5 Misconceptions about Automated Parking Systems

With rising land prices and limited space, traditional parking garages are becoming a far less attractive option with the invention of new automated parking systems (APS). These automated parking systems are designed to be efficient and can typically park the same amount of cars in half as much space. And we're seeing more and more of these APS around the world.

Yet people have doubts and fears regarding APS. In this blog, we will discuss five of the main misconceptions about APS, and hopefully dispel all doubts.

1. APS is expensive

Price and operating costs may differ, depending on whether you opt for a fully automated parking system, semi-automated parking system or manual stackers.

Studies have revealed that construction cost of automated parking systems is comparable or less than traditional garages. In fact, construction hard costs are saved by eliminating an entire floor of concrete, an elevator stop and ramps.

When comparing cost per space of an automated parking system with the cost per space of conventional parking, it's important to analyse potential savings offered by APS. These include reduced construction time, reduced excavation and land cost, reduced operator requirements, etc. Moreover, there's added value from the space gained which can be sold, leased or used for green space. Also, since parking systems are classified as equipment, they can be depreciated, providing an upfront tax incentive for developers.

Don't forget other advantages such as LEED points, no car theft, increased driver's safety, reduced carbon emissions, etc. When you consider all these aspects, in the face of decreasing availability of space for parking, APS surely makes sound business sense.

2. APS is new technology, so unproven

APS was first introduced in 1905 in Paris, France at the Garage Rue de Ponthieu. It was a multi-story concrete structure with an internal elevator to transport cars to upper levels where attendants parked the cars. A ‘Paternoster system‘was built to park cars, around 1920. It was structured like a Ferris wheel that could adjust eight cars in the space of two cars. The structure became popular as it was easy to operate and occupied lesser space.

Over the years, many innovations and technologies for parking systems have come and gone, but since the 1990s, there has been a spate of installations across Europe, USA, Japan, Asia and Central America. So while modernization and technology enhancements continue, APS is not really new. It has been up and running for decades.

3. APS is unsafe

If you think about it, automated car parking systems are just elevators and conveyor systems. We don’t think twice about riding an elevator, so why worry about safety of APS? APS are in fact safer than traditional garages because customers leave their vehicles at the entrance of the facility and there’s no need to wander the aisles of a structure looking for one’s parked car. Since the facility is inaccessible to pedestrians, the potential for accidental damages such as scratches or dents, or the potential for vehicle theft or vandalism is almost non-existent.

As far as safety of vehicles is concerned, there is the possibility of glitches or malfunctions in the mechanical or hydraulic operation, but ever-evolving technology and stringent safety standards minimize such risks. The world’s leading manufacturer of automated parking systems, Wohr is setting industry standards with its High German quality and safety standards.

4. APS is not durable

As discussed in point 3, APS technology is not new. If APS did not perform with efficiency and reliability for years, we would not see sales of such systems increasing worldwide. The growing popularity of APS across the world speaks for itself, and there are good examples of durability of APS. The silo-type vehicle towers in AutoStadt (car city) in Germany have been operative for almost 20 years, and some 'Pigeon Hole' systems installed in USA in the 1950s are still working today. In Japan too, there are systems still operative after 3 decades.

5. APS is costly to run

Automated parking facilities can park twice as many vehicles as same-sized traditional structures, so revenue opportunities are much greater. The growing popularity of such systems in public pay-n-park facilities is proof of profitability.

Sure, there are some operating costs, including labor and total electricity, but when you calculate the sheer convenience and safety such systems deliver, you’ll find it is well worth the investment.

Maintaining these sophisticated systems can be expensive, as servicing and repair costs can be steep. Signing up for a good maintenance contract can help prevent break downs and minimize downtime.

Conclusion

Trust Wohr Parking Systems to optimize your parking space and return on investment with their world-class, globally proven automated car parking systems.

Wohr has over 5 decades of experience and more than 600,000 multilevel parking installations to their credit. Wohr partners through all stages of the project: from consultancy with architects in the design stage of the real estate project through planning, construction, installation and commissioning. Wohr also undertakes maintenance and running of the system, ensuring operations are smooth and trouble-free.

Talk to Wohr about your car parking space requirements today.

Established in 1902, Wohr has been Designing, Innovating & Installing Various Parking Systems and Solutions since 1959. Wohr is one of the leading manufacturers of car parking systems worldwide. For more than 55 years now.