SCRS Announces OEM Summit Panelists at SEMA

Sept. 26, 2017—The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has announced a line-up of panelists participating in the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit (Summit) sessions on Nov. 2 as part of the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

To register to attend the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit visit the SCRS website and either select the individual sessions, or a Full Series Pass for the best value.

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 failure to implement them—have on liability and safety.

The sessions and panelists include:

OEM1 | Room N241

How Automotive Research is Driving Change in Vehicle Design, Technology and Function

9-10:30 a.m.

The panel, moderated by John Waraniak, SEMA, Vice President Vehicle Technology will feature:

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 light weighting. 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. To register for this session, click here, or for all three sessions, click here.

OEM2 | N241

The Impact of Advanced Vehicle Systems on Routine Repair Process and Procedure

11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This panel, moderated by Kaleb Silver, Hunter Engineering, Senior Product Manager will feature: 

New technology is rapidly advancing on vehicles today, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are becoming increasingly more popular on new vehicles and can have significant effect on how you perform previously routine services in your collision repair facility. While those on the road benefit from ADAS, the repair industry must change how they approach traditional services as many OEMs require additional procedures, calibrations and tools to ensure restoration of vehicle functionality. Kaleb Silver, Senior Product Manager for Hunter Engineering 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 following panel to discuss the growing complexities facing the repair marketplaces. To register for this session, click here, or for all three sessions, click here.

OEM3 | N241

The Hidden Dangers of Vehicle Technology, Improper Repair Methodology and Your Liabilities

3-5 p.m.

This panel, moderated by John Ellis, Managing Director, Ellis & Associates will feature:

Those operating within the collision repair industry find themselves in tumultuous times. While the functional and structural technologies in modern-day vehicles are evolving at a breakneck pace (and expected to evolve even faster on our way to autonomous vehicles), the collision repair industry faces a growing gap in skilled workers, and continual downward pressure to mitigate repair expenses and operations performed. In an industry culture that seemingly rewards those who charge the least, rather than those who perform the best, it is an increasing challenge for businesses committed to repairs that are fully compliant with OEM methodologies. In 2017 the Society of Collision Repair Specialists reaffirmed its longstanding position that "if an OEM documents a repair procedure as required, recommended or otherwise necessary as a result of damage or repair, that those published procedures would be the standard of repair until such time the documentation changes. Disregarding a documented procedure that is made available to the industry creates undue and avoidable liability on the repair facility performing the repair."

This panel will address an industry grappling to reconcile how to move forward for the consumer when certain automotive manufacturer requirements are expected to be performed on every occasion, but insurance claims positioning leans towards "case-by-case" approval. The participants will feature litigators, technology experts, and those with experience in facing liability and safety implications with performing repairs in today's environment. As current litigation exposes flaws in the rationale for deviating from OEM repair procedures, there isn't a more critical discussion to participate in for today's collision repair operator. To register for this session, click here, or for all three sessions, click here.