AUTO BODY HAWAII IS HAWAII’S ONLY
JAGUAR AUTHORIZED ALUMINUM REPAIR NETWORK
 

Jaguar Cars has established one of the world's largest authorized aluminum vehicle repair networks to service the collision repair needs of the new XJ. This page has been prepared to help you better understand Jaguar's aluminum body construction, and how the Jaguar Authorized Aluminum Repair Network operates.

The new XJ's body structure comprises pressings of sheet aluminum combined with aluminum alloy extrusions and aluminum castings. Jaguar's engineers adopted the proven construction techniques of the aerospace industry to assemble this structure. The new Jaguar XJ represents an industry-first use of rivet-bonding construction for an aluminum-intensive monocoque body. Rivet-bonding utilizes a state of the art self-piercing rivet method along with epoxy adhesives for strength, producing robustness and durability when fusing aluminum pressings. The adhesives are applied robotically during assembly, then heat-cured to optimal strength during the vehicle painting & baking process.

Over 3,400 rivets are used in the construction of the new body.

The body of the new XJ is significantly stiffer by 60 percent and lighter by 40 percent compared to previous model year, and other comparable vehicles.

Bake-hardened aluminum sheet metal pressings for the new XJ's exterior panels, offering added resilience against dents and dings.

High-pressure vacuum aluminum die-castings for suspension and driveline component mounting points, which are both light weight and highly resistant to bending and contributes to the precision and comfort of the XJ's steering, ride and handling.

The new XJ features a comprehensive array of passive safety technologies, including Jaguar's sophisticated Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) but at its protective core is the strength of the aluminum body.

The new XJ has excellent crash protection and repair credentials, the aluminum-intensive body structure having proven its strength in Jaguar's own 'real-world' crash-test program.

Prior to the first XJ prototype crashing into a barrier, Jaguar engineers performed more than 500 computer-simulated crash events using sophisticated crash-modeling software and this was followed up by physical tests.

Being lighter than the equivalent steel body, the XJ body structure carries significantly less kinetic energy into a collision, reducing the amount of energy that has to be absorbed by the body in an accident. Front and rear crush zones in the body structure absorb crash energy progressively while protecting the integrity of the cabin, and the 'tube-in-tube' propshaft features built-in crush properties to absorb collision energy. In addition, the new XJ promises excellent side impact protection, resulting from a very strong center pillar with a wide, tapered base, extruded aluminum lateral floor reinforcements, and door beam extrusions.

The architecture of the new XJ is engineered for ease of repairability, a key factor in the determination of insurance premiums. Engineering techniques used include a bolt-on front-end module - BOFE - that is designed to reduce the cost of repairing front-end collision damage. This can withstand an impact of 10 mph without structural damage being inflicted; the assembly incorporating impact-absorbing properties between the front-end module and the body shell. In addition, 'lift-off' door hinges make removal simple if collision repair is needed, reducing time and cost, while bolt-on front fenders are easy to remove and replace.

Our goal is to meet our customer's service expectations and deliver superior customer satisfaction. The Jaguar Authorized Aluminum Repair Network was created to:

Ensure collision repairs are performed in accordance with Jaguar standards.

Complete quality repairs in a timely fashion.

Deliver professional and reliable service.

In establishing the network, we have created two categories for all aluminum body repairs, structural and non-structural.

Non-structural repairs are cosmetic in nature consisting of ding and dent repairs, bolted-on panel replacement and paintwork.

Structural repairs involve straightening of frame damage, cutting/welding, bonding of metal and riveting.

To ensure the most efficient repair process, each Jaguar dealership is aligned with an authorized local non-structural repair center. A structural collision repair solution is available in most major metropolitan areas. The network is comprised of dealer owned or nominated repair centers that have met all Jaguar collision repair standards.

To ensure the most efficient repair process, each Jaguar dealership is aligned with an authorized local non-structural repair center. A structural collision repair solution is available in most major metropolitan areas. The network is comprised of dealer owned or nominated repair centers that have met all Jaguar collision repair standards.

