Yesterday afternoon members of the HD Repair Forum’s Advisory Board met with the event’s organizers to review the success of the HD Repair Forum’s first-ever fall event, discuss the current state of affairs within heavy- and medium-duty collision repair shops across the nation, and shed light on topics of interest for the HD Repair Forum’s upcoming spring 2022 event in Fort Worth, Texas.
The organization’s fourth conference and first-ever fall event was held this past September in Cleveland, Ohio co-located with the American Trucking Association’s TMC 2021 event. It was a positive step for the industry post-covid to meet in person and network, discuss challenges facing the industry, and gather information on the latest trends in HD collision repair. “I really enjoyed co-locating the HD Repair Forum with TMC,” explains Dean Hancock, HDRF advisory board member and former collision repair facility owner. “I was able to spend time on TMC’s show floor, visit with vendors, and I think we, as a collision repair industry gained exposure to important industry partners like, fleet managers and OEMs on both the vehicle and component side.“
At the 2022 event, advisory board members clearly agree that the industry needs to have more education, information, and conversations on two particular topics. First, repairers and their insurance partners need to understand how and when to properly scan, calibrate, and recalibrate vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. They also need to understand how to know where to locate these systems and how they are different. Jim Barber of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems spoke to the HD Repair Forum’s audience in both the general session and focused learning tracks in Cleveland this past fall. “The information and clarity he provided was helpful and very informative. However, some of the procedures he noted as necessary, or not necessary, differ from the other ADAS systems being used in the market. We need to hear from all of the various suppliers.” emphasized Chris Sterwerf, COO of Fairfield Truck & Auto, and long-time HD Repair Forum advisory board member.
Another hot topic the advisory board felt would be impactful is the preparation and precautions that need to be taken when repairing electric and alternative fuel heavy- and medium-duty vehicles. These vehicles are all quickly advancing their footprint in the market and shops need to understand how each one of these vehicles needs to be handled and repaired differently. “I have CNG and LNG vehicles rolling through the shop quite regularly, ” explains Monte Lewis, President of Monte’s Repair Shop, Inc.
Stakeholders in the heavy- and medium-duty collision repair industry, who have topics that you think the industry should be discussing, are welcome to send suggestions to communications director, Jennie Lenk, jenniel@hdrepairforum.com
Members of the heavy- and medium-duty collision repair industry interested in making connections with important business partners and staying up-to-date on the latest trends and challenges facing this industry should make plans to attend the 2022 HD Repair Forum, being held April 5th & 6th in Fort Worth, Texas.
Established in 2017, the HD Repair Forum aims to facilitate collaboration amongst all of the industry stakeholders within the heavy- and medium-duty collision repair industry. This includes repairers, insurers, equipment manufacturers, service providers, and educators. “By providing industry-wide education, opportunities for growth, and extensive networking opportunities, the HD Repair Forum hopes to speed up the advancement of the industry and develop solutions to the challenges experienced by everyone,” explains Brian Nessen, HD Repair Forum President and Co-Founder.
Registration to the event will open next month. To receive news and updates on this event and the industry it serves, sign up for e-communication here.