ELKHART, Ind. – Forest River Inc., a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles, pontoons, cargo trailers, buses and vans, announced in a press release its recognition as Ford Motor Company’s tp sold volume account in both the bus and mobility and motorhome segments for 2024.
“This prestigious accomplishment marks the second consecutive year earning this distinction for Forest River RV and continues a remarkable streak for Forest River Bus & Van, which has achieved this milestone every year since 2006,” the release stated.
This achievement underscores the strength of Forest River’s long-standing partnership with Ford and reflects a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative transportation and recreation solutions to customers. Collaborating with Ford has enabled Forest River, Inc. to equip customers with reliable vehicles that offer safety and superior performance.
“We are incredibly honored to once again be recognized as Ford’s top volume account in these key segments,” said David Wright, Co-CEO of Forest River, Inc. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our teams. Together, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, ensuring our customers receive the best vehicles on the market.”
“We’re committed to further strengthening our relationship with Ford and continuing to set industry benchmarks in both sectors,” said Doug Gaeddert, Co-CEO of Forest River, Inc. “Forest River and Ford are two trusted names, and together we are building a new level of expectation and performance for our customers.”
This is the final weekend to participate in the RVBusiness, Wells Fargo 2025 All-Industry Survey.
With the industry coming off a challenging couple of years, observers are singularly focused on what 2025 might have to offer – especially when the retail market might return to an affirmative growth mode. To help find that answer, RVB and Wells Fargo Inventory Finance are again reaching out to the North American RV sector with the “2025 RVBusiness/Wells Fargo All-Industry Survey” to better gauge the RV sector’s collective mindset.
As such, we’re asking you to participate in this quick, nine-question survey, the results of which will be posted online and published in the March/April issue of RVBusiness.
Canadian RV dealers, OEMs and industry insiders tuned in to a Zoom conference Thursday (Feb. 6) to learn the latest about efforts by the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada and the Canadian RV Association (CRVA) to try to keep business on an even keel should tariffs be enacted by the Trump administration in early March.
On Feb. 1, the U.S. announced that tariffs would be put in place on Canadian goods, oil, natural gas and electricity. However, after a productive phone call between President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the tariffs were postponed for 30 days.
But leaders of the Canadian RV industry aren’t just sitting back waiting for them to happen.
Clockwise from top left: RVDA of Canada President Eleanore Hamm, CRVA President Shane Devenish, and Charles Bernard, lead economist of Impact Public Affairs.
As announced during the webinar – which was moderated by RVDA of Canada President Eleonore Hamm and CRVA President Shane Devenish, who were joined by economist Charles Bernard – actions are being taken to try to stress to members of Parliament the importance of the RV industry to the Canadian economy and the fact that dealers are reliant on a consistent supply of RVs from the U.S.
To that end, the associations have drafted letters to all ministers of Parliament.
There are a handful of RV manufacturers in Canada, but they mostly produce Class B motorhomes and they don’t produce enough to supply all of the dealers in Canada.
Bernard, lead economist of Impact Public Affairs, which represents the industry and auto industry in Ottawa, said the 30-day postponement has given the industry ample time to bring its efforts to bear in lobbying the government.
He said that the tariffs are set to come in two waves. The first wave of Canadian retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products covers a variety of goods that could be included in an RV. The second wave, set to come 21 days later, would include RVs themselves and actually could hit dealers twice with a tariff on a refrigerator and a separate one on the RV.
“The delay gives us 30 days of preparation and engagement to build our key messaging and try to learn more about the details of these tariffs,” Bernard said. “These 30 days also give Canadian officials a chance to get back to the table with the Americans and get agreements on other items.”
He said there are a lot of positive words being sent from Canadian officials to the Americans to create the kind of environment where they can get clarity about what is expected for the next few months instead of going month by month.
While the entire group stressed they are working to keep RVing viable in Canada, they also don’t want to be seen as an opposing player of a Canada-strong approach.
Still, the industry needs to make sure Parliament knows it is a key employer that is reliant on imports from the U.S. to properly succeed.
