Las Vegas, Nevada — September 28, 2017 — The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has revealed the line-up of panelists participating in the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit sessions as part of the 2017 SEMA Show. The 2017 SEMA Show takes place October 31 to November 4 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Summit topics will address the impact that automotive research has on vehicle construction and functionality, the impact that construction and functionality has on performing once-commonplace repair procedures and the impact that those OEM procedures (or failing to implement them) have on liability and safety.
The first session will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 2.
How Automotive Research is Driving Change in Vehicle Design, Technology and Function
The panel will be moderated by John Waraniak, SEMA, Vice President Vehicle Technology. Panelists include M. Scott Ulnick, Managing Principle of Ducker Worldwide; Matthew Doude, Associate Director of the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS); Doug Richman, VP of Engineering for Kaiser Aluminum, and Barry Dorn, VP of Dorn’s Body and Paint.
The automotive industry has proven to be a ripe landscape for revolutionary technology intended to address everything from autonomy and connectivity to structural developments for advanced vehicle lightweighting.
These technological advancements rely heavily on innovative research for developing and testing complex solutions to be deployed to the motoring public. This research often stems from collaborations between automakers, in the aftermarket, and through educational institutions; all looking to advance safe, efficient and groundbreaking transportation solutions. Join this distinguished panel to gain deeper insight into the research going on today that has the potential to reshape how you repair vehicles tomorrow.
The second session will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Impact of Advanced Vehicle Systems on Routine Repair Process and Procedure
This panel will moderated by Kaleb Silver, Senior Product Manager for Hunter Engineering. The panelists will be Aaron Lowe, Auto Care Association, Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Government Affairs; Scott Kaboos, American Honda, Assistant Manager, Collision and Dean McConnell, Continental Corporation, Director, ADAS Business Unit, Global Customer Programs, NAFTA OEMs Chassis & Safety Division.
New technology is rapidly advancing and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are becoming increasingly popular on new vehicles, with significant effects on how you perform previously routine operations in your collision repair facility. Silver will present on challenges facing the industry, and the impact of advanced systems on routine services such as wheel alignments. After the presentation he will welcome the panel to discuss the growing complexities facing the repair marketplaces.
The day will conclude with what might be one of the most critical challenges currently facing collision repair facilities.
The Hidden Dangers of Vehicle Technology, Improper Repair Methodology and Your Liabilities
This panel, moderated by John Ellis, Managing Director, Ellis & Associates will feature attorneys Todd Tracy and Erica Eversman, as well as Mark Allen, Collision Programs Director for Audi of America and Aaron Clark, former collision repair facility owner.
These are tumultuous times. While the functional and structural technologies in modern-day vehicles are evolving at a breakneck pace, the collision repair industry faces a growing gap in skilled workers and continual downward pressure to mitigate expenses.
To register to attend the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, please visit scrs.com/rde and either select the individual sessions or a Full Series Pass.
