The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has announced the 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 scrs.com/rde 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 first session will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2 in OEM1 | Room N241.

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

The panel, moderated by John Waraniak, vice president of vehicle technology, SEMA, 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 lightweighting. These technological advancements rely heavily on 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 the panel to gain deeper insight into the research going on today that has the potential to reshape how vehicles are repaired tomorrow. To register for this session, click here, or for all three sessions, click here.

The second session will be held from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in OEM2 | N241.

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

This panel, moderated by Kaleb Silver, senior product manager, Hunter Engineering, 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 technicians perform previously routine services at a 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. 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. To register for this session, click here, or for all three sessions, click here.

The day will conclude with perhaps one of the most critical conversations collision repair facilities should be paying attention to, held from 3-5 p.m in OEM3 | N241. Space will be limited, and pre-registration is encouraged.

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

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, 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 toward “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.

The 2017 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit is made possible with support from PPG Automotive Refinish; AkzoNobel; BASF; CCC Information Services Inc.; DeBeer Refinish; Reliable Automotive Equipment Inc.; Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.; and SEMA.

For more information about SCRS, or to join as a member before the promotional period opens, visit scrs.com.