Eleonore Hamm
Hamm said she has already had several meetings with members of parliament over the past week.
She also said the industry’s letter has been sent to Minister of Finance Dominic LeBlanc and other ministers involved with finance and international trade and tourism.
“We want to ensure that they understand … that they understand the economic impact of the RV industry, how many jobs we have like 141,000 jobs and what we contribute $16.2 billion (Canadian) to the GDP and how important it is to keep that going,” Hamm said. “Because obviously, if the dealers are not strong, the campgrounds start to become weaker and the tourism industry is affected.”
Hamm said that 95% of the product for Canadian dealers comes from the U.S., so the one area where it seems that government may be willing to listen is if there’s an industry that cannot source convenient product.
“That really is what we’re going to be pushing is that we do not have the Canadian infrastructure in place the manufacturing in place assisting the dealer network in Canada,” she said.
In addition, dealers can apply for a remission, which is an exemption from tariffs because of undue hardship.
Hamm said industry leaders are looking into seeing if the exemptions can be applied for by an association or if dealers have to apply individually, but some dealers have already done so on their own.
“We’re going to be monitoring and following up with them to see if there are some successful remission exemptions that go through, because then that would be obviously some precedent that’s set for dealers,” she said.
She encouraged all dealers to work with their provincial RVDAs and to take advantage of the letter that has been drafted to send similar letters to their provincial leaders. There has been some turmoil recently in the Canadian government with Trudeau losing popularity and a declining approval level that could potentially lead to early elections.
Shane Devenish
Devenish said that during Trump’s first term, RVs weren’t targeted by the Canadian counter-tariffs. But this time around, products from Republican states like Indiana are in the bullseye.
“That’s kind of why we’re seeing the Canadian government look to include recreational vehicles in their counter tariffs,” he said. “When we got wind of this, we had a lot of conversations with the RVIA who completely supports us in this and may have been engaging in some ‘back channel’ conversations with certain congressmen and senators.”
Hamm said the associations would be forwarding a two-page letter that dealers can personalize with their own information and send to their ministers of Parliament to help spread the message.
The associations plan to hold another Zoom conference before the tariffs are scheduled to take effect.
ELKHART, Ind. – As of Feb. 7, the Hall of Fame RV Supplier Show has reached nearly 65% sold out, according to a press release from the Hall.
“This event offers suppliers the opportunity to showcase in front of the wholesale segment of the industry during the annual Elkhart Dealer Open House. This is one of the most significant industry events in the world. Past exhibitors were given the first right of refusal to reclaim their previous year’s booth space. At this time, we have opened the remaining floor spaces to the rest of the industry’s suppliers,” the release stated.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Friday afternoon (Jan. 31), Doug Burgum was sworn in as the 55th Secretary of the Interior. With a career rooted in leadership, innovation and service, Secretary Burgum expressed his gratitude and outlined his vision for the Department of the Interior’s future, according to a release.
Following that, Burgum signed six Secretary’s Orders to make “America Energy Dominant.”
As the Secretary of the Interior, Burgum leads an agency with more than 70,000 employees who are stewards for 20% of the nation’s lands, including national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges and other public lands. The Department oversees the responsible development of conventional and renewable energy supplies on public lands and waters, is the largest supplier and manager of water in the 17 western states and upholds trust responsibilities to the 574 federally recognized American Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives.
Opening Statement from the 55th Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum
“Grateful to President Trump for the honor to serve as Secretary of the Interior,” saidBurgum. “We look forward to delivering on President Trump’s vision for Energy Dominance – which is the foundation of American prosperity, affordability for American families, unrivaled national security, and world peace.”
As an avid outdoorsman, Burgum noted the importance of being excellent stewards of America’s natural beauty.
“We will achieve Energy Dominance by sustainably developing our natural resources while championing clean air and clean water, protecting our most beautiful lands, and expanding outdoor recreation!” he said. “We will treat our natural resources as national assets, which are for the benefit and use of the American people.”
Burgum highlighted his experience working with tribal nations as Governor of North Dakota.
