XPEL Rivian Factory PPF Q&A -- by XPEL

[Tim@XPEL]

Hi @Tim@XPEL ,

I LOVE your communication style. Very concise and crystal clear.

Have you thought about becoming the director of Rivian Customer Engagement?

Thanks for the kind words

I'm sure they'll let me know if a position opens up

Sponsored

 

[Tim@XPEL]

@Tim@XPEL Cheers dude for setting the record straight. The real question on everyone's mind though is "What colour is your R1T/S?"

Personally I'm in the El Cap camp.
?

Don't hate me, but while I very much like the product, I'm actually a sports car guy. So, I'll have to wait for Rivian to get into that arena.

 

[R1Tim]

Appreciate you taking the time @Tim@XPEL - any word on how the warranty would work? Would that happen through the (participating) installer network? Will there be an up-to-date list somewhere, so we can check how convenient it would be? I love the price point, but having had issues with previous ppf installs, I wouldn't want to be stuck having to drive several hours to get my ppf corrected.

 

[Tim@XPEL]

Appreciate you taking the time @Tim@XPEL - any word on how the warranty would work? Would that happen through the (participating) installer network? Will there be an up-to-date list somewhere, so we can check how convenient it would be? I love the price point, but having had issues with previous ppf installs, I wouldn't want to be stuck having to drive several hours to get my ppf corrected.

Warranty work is performed through our global dealer network, so as long as there is a dealer nearby you're all set. You can see a list of dealers at https://www.xpel.com/clearbra-installers.

 

[SASSquatch]

@Tim@XPEL You are doing God's work in this thread. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and fight the fake news on the OEM program.

Can I confirm that the OEM factory install program launching in October you are discussing will be the same $1500 for partial front (glossy) and $4,500 for full coverage (Stealth)?

Does the partial include either the a/b pillars and/or head lights? If not, can they be added in the OEM factory option or is it whatever the package calls for (i.e. no customizations)?

Thank you!

 

[Honorz]

Thanks for taking the time to answer. There were rumors that headlights were not included in the total wrap. It seems unlikely, but I just wanted to double check if that they were indeed included?

 

[BillyBob]

This is so awesome. Thanks much, Tim.

 

[ja_kub_sz]

@Tim@XPEL

You're concise and a straight shooter, I like that.

Tomorrow you get a call from Rivian "Tim we have a R1 for you, would you like the factory XPEL wrap, or after delivery XPEL dealer wrap?"

What would you tell Rivian?

Thanks

 

[prasadtakkar]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to stop in here and answer some of the questions being circulated on this and other threads about the factory PPF options.

Q. Do the factory installations include paint correction and/or decontamination?

A. No. When the film is installed at the factory location, it is being applied on clean virgin paint that has never been outside in the elements. It is inspected first by Rivian in a light tunnel at the end of the production line, and then again by the installation team at our facility. If at either stage, a defect is found that would impact the installation in any way, the vehicle is sent back for this to be corrected before installation.

Doing the installation at an XPEL dealer is a different story altogether. In these cases, the vehicle has been out on the road or in the elements and will often need some level of decontamination or correction before installing the film. The cost for this will vary, depending on the dealer and amount of work needed.

Q. Are the edges wrapped on the factory options?

A. Edges that are accessible without requiring disassembly of the vehicle are wrapped. Edges that are not accessible without disassembly are not. For example, all the hood edges are wrapped, but the top of the bed rails is not since it would require removing the bed rail caps to access this area.

Q. Are the Rivian badges removed to install the factory PPF?

A. Yes. New badges are to be applied over the film after the installation is complete using a jig to ensure proper location and spacing. We are currently trying to obtain extra badges for the installations related to this program that are being performed by XPEL dealers in the field as well, but currently the badges are in very short supply. I will update this thread when this changes.

In the meantime, it is completely understandable that XPEL dealers will need to charge extra to remove and reapply the badges. This is a very time consuming process that requires removing the old adhesive tape, cutting and reinstalling new badge tape, and carefully reapply the letters back in the same locations while managing to get them straight and evenly spaced.

Q. When will the factory option be available?

A. We are currently targeting October for start of production.


Let me know if I missed any of your questions.


Best Regards,


Tim Hartt
VP – OEM Integration
XPEL, Inc.

@Tim@XPEL I just wanted to say a big thank you for sharing all the information. Super valuable, looking forward to an R1S being wrapped when its done. Also would like to see a Forest Green wrapped since thats the color on my pre-order

 

[Gsxr150]

Warranty work is performed through our global dealer network, so as long as there is a dealer nearby you're all set. You can see a list of dealers at https://www.xpel.com/clearbra-installers.

Tim, what exactly is covered under the warranty? Does it cover peeling edges (or dirt getting in under edges)? Or does the warranty ONLY cover manufacturer defects?

 

[Gshenderson]

The black section of the front bumper and the A-Pillars are included in the design package, so they should be covered in Stealth. It could technically be done in gloss if you want, but that will likely cost extra due to the fact that they can't be cut with the rest of the parts in Stealth, which increases waste.

My local shop proactively asked me if I preferred to have the gloss black portions done in gloss vs. stealth and said there would not be any additional charge. I’m sure that’s a shop specific thing, so worth asking if you’re interested in that. I’m guessing the OEM path will be all stealth?

 

[pfbz]

Sounds like a great program.... But zero response from my on-line inquiry submitted 7/15 and the few Xpel dealers I contacted said they are not participating , were highly negative about the program, and misrepresented what it included in the "OEM PPF Package (based on @Tim@XPEL 's info above).

How do I go about finding a "participating" Xpel dealer in my area (Denver metro)? And one that won't just badmouth the Rivian/Xpel program and try and upsell the heck out it?

 

[Gshenderson]

@Tim@XPEL, would you care to share any thoughts or opinions you have regarding the need/value of adding ceramic coat on top of Xpel?

 

[Tim@XPEL]

@Tim@XPEL You are doing God's work in this thread. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and fight the fake news on the OEM program.

Can I confirm that the OEM factory install program launching in October you are discussing will be the same $1500 for partial front (glossy) and $4,500 for full coverage (Stealth)?

Does the partial include either the a/b pillars and/or head lights? If not, can they be added in the OEM factory option or is it whatever the package calls for (i.e. no customizations)?

Thank you!

That is my understanding, though the price is ultimately up to Rivian.

A/b pillars and headlights are not included in the partial package, and at least for now, there is no way to customize the option.

 

[Tim@XPEL]

Thanks for taking the time to answer. There were rumors that headlights were not included in the total wrap. It seems unlikely, but I just wanted to double check if that they were indeed included?

They are not included as it is a regulatory issue. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) prohibits any manufacturer from applying films on the headlamps.

Sponsored