The 2008 I-CAR International Annual Meeting will be an opportunity for the industry to not only provide feedback to I-CAR, but also receive firsthand information from a number of vehicle manufacturers and other organizations covering emerging technologies and trends within the industry.
The meeting’s agenda includes several first-time presenters and technical information exclusive to attendees. Presentations include:
• “What’s new at Chrysler?” will cover repair features on the new Dodge Ram pickup and HEV safety precautions on the Aspen/Durango.
• “General Motors Service Repair Information” will include new program reviews and an advanced high-strength steels update.
• “Porsche Collision Repair: The vehicles, technology, and techniques” will look at the history of Porsche, current model line, technology used in producing vehicles and within the vehicles, and techniques used in the repair procedures. This is the first time Porsche has presented at an I-CAR annual meeting.
• “Toyota Hybrid Service Techniques” will cover hybrid service techniques and procedures that could be encountered after a collision. Technology covered will include A/C compressor oil and service, inverter coolant service, hybrid engine coolant, moving techniques for Prius, clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), use of technician for clearing DTC, absorbed glass matt (AGM) battery service precautions, HV battery R&R procedures and electric power steering technology and service. This information is new and not currently found in any other Toyota presentation.
• Panel Discussion: Waterborne Paint. Industry professionals will discuss waterborne paints – one of the industry’s hottest topics as shops transition to new products. California legislation requires that every shop be water-based by July 2008, and there are many questions about this new industry trend. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn the latest information about the move in many states to pass legislation regulating various types of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Representatives from AFC Finishing Systems, Akzo Nobel Coatings Inc., BASF Corporation, DeVilbiss Automotive Refinishing, DuPont Refinish, PPG Industries, SATA Spray Equipment, Sherwin-Williams, Spies Hecker and Standox will be in attendance to provide answers to your questions.
• American Iron and Steel Institute – Learn why different steel compositions between vehicle model years could change the way in which a vehicle is properly repaired. This presentation will bring you up-to-date on emerging steel trends and offer the latest information on the OEM steel applications of today and for the future.
I-CAR volunteers, committee members and program instructors can provide feedback on their roles in the industry and with I-CAR during open forums designed specifically for them. The information gained through the volunteers and instructors – who serve as the “frontline of I-CAR” to the industry – will enhance communication between the groups and will provide I-CAR with valuable input as it continues to meet the training needs of the industry through the delivery of high-quality, relevant courses.
Visit www.i-car.com/annualmeeting to register and view the event agenda, current sponsor listing and sponsorship opportunities.
