I-CAR announced it will offer more than 30 training courses and presentations – all focused on preparing the industry for dynamic changes in vehicle technologies and materials – to collision repair professionals attending the SEMA Show Nov. 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
On the I-CAR Main Stage, in I-CAR-facilitated courses and at I-CAR booth no. 10879, experts from I-CAR and from across the automotive industry will together lead 12 different technical courses and 21 different presentations to provide participants with valuable repair knowledge that can lead to improved shop key performance indicators (KPIs).
“Year after year, the SEMA Show brings the industry’s brightest minds together to talk about the latest in vehicle technologies and materials,” said I-CAR CEO and President John Van Alstyne. “For repair professionals, this is the ideal opportunity to prepare for the ‘Technical Tsunami’ by receiving training on the latest techniques and processes that can help organizations and individuals remain focused on repair excellence, despite the changes and challenges ahead.”
At SEMA, I-CAR will conduct classes designed to keep technicians current on the newest types of vehicles and materials, as well as on techniques for improving workflow, cycle time and quality control. With more than 75 new vehicle designs introduced to the marketplace annually, I-CAR states that those professionals who are trained to apply the latest repair methods are better equipped to perform complete, safe and quality repairs for their customers. I-CAR research also shows that well-trained technicians complete vehicle repairs up to 14 percent faster than untrained technicians.
SEMA participants can now register for I-CAR courses and main stage demonstrations. In classrooms at SEMA, I-CAR will offer the following instruction sessions, each of which will run three hours:
- Synchronizing Workflow Through Communication (PM120L01)
- Refining the Team and the Business (PM145L01)
- Vehicle Technology and Trends 2016 (NEW16)
- Aluminum Exterior Panel Repair and Replacement (APR01)
- Understanding the Cycle Time Process (GE001L01)
- Sectioning of Steel Unitized Structures (SPS11)
- Advanced Steering and Suspension Systems Damage Analysis (DAM15)
- Understanding and Preventing Refinish Defects (REF10)
There will also be a variety of I-CAR Main Stage Demonstrations during which experts from automakers and materials development companies will join with I-CAR to give technical presentations on the following topics:
- Damage assessment and repair method updates on a variety of vehicle types
- Collision repair diagnostics
- Multi-material hybrid construction
- Carbon fiber design and repair
- Advancements in automotive aluminum
- Advanced joining techniques
“I-CAR designed the SEMA courses and presentations to help improve collision shop business performance and address changes in technology and materials,” said Josh McFarlin, I-CAR director of curriculum and product development.
McFarlin will co-lead the presentation, “I-CAR: The Need for Training on Today’s New Vehicles and Technologies,” with Jason Bartanen, I-CAR director – industry technical relations.
Those interested in learning about the future of the collision repair industry can join Van Alstyne Nov. 4th at 10 a.m. for a presentation focused on the state of the industry globally and I-CAR’s role in providing a foundation for repair excellence. SEMA attendees also will have the chance to meet face-to-face with experts from I-CAR at booth no. 10879.
For more details about I-CAR programs at SEMA and to register, visit www.I-CAR.com/SEMA.
