The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has announced additional details on the three sessions making up the third year of the highly lauded OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit (Summit). The Summit, to be held Thursday, November 3rd, during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada will continue to focus on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology, and how those aspects influence vehicle repairability. The program is designed to put SEMA Show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology, providing one of the most unique networking and learning opportunities available to the collision repair industry. Attendees can register to attend three different segments which can be selected individually or collectively as part of the RDE Full Series Pass. Registration options can be found at www.scrs.com/rde, and sessions will include:OEM1 | 9:30 - 11:30amRestoring Vehicle Functionality through Electronic Technology and Diagnostics 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 distinguished panels. The first will be comprised of automakers with documented positions outlining the necessity to perform pre and post-repair scans as part of the repair process. 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. The second panel will feature diagnostic equipment and service providers that have developed technological solutions for the industry. The conversation will identify the mechanisms available to the collision repair community, and address unique challenges associated with each. Repairers in attendance will leave with a better understanding of options available to their business. 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. 

OEM2 | 12:30 - 2:30pm
Advanced Vehicle Materials, Construction and Repair Considerations
 
Mark Voss, Engineering Group Manager:  Body Structures Advanced Composites, General Motors Co. 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 fiber panel development and execution, as well as the development of composite body panels.  Voss has 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 seperate presentation from Frank V. Billotto, Dow Automotive Systems Business Marketing Manager - Aftermarket to 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 light weighting 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.
 
OEM3 | 3:00 - 5:00pm
MEET THE TRAINER: A candid discussion with individuals responsible for manufacturer training and curriculum development for technical staff and industry outreach

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 our technical staff have as they enter the training room doors, and the skills they acquire after they leave. The conversation will address proficiency expectations, preparatory steps collision repair facilities can take in order to achieve better results with technicians, and 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 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit will feature companies and individuals with rich histories of producing sophisticated advancements in the automotive and collision repair fields, and will highlight architectural and technological developments in modern vehicles, and how those advancements intersect with the repair process. Every participant in this industry can benefit from better insight into how vehicles and materials are evolving, what that means in the repair process and what will be expected of those who are performing these repairs.

The future of our collision repair industry is highly skilled professionals, working on highly sophisticated automobiles that require the industry to embrace the necessary investments in training and equipment; but also relies on informed business owners who understand how to define for themselves what a sustainable and successful business model to support that investment looks like.

Attendees are encouraged to register early as space will be limited for each of these sessions. Click here to register for the SEMA Show and the SCRS Repairer Driven Education series, including the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit.
 
The 2016 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit is currently made possible with support from PPG Automotive Refinish; Audatex, AkzoNobel, CCC Information Services Inc and BASF.
 
For more information about SCRS, or to join as a member, please visit www.scrs.com, call toll free 1-877-841-0660 or email us at [email protected].