Certified Luxury Vehicle Repair Requires Highly Trained Technicians & Meticulous Attention to Detail

Certified luxury vehicle repair is a highly specialized field that demands the expertise of extensively trained technicians.

These elite automobiles, crafted with precision engineering and advanced technology, require meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of their intricate systems. Unlike standard vehicles, luxury cars incorporate sophisticated components and materials that necessitate specialized tools and techniques for autobody repair, diagnostics and calibration.

The drivers of luxury vehicles demand that the vehicle's performance and aesthetics be preserved to the highest standard. Appropriate technician skill and attention to detail is needed, to ensure an accurate repair.

Technician Training & Skillset

• Highly experienced: Experienced technicians (4 years+) generally have the breadth of knowledge and confidence to begin and successfully complete the process of OE certification.

• ASE certification: Many luxury OEMs require technicians to be ASE Certified before beginning manufacturer training. ASE Certification mandates 2 years of on-the-job training (or a two-year degree + 1 year of on-the-job training) before the technician can even attempt the test. Maintaining ASE Certification requires re-testing every 5 years.

• Computer skills: A technician certified for luxury repair needs to have an aptitude for and an interest in the computer skills required to perform complex diagnostics. Even more than standard cars, luxury cars are “computers on wheels”.

• I-CAR: All OEMs mandate technicians to complete a suite of I-CAR courses before beginning OEM training. OE international on-location training: Non-domestic OEM certification requires in-person, on-site training by the manufacturer. In addition to the training costs, the shop must cover international travel to Europe or Asia, lasting a week or more. With increasing vehicle complexity, many OEMs have increased the number of in-person courses required.

Center Requirements for Luxury Certification

• Front-of-shop training: All luxury OEMs require front-of-shop staff to receive training through the Automotive Management Institute prior to center certification.

• I-CAR certification: Some Hi-Line OEMs require the I-CAR Gold certification for the center.

Luxury Vehicle Repairs are More Intricate & Complex

• Increased disassembly: Luxury vehicle repair specifications are highly meticulous, with minimal tolerances that limit technician flexibility in repairs. These tolerances are often 1mm or less (vs. standard repairs that generally allow for up to 3mm). To achieve these specifications, a greater percentage of the vehicle needs to be disassembled for access and repair, requiring a more intensive rebuild.

• Multiple repair techniques required: Luxury vehicles often utilize non-standard steel, aluminum or other advanced materials, as well as specialized adhesives and rivets. Combined materials require specialized tools and repair procedures to ensure that panels are joined correctly and that there is no cross contamination (which could result in galvanic corrosion). These techniques are often more complex than those for standard steel repair.

• Increased Diagnostics: Truly “computers on wheels”, luxury cars and trucks often have the highest levels of technological advancement in the automotive industry. These complex systems require a greater number of diagnostics, taking longer to complete.

• Multi-systematic ADAS technology: While standard vehicles may have one or two advanced driver assistance systems installed, luxury cars and trucks are generally fully equipped with the latest in both safety and convenience technology. More systems may mean more calibrations after collision.

Maintaining Luxury Certifications Requires Center Volume

Technicians who are certified to perform collision repairs on luxury vehicles are some of the most skilled, dedicated and passionate in the industry.

These individuals are top performers operating at the peak of their careers.

For technician job satisfaction, Caliber and our carrier partners must be able to commit to providing these individuals with enough luxury repair volume to keep them engaged with their careers.