Chrysler has developed a new classification system to help repairers identify the various steel strengths present in its vehicles. Instead of the standard steel industry terminology commonly used to describe metal parts, Chrysler created three general categories to help repairers assess the reparability of a given component.
“We want to simplify the information we’re sending out,” says Ron Nomura, global services paint/body structures manager at Chrysler LLC’s Dealer Technical Operations. “It all boils down to how you can work with the material.”
In his “What’s New at Chrysler?” session presented at the I-CAR International Annual Meeting on Friday, Nomura presented an overview of new developments at the automaker, including the new classification system and a planned repair information Web site.
The three categories are: Low Strength, High Strength, and Very High Strength. The steel classifications will help collision repair technicians determine whether or not a component can be repaired after a crash. In short, the Low Strength steels are repairable, and the Very High Strength steels are not.
“That’s been the biggest request from the industry is to provide more steel identification,” Nomura says. “It’s not necessary to identify every single grade of steel in a car.”
As part of this effort, Chrysler has developed color-codes to signify each of the three steel categories.
Nomura also announced that Chrysler would be moving away from CD-ROMs and paper documentation, and would disseminate repair information through a new MOPAR Web site.
“This way everyone will have access to the information whether or not they work at a dealership or attend one of these presentations,” Nomura says.
Doug Craig, collision repair manager, service program management, at Chrysler, said that all existing body and collision repair manuals would be loaded on the site.
“As far as the future goes, it’s very open,” Craig says. “We hope to be able to post updates, new procedures, clarifications, position statements, and maybe even new technology information as well.”
Nomura and Craig also covered Chrysler’s new launches, including the Challenger, new Ram pick-up and the Journey, and discussed safety considerations for working with hybrid vehicles.
