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from July 2021 Northeast Edition

from July 2021 Northeast Edition, page 50

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Collision Training on ADAS, EVs, Total Losses and Phone Skills at ASA’s X50 Conference

The recent ASA X50 Conference & Expo offered more than 50 live training sessions, including five classes specific to collision repair professionals.

“Our engaging platform will provide attendees with an inviting experience to learn from and interact with instructors, sponsors and their peers in a way that uses technology to strengthen their networks and build their industry knowledge,” said ASA Executive Director Ray Fisher.

GM’s John Eck and Chris Blackmore presented “GM Driving Technology: Advanced Technologies in ADAS and the Impact to the Repair Industry,” stressing the importance of scanning and calibrations and providing updates on GM’s Collision Repair Network processes.

“[GM has] planned over 20 new models in the coming years to move to an electric vehicle fleet,” Eck said, noting regulations, safety expectations and ADAS features have influenced changes in the industry. “And that’s exciting times, but it also presents a mound of problems and issues for our industry that we have to resolve.

“Gas regulations required lighter vehicles, while also enhancing safety expectations,” Eck explained. “Safety is king, and customers are continually looking for safety options to protect their occupants and the investment they’ve made. That requires a change in how vehicles are built and the technology offered on them, including the creation of new ADAS systems. More features being added to vehicles, forcing evolutionary change. The goal is a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.”

Eck discussed the importance of scanning and calibration as it pertains to vehicles equipped with ADAS, including how to access GM’s calibration documents.

Blackmore then discussed the changes GM is making to its collision repair network processes, which includes benchmarking industry competitors, soliciting feedback from dealers and the collision industry, and collaborating cross-functionally with Global Aftersales Engineering, CCA Collision Wholesale Dealer Channel and Production Engineering.

“There’s no compromise when it comes to safety,” Blackmore concluded. “OEM repair procedures must be used 100% of the time, but the industry should stay close to the OEMs since technology is changing rapidly.”

Roger Cada of Accountable Estimating LLC presented “Estimation, Education and Documentation that Drive Bottom Line Results.”

“The facts of the loss are critical because they tell you what damages are on that car… Since COVID, you’ve become the eyes and ears for the insurer, impacting the estimate and if it starts off wrong, it will never end up right,” Cada began. “And the process begins when you first talk to the customer and get the facts of the loss so you can write the most accurate estimate every time.

“We have to build evidence through documentation,” Cada continued. “It’s critical that we capture the evidence well so we can properly assess the damage and have an outcome that actually restores it to its pre-accident condition. The evidence you’ve collected also justifies your charges, preventing insurers from saying no. But once you start repairing the vehicle, the evidence isn’t there, so you need to collect it at the very beginning.”

Cada proceeded through a stepby-step breakdown of the documentation required to provide evidence justifying the repairs performed, such as pre-scans, clear images, measurements and test drives.

“Audi North America: EV and Evolving Technology,” presented by Audi’s Mark Allen, focused on the OEM’s progress towards an electric fleet.

Discussing high voltage awareness and training, Allen stressed, “Everyone in our dealerships and our collision network has to be trained to know and identify EVs to recognize that they shouldn’t touch the cabling and that it will require special care. Our high voltage technicians are trained to run diagnostics and de-energize the system, and high voltage experts are trained in all high voltage systems and can repair all systems, including the battery.”

Allen discussed the safety concerns related to repairing EVs, noting the high voltage technician must observe three safety rules before beginning the repair: de-energize the vehicle, secure the system against restarting and check no voltage is present.

“You might think you’re a rebel living in the moment, but realis-

Southeast News tically, that moment is already past history,” he quipped. “We’re already with Chasidy Rae Sisk involved with these vehicles and repairing them. So, in all this confusion, ask yourself, ‘Are you feeling lucky?’ Or are you ready for the fuWestern Associations ture of the e-tron?” Kristen Felder, CEO of with Chasidy Rae Sisk Collision Hub, taught two classes during ASA’s X50 Conference. The first, “Total Loss File Handling,” exSouthwest Associations plored the total loss process. “Running a collision repair with Chasidy Rae Sisk shop has become more about accounting, law, psychology and other administrative tasks than about actually repairing the vehicle,” Southeast Associations Felder said. “The administrative side has become almost overwhelming.” with Chasidy Rae Sisk Shops should be aware of multiple legal terms to be prepared to contend with a total loss situation. Felder defined bailment and explained how Northeast Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk Midwest Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk National Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk Northwest AssociationsMark Allen with Chasidy Rae Sisk Shop Showcase with Ed Attanasio Advertising Advantages

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