“In North Dakota, we share geography with five sovereign tribal nations,” he said. “The current partnership is historically strong because we prioritized tribal engagement through mutual respect, open communication, collaboration, and a sincere willingness to listen. At Interior, we will strengthen our commitment to enhancing the quality of life, promoting economic opportunities, and empowering our tribal partners through those principles.”
Burgum’s swearing-in marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Department of the Interior. He has pledged to “advance innovation, collaboration and solutions that address the pressing challenges of our time,” the release stated.
Secretary Doug Burgum Signs First Round of Secretary’s Orders to ‘Unleash American Energy‘
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum is shown signing six Secretary’s Orders. (Department of the Interior photo)
On his first day in office, Burgum met with Department leadership, outlined his key priorities, took immediate steps to streamline processes that will enhance efficiency and innovation across the Department and advanced President Trump’s agenda by signing six Secretary’s Orders to make America Energy Dominant.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the Department of the Interior,” said Burgum. “We are committed to working collaboratively to unlock America’s full potential in energy dominance and economic development to make life more affordable for every American family while showing the world the power of America’s natural resources and innovation. Together, we will ensure that our policies reflect the needs of our communities, respect tribal sovereignty, and drive innovation that will keep the U.S. at the forefront of energy and environmental leadership.”
1. Addressing the National Energy Emergency
One of Secretary Burgum’s first major actions was signing Secretary’s Order 3417, “Addressing the National Energy Emergency,” to address the President’s national emergency declaration by tackling the critical need for “a reliable, diversified, growing and affordable supply of energy.”
Interior will immediately undertake two efforts to address our nation’s inadequate energy supply and protect against this active threat to the national and economic security of the American people. First, Interior will immediately identify all emergency and legal authorities available to facilitate the identification, permitting, leasing, development, production, transportation, refining, distribution, exporting and generation of domestic energy resources and critical minerals.
Second, the Department will identify all emergency and other legal authorities available to expedite the completion of all authorized and appropriate infrastructure, energy, environmental, and natural resources projects. The Secretary will report the use of such authorities and submit recommendations for exercising certain authorities as necessary to the President.
2. Unleashing American Energy
Secretary’s Order 3418 aligns the Department with President Trump’s energy policy to, among other things, encourage energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters to meet the needs of our citizens and solidify the United States as a global energy leader and achieve energy dominance.
The order ensures the Department’s consistency with Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy” by immediately terminating all actions taken respecting the Executive Orders revoked by President Trump and a review of all agency actions that potentially burden the development of domestic energy resources.
The Secretary also directs a review of all appropriations from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to ensure consistency with President Trump’s energy dominance policies. In addition to reviewing burdensome energy development policies, the order also directs a review of all domestic mining and processing of non-fuel minerals to restore America’s critical mineral dominance and takes steps to prioritize updating the U.S. Geological Survey’s list of critical minerals and accelerating the ongoing geological mapping of the country.
The order will align the Department with the Trump administration’s Energy Dominance policies which include:
Encouraging energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters, including on the Outer Continental Shelf, in order to meet the needs of our citizens and solidify the United States as a global energy leader long into the future;
Establishing our position as the leading producer and processor of non-fuel minerals, including rare earth minerals, which will create jobs and prosperity at home, strengthen supply chains for the United States and its allies, and reduce the global influence of malign and adversarial states;
Protecting the United States’ economic and national security and military preparedness by ensuring that an abundant supply of reliable energy is readily accessible in every State and territory of the Nation;
Ensuring that all regulatory requirements related to energy are grounded in clearly applicable law;
Ensuring that the global effects of a rule, regulation, or action shall, whenever evaluated, be reported separately from its domestic costs and benefits, in order to promote sound regulatory decision making and prioritize the interests of the American people;
Guaranteeing that all executive departments and agencies (agencies) provide opportunity for public comment and rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific analysis; and
Ensuring that no federal funding is employed in a manner contrary to the principles set out above, unless required by law.
3. Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost-of-Living Crisis
The order initiates a Department-wide review of all programs and regulations that are unnecessarily causing higher living costs for hardworking American families to identify and recommend future actions to lower costs. