Prosser, Washington — August 18, 2016 — Constantly advancing technology and repair techniques mean strong links between the OEMs, repairers and insurers are more important than ever before. Details have now been released for the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, taking place at the 2016 SEMA Show.
The 2016 SEMA Show takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from November 1 to 4. The OEM Summit is slated for November 3.
The Summit, now in its third year, is presented by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). The Summit consists of three sessions, with each session focusing on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology, and how those aspects influence vehicle repairability.
Attendees can register to attend three different segments which can be selected individually or collectively as part of the Repairer Driven Education Full Series Pass. Registration options can be found at scrs.com/rde.
Restoring Vehicle Functionality through Electronic Technology and Diagnostics
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
As vehicle technology and function advance to meet consumer expectations for safety, convenience and luxury options, and the role of diagnosing accident and repair related failures in the systems becomes more complex. Restoring the functions, calibrating sensors and documenting the restoration of the technological elements in the vehicle become a pivotal part of the repair process.
Moderator John Ellis of Ellis & Associates will lead a two part panel to explore the responsibilities expected of the collision repair providers and solutions available for the industry to fulfill those tasks.
This session will feature two panels, one comprised of automakers and the other of diagnostic equipment and service providers.
The automakers’panel will feature representatives of OEMs that have documented positions outlining the necessity to perform pre- and post-repair scans as part of the repair process. So far, Honda Canada is the only Canadian branch of an OEM to officially release a similar statement. For more on this, please see “Honda Canada releases scanning and calibration position statement.” However, it would be surprising if other OEMs didn’t soon follow the lead of their US-based counterparts in issuing statements in favour of scanning.
The conversation will cover the technological developments that are precipitating the need for a more systematic approach to identifying, documenting and correcting Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
Conversion in the diagnostic equipment and service providers’ panel will identify the mechanisms available to the collision repair community, and address unique challenges associated with each. The goal is to provide repairers in attendance with a better understanding of the available options.
Moderator John Ellis previously served as Global Technologist and Head of the Ford Developer Program, the automotive industry’s first ever software developer program.Ellis & Associates is a boutique firm that focuses on the world where automotive, consumer, connectivity and software all intersect. For more information on Ellis and his views on the world of vehicle technology, please see “Guild 21: Connected cars, cyber security and restoring vehicles.”
Advanced Vehicle Materials, Construction and Repair Considerations
12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Mark Voss is the Engineering Group Manager: Body Structures Advanced Composites for GM and will lead an exploratory discussion on the role composites will play in advanced vehicle construction.
Voss has held a variety of automotive engineering and quality positions, and in his current role he is responsible for the engineering execution of all advanced composites for structural applications. He has successfully led teams responsible for carbon fibre panel development and execution, as well as the development of composite body panels.
He has also received numerous patents related to the execution of carbon fiber and other mass savings technologies, and will deliver insight into the integration of composite materials and associated technologies in the development of mass-market vehicles.
The presentation will explore current and future use cases of advanced composite materials, the process and advantages the material presents to automakers, how it is and can be used and repair considerations.
This session will also include a separate presentation from Frank V. Billotto, Business Marketing Manager – Aftermarket for Dow Automotive Systems. Billotto will discuss trends in vehicle body design and assembly.
The global trend towards improved fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact is driving the use of new and dissimilar substrates in vehicle construction. Modern lightweight designs require new joining technologies to support the use of new materials, as well as an increased use of mixed material substrates.
Adhesive bonding is an enabler for lightweighting and mixed substrate construction, allowing joining where traditional methods are not feasible, and takes advantage of structural bonding benefits such as improved load bearing capability, enhanced NVH performance, ride and handling and safety. This presentation will focus on why and how adhesives are being used, and discuss the implications for collision repair.
Meet the Trainer
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This session will include collision repairer moderated panels that will feature training instructors and curriculum developers from some of the most prestigious automaker training academies, to discuss the programs available to the industry, both at a technical level as well as an industry awareness level.
In-person trainers have a unique insight in the existing challenges technical staff have as they enter the training room doors, and the skills they acquire after they leave.
The conversation will address proficiency expectations and preparatory steps collision repair facilities can take in order to achieve better results with technicians. In addition to exploring the technical staff training and testing processes, the discussion will also look at training targeted to raise awareness beyond the repair shop floor. The panel discussion will provide interactive opportunities for audience members to participate in the discussion.
The 2016 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit is currently made possible with support from PPG, Audatex, AkzoNobel, CCC Information Services and BASF.
To register for any of the sessions or any other RDE event at SEMA, please click here. For more information on the 2016 SEMA Show, please visit semashow.com.
