Attorney Todd Tracy, who is representing the couple suing John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas, is one of the panelists scheduled to take part in the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ (SCRS) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at the 2017 SEMA Show.

Other scheduled panelists include Mark Allen of Audi, Scott Kaboos of Honda and Aaron Lowe of the Auto Care Association.

“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,” SCRS said.

The summit will take place Nov. 2 in Las Vegas. All sessions are in Room N241. To register, visit www.scrs.com/rde and select the individual sessions or a full-series pass.

Session 1

“How Automotive Research Is Driving Change in Vehicle Design, Technology and Function”

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The panel, moderated by John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology, will feature:

• Scott Ulnick – Ducker Worldwide, managing principle
• Matthew Doude – Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS), associate director
• Doug Richman – Kaiser Aluminum, vice president of engineering
• Barry Dorn – Dorn’s Body and Paint, vice president

“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 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.”

Session 2

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

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This panel, moderated by Kaleb Silver, Hunter Engineering senior product manager, will feature:

• Aaron Lowe – Auto Care Association, senior vice president, regulatory and government affairs
• Scott Kaboos – American Honda Motor Co., assistant manager, collision
• Dean McConnell – Continental Corp., director, ADAS Business Unit, Global Customer Programs, NAFTA OEMs Chassis & Safety Division

“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 panel to discuss the growing complexities facing the repair marketplaces.”

Session 3

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

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This panel, moderated by John Ellis, managing director of Ellis & Associates, will feature:

• Todd Tracy – Attorney, the Tracy Law Firm
• Erica Eversman – Attorney, Vehicle Information Services
• Mark Allen – Collision programs director, Audi of America
• Aaron Clark – Former collision repair facility owner

“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 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.”

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