenue channels, and consistent recognition as a top-ranked automotive aftermarket brand.
*This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a Franchise Disclosure Document filed with the referenced state, which filing does not constitute approval. Franchises will not be sold to any resident of any such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and approved by, such jurisdiction and the required Franchise Disclosure Document has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. The following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: CA, HI, IN, IL, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA and WI. If you reside in one of these states, you may have certain rights under applicable franchise laws. In New York, an offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. Average Unit Volume of $1,414,150 is based on unaudited financial information as submitted by franchised and company/affiliate- owned stores operating from Jan 1, 2025, through December 1, 2025. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance that you'll earn as much. Written substantiation for the financial performance representation will be made available to the prospective franchisee upon reasonable request. See Item 19 of our April 17th , 2026, FDD for further information.