Non-Structural Repair Center Standards:

Successful completion of the aluminum body and paint knowledge assessments in areas of refinishing procedures, cosmetic repair and shop safety.

Jaguar tested and approved tools must be acquired and dedicated for aluminum repairs stored separately from other repair tools.

A self-contained sterol repair area must be assigned in each authorized facility to prevent cross contamination from steel bodied repairs.

Facility site inspections are conducted to compliance with Jaguar repair network standards.

Structural Repair Center Standards:

In addition to meeting all non-structural repair authorized repair centers standards, structural repair centers must meet the following additional standards:

Celette or Globaljig frame bench unit utilizing a fixed-point measuring and anchoring system. The Fronius inverted wire feed aluminum welding unit, which operates with digital signals to control arc intensity and wire speed; this is the same welding method used during factory construction of the body shell. These are Jaguar required equipment.

Technicians must attend "The New XJ Structural Repair and Panel Replacement" course. This course was developed by Jaguar Cars and delivered by I-CAR Tech Centre in Appleton WI. The curriculum covers straightening, bonding, panel repair and replacement, cutting, welding and riveting specific to the XJ sedan.

Once a repair center is nominated, Jaguar Cars has established strategic relationships with collision repair experts who are partnered in the repair center certification process to manage facility, technician training and equipment purchase requirements. These alliances will continue to be instrumental as Jaguar continues to expand the aluminum collision repair network in relation to the increase in vehicle sales; to meet the service needs of our customers.

BENEFITS OF THE JAGUAR AUTHORIZED ALUMINUM REPAIR NETWORK

The Jaguar Authorized Aluminum Repair Network will ensure that the vehicle receives utmost care and attention. Here are some of the benefits of this exclusive network:

Certified repair centers, such as Auto Body Hawaii, within the network are staffed with certified technicians and equipped with Jaguar-tested and - approved repair tools and equipment.

Certified repair centers are the only source for genuine Jaguar aluminum repair parts, which carry a Jaguar parts limited warranty.

Certified repair centers feature self-contained aluminum repair environments to prevent the possibility of cross-contamination and corrosion from steel particles.

If damage is determined to be structural in nature, Jaguar will provide complementary transportation for the 2004 XJ sedan to a structural repair center (including shipping between Islands). This service will be provided at no cost to the customer during the new vehicle limited warranty period.

FAQ’S

A: The customer should contact their local Jaguar dealership. The Jaguar dealer and/or Auto Body Hawaii will assess the damage and identify repair needs.

A: Auto Body Hawaii is the only certified source for conducting a quality collision repair for this vehicle, restoring it to its pre-accident condition.

A: Repairs performed by untrained technicians at an unauthorized repair center may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle, thus reducing the residual value. In addition, aluminum repairs performed outside a self- contained environment may expose the vehicle to cross-contamination and cause corrosion, this more so in Hawaii’s salt air environment.

A: Yes. Auto Body Hawaii and our technicians are presented with a signed certification of compliance to Jaguar standards, which is valid for 24 months from date of certification. Repair centers are required to re-certify to maintain their certification status in the network.

A: Jaguar does not recommend or encourage aluminum collision repairs outside the authorized and trained network, including ding and dent repair.

A: In the State of Hawaii, Auto Body Hawaii is the only collision repair facility that meets Jaguar’s strict requirements.

A: Auto Body Hawaii is the State of Hawaii’s largest most technological advanced collision repair facility. Located in Kona, Auto Body Hawaii has been the industry leader for the past 30 past years.

Q: When my vehicle is complete, do I receive delivery from Auto Body Hawaii?

A: Your vehicle will be transported to Jaguar of Honolulu; you will take delivery from them. As a part of the repair process Jaguar of Honolulu is required to perform a final check list before vehicle is returned to owner.

Q: How will I see the progress of the repairs?

A: You will be offered an industry first, the benefit of viewing your vehicle throughout the entire repair process without leaving your home or office. Through this website you can view and down-load photos of the repair process as it moves forward.