Attendees shared their thoughts about the first Lucid Certified Body Repair Network Conference, held in June in Scottsdale, AZ.
Barsotti’s Body and Fender in San Rafael, CA, has been part of the network since it launched.
Amber Alley, general manager of Barsotti’s, said the Lucid Air is a very technology-advanced EV that requires special tools and training.
She explained that certification is "the action or process of providing someone or something with an official document attesting to a status or level of achievement."
“This is a real certification program,” Alley emphasized. “It's the tools, the training and the competency testing.”
Since Barsotti’s joined the Lucid network, Alley has found certification requires multiple hands-on classes that deep-dive into topics like advanced diagnostics and mechanical electrical trim. In addition, numerous staff members must complete online classes, covering topics like the introduction to the vehicle line and disconnecting the 12-volt system.
“I wouldn't consider repairing one of these vehicles without this training,” she noted.
Mike Anderson, owner of Collision Advice, shared tips on providing excellent customer service.
Alley said the Lucid conference was awesome and included many memorable experiences, including Mike Anderson’s presentation, the vendor showcase, the first-class shops that attended and the factory tour.
“I am so proud and humbled to have been included,” she said.
What really stood out for Alley was the number of Lucid collision program support staff who attended.
“You could feel the dedication that Andy MacDonald and Jake Rodenroth have to make this a successful program,” said Alley. “I left feeling like there was a true partnership with support.”
Gold Coast Auto Body (GCAB), a certified facility in Chicago, IL, also attended the conference.
“Being OEM collision repair certified means that a collision repair facility is dedicated to providing guests with a safe, proper repair, following OEM guidelines/mandates while maintaining the value of the vehicle,” said Dominic Martino, president and co-owner of GCAB. “We do not allow third-party participants to dictate correct repair methodology for a particular vehicle.”
Since becoming certified by Lucid, he has found the relationship with the OEM is one of mutual respect and collaboration.
“We work directly with team leaders and engineers to achieve the best possible outcome for our guests,” he shared.
Martino said the Lucid conference provided the opportunity to meet OEM partners they interact with daily face-to-face in a collaborative nature.
“We shared our views on best practices and areas that need improvement, knowing Lucid heard us,” Martino said. “This is not available in most OEM-certified programs.”
He noted that Lucid’s production plant is a state-of-the-art facility incorporating robotics and staff in a seamless process.
European Motor Car Works, a certified Lucid repair center in Costa Mesa, CA, was represented at the conference by the company’s president, Kye Yeung.
“Our industry has many inconsistencies, the repair quality varies, and repair standards are all over the map,” Yeung noted. “The Lucid certification validates our knowledge and credibility to the consumer for a safe and proper OEM standard repair.”
Yeung recognizes the importance of having the Lucid team at the conference.
“Team members were available for two days to answer questions and brainstorm on matters that can make the repair process more efficient,” he said. “The face-to-face meeting created new friendships and nurtured old ones.”
GW & Son Auto Body in Oklahoma City, OK, is in the process of becoming Lucid certified.
Twenty-five years ago, when certified collision repair programs were in their infancy, Gary Wano, owner of GW & Son, said he grappled with whether the shop should become OEM certified.
“Initially, certification mainly drove automaker referrals without the volume discounts demanded by insurance networks,” he said.
However, joining the Mercedes-Benz Certified Repair Program in 2004 changed his perspective.
“I've seen firsthand the critical role of automaker-specific training, especially in forward-thinking repair methodologies and the use of specialized equipment,” he said. “This includes understanding complex structural component joining techniques and multi-alloy materials designed for modern vehicle safety.”
GW & Son has been certified with multiple internal combustion engine (ICE) repair programs.
It was Tesla's 2013 invitation that Wano said underscored the need for advanced EV training, particularly in handling high-voltage systems with safety protocols and intricate engineering.
“These advancements require dedicated learning and adaptation, shaping a culture around proper repair practices for today's vehicles,” Wano explained.
Wano said the Lucid conference and tour were incredibly informative.
“Networking opportunities among Lucid certified repair facilities were invaluable, and meeting Lucid's collision repair support teams highlighted their collaborative approach,” he said.
According to Wano, what stood out for him as industry-leading was the forward-looking insight into Lucid's product line that was provided and the OEM’s use of virtual intelligence for detailed repair planning.
He was also impressed with the AI integration in manufacturing showcased during the tour, reinforcing Lucid's commitment to future vehicle production.
“It's clear Lucid has invested significantly in their product line, ensuring their continued presence in the market,” he added.
Flagstaff Collision Center in Northern Arizona, owned by Michael and Theressa Whittemore, is certified by Lucid, in addition to many other EV automakers.
“The importance of certification in EVs as well as all car makes is to get the proper training and equipment to repair the vehicles back to vehicle specifications the way the automaker designed them to be fixed, not by an insurance company looking for the cheapest way to fix the vehicle,” Michael Whittemore emphasized.
The Whittemores said the Lucid conference was excellent.
“They did a really good job focusing on the repair quality, cycle times, customer service and all aspects of the ‘customer experience’ that sells cars,” said Michael Whittemore. “The car itself is amazing but customer service is key to keeping customers driving Lucid vehicles for many years to come.”
Erin Solis, senior vice president of operations for Square One System, said Lucid is really committed to the certified program, as shown by the force of their employees at the conference.
“There were so many teammates there from all sections of the business that deal with the collision program,” she said. “It was cool to see their commitment.”
She said it was also impressive to see the new technology in the production plant and how the cars are built.
Solis stressed the importance of being part of the Lucid Certified Network to ensure the vehicles are being repaired properly.
“This is a new program and a new OEM and the body composition is different,” she noted. “Shops need to understand how to repair them properly.”
Stacey Phillips Ronak