The process an automaker undertakes to research, develop, validate, and publish new repair procedures will be the focus of a presentation by Rivian officials during the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. 

“Audience members will gain a better understanding of how automakers prioritize procedure development and timing, and how rigorous testing protocol can create greater efficiency in similar future procedure developments throughout the vehicle,” a press release says. 

The session also will discuss how the evolution of vehicles, materials, technologies, and trends impact repair processes and businesses. 

Rivian research, engineering, service, and collision teams will present during “Session I: Value of OEM Repair Information” at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7. It is one of three OEM Repair Technology Summit Sessions.

This first session will dive into a case study on the developmental life cycle of the front frame rail section concept. According to a news release, field data showed the front frame rail could incur damage even in a low-speed impact. It also was determined that the market would benefit from a safe and cost-effective alternative to a complete “skateboard” replacement.

David Sosa, Rivian collision research and development workshop manager; Dan Black, Rivian service engineering senior manager; and Kelly Logan, Rivian service and collision repair programs director, will discuss the validation process the company used to develop test solutions to ensure the vehicle owner would receive a repair that met specific safety and performance aspects. 

The panel will overview testing methodology, the release says. It says in many cases it will mirror the protocol used in the manufacturing process. It also will depict the timeline of approval with unique visual examples. 

Participants will learn the consequences of improper repairs and the process to validate the outcome of misplaced welds, incorrect cut or section locations, and the effect on non-visual structural aspects of the vehicle. 

“This session is really the epitome of what the OEM Summit was designed to accomplish for the industry,” said SCRS Chairwoman Amber Alley, in the release. “We’ve always worked hard to bring presenters and content that provides the repair industry with insight into leading-edge developments in repair. This team and the case study they have to share with the industry are testaments to the dedication and responsiveness OEMs have to real-world demands, and the complexity that goes into developing the available information used to result in safe and proper repairs. I’m personally very excited to learn from this session and bring it home to my team.”

Black also spoke during a 2023 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit about the use of aluminum and composite materials being on the rise. To watch a video of the session, click here. 

Visit www.scrs.com/rde to register for Repairer Driven Education sessions, or use the SEMA Map Your Show site to explore all available courses in the SCRS Repairer Driven Education (RDE) track.

For more information about SCRS or to join as a member, please visit www.scrs.com, call 1-877-841-0660 or email info@scrs.com.

Images

Featured photo courtesy of Rivian. 

All other photos courtesy of SCRS.