XPEL Rivian Factory PPF Q&A -- by XPEL

[DaveA]

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.

Is this state specific, because I KNOW people who went to Xpel here in Texas and had their headlights covered in PPF. And lightbar... Or are you saying the manufacturers can't do it, but after market can?

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[Tim@XPEL]

@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

We will end up with many vehicles running through both programs, so it's fine either way to me. We don't have enough capacity in Normal to do every R1, and as some have pointed out, there is an appetite for more elaborate wraps which are not offered from the factory.

 

[Tim@XPEL]

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?

The terms are the same as our regular warranty, just for 5 years to match the vehicle warranty. So yes, peeling edges are definitely under warranty. You can see the full warranty coverage at: https://www.xpel.com/warranty-information.

 

[Tim@XPEL]

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?

Sure, there is always some flexibility within a large group of dealers. I just wanted to point out that the OEM parts are packaged such that they are all nested to minimize film waste. Pulling some parts out and cutting them on a different roll will cost the dealer more to do, so some may charge extra.

Correct. The OEM package is currently set to be all Stealth.

 

[Tim@XPEL]

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?

There has been an overwhelming response to the program, which has slowed the response rate. For this I apologize. We are working to get through all the submissions as quickly as possible. If you PM me your contact info, I can check and see what is available.

 

[godfodder0901]

Or are you saying the manufacturers can't do it, but after market can?

This 100%.

 

[Tim@XPEL]

@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?

Adding ceramic on top of PPF just makes it easier to clean and more resistant to staining. Certainly beneficial. Just be careful on which ceramics you put on the film. The solvents in some can yellow the film on light colored vehicles.

 

[Tim@XPEL]

Is this state specific, because I KNOW people who went to Xpel here in Texas and had their headlights covered in PPF. And lightbar... Or are you saying the manufacturers can't do it, but after market can?

FMVSS is Federal, so it's all US. However, this just applies to vehicle manufacturers. Aftermarket is a different story.

 

[dsps70]

Interesting. The quote I received through the Rivian program made it clear that badges would NOT be removed, and the template provided by XPEL simply had cutouts to go over the badges.

He specifically speaking about install done ‘at the factory” before delivery… which is very different than install done after delivery at authorized xpel installers where they don’t remove badges& have cut outs around badge.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

He specifically speaking about install done ‘at the factory” before delivery… which is very different than install done after delivery at authorized xpel installers where they don’t remove badges& have cut outs around badge.

You might want to read the whole thread...

 

[pfbz]

People of course constantly ask me what I think of the new Rivian... Short version of my answer is always that I am just blown away with how good the R1T is, as well as impressed Rivian's customer support, delivery team and service team (once the wait was over of course).

I have to now say that I am equally blown away with how Xpel has responded to what I saw as some initial glitches in the new Rivian/Xpel OE paint protection rollout. Not only did @Tim@XPEL take the opportunity to reach out to see if he could help find a dealer for me to work with, but I've already had follow up with other members of the Xpel corporate team to not only clarify some of the misinformation that initially circulated about the offering, but also help move forward finding a local Xpel dealer for R1T.

It's pretty rare to find companies that really 'walk the walk' these days when it comes to customer service and interaction, and I wanted to give a positive shout out to Xpel. Tim's input on this thread and the companies follow up behind the scenes has been fantastic and is greatly appreciated!

 

[Gassious]

Adding ceramic on top of PPF just makes it easier to clean and more resistant to staining. Certainly beneficial. Just be careful on which ceramics you put on the film. The solvents in some can yellow the film on light colored vehicles.

Do you have recommendations on which ceramics works well with either the Stealth or Ultimate XPEL PPF?

Thank you for the great communication with the Rivian community!

 

[mini2nut]

Tim, thanks for your time.

I love the factory PPF option. With the blunt front end on the R1T this is a must have option for any auto enthusiast who takes pride in their vehicles.

 

[shumdit]

I was on the fence about having this done but after Tim’s participation and informative replies I just set up an appointment.

 

[AO_Pete]

Passing on a real-world experience, dropped our R1T off at Xpel/Dallas this morning (Fri July 29). They confirmed everything that @Tim@XPEL has said, basically edge-wrapping where there's no trim removal needed, so essentially, all the important edges. Nice facility (at least compared to the wrap shops I've been to before on the shady side of town!), nice people, and they're keeping me up to date with progress (see pics), should be ready Monday. So far, very happy. (note, emblems are off!).

@Tim@XPEL since you're here, do you recommend a specific detailer spray for the Stealth PPF? I've used this in the past.

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