Cadillac rolls out repair network for aluminum-intensive CT6 sedan

[RobStark]

DETROIT -- The Cadillac CT6, the first aluminum-skinned vehicle from General Motors, will have its own dedicated factory-certified repair facilities.

John Eck, Cadillac’s collision manager for wholesale dealer channel, says dealers with no aluminum repair equipment likely will need to spend around $50,000 for the special tools to fix the car.

Cadillac plans to have between 100 and 200 dealers and independent body shops signed up and trained before the CT6 goes on sale in the first quarter next year, Eck said.

The CT6 uses aluminum outer body panels and a combination of ultra-high-strength steel, cast aluminum parts and extrusions for the unibody or inner structure. These components are held together by GM’s patented aluminum welding process, self-piercing rivets, screws and adhesives.

But independent body shops that are not part of the Cadillac repair network will not be able to buy structural repair parts, Eck said.

“Some cosmetic parts are open to anyone in the market, but you have to join the program to get structural parts,” he said. The reason: Cadillac wants to ensure structural repairs bring the car back to factory specifications.

Eck said dealers and body shops will pay $4,500 a year to join the Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network.

Cadillac rolls out repair network for aluminum-intensive CT6 sedan

 

[stopcrazypp]

Interesting bolding. I'm sure the "Tesla is evil for restricting parts sales" crowd will ignore this example also.

 

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

DETROIT -- The Cadillac CT6, the first aluminum-skinned vehicle from General Motors, will have its own dedicated factory-certified repair facilities.

John Eck, Cadillac’s collision manager for wholesale dealer channel, says dealers with no aluminum repair equipment likely will need to spend around $50,000 for the special tools to fix the car.

Cadillac plans to have between 100 and 200 dealers and independent body shops signed up and trained before the CT6 goes on sale in the first quarter next year, Eck said.

The CT6 uses aluminum outer body panels and a combination of ultra-high-strength steel, cast aluminum parts and extrusions for the unibody or inner structure. These components are held together by GM’s patented aluminum welding process, self-piercing rivets, screws and adhesives.

But independent body shops that are not part of the Cadillac repair network will not be able to buy structural repair parts, Eck said.

“Some cosmetic parts are open to anyone in the market, but you have to join the program to get structural parts,” he said. The reason: Cadillac wants to ensure structural repairs bring the car back to factory specifications.

Eck said dealers and body shops will pay $4,500 a year to join the Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network.

Cadillac rolls out repair network for aluminum-intensive CT6 sedan

Looks like GM really is studying Tesla closely.

 

[qwk]

Interesting bolding. I'm sure the "Tesla is evil for restricting parts sales" crowd will ignore this example also.

Nobody is ignoring it. If Tesla gets too many things in common with GM, they will probably go down the same BK road path. Alienating customers isn't the best recipe for success....

 

[Bangor Bob]

Hmmm. With Cadillac they can probably get away with it. It's not going to fly when the Silverado goes aluminum in the next generation though.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Wasn't Global Monsters the company that made those stupid ads attacking the aluminum F-150?

you know, when they aren't busy paying scientists to ignore the health issues of leaded fuel, buying public transit companies, or killing people by shutting their cars off?

amazing they have the time to build cars there.

Yea... I hate GM... And I've owned a few. Never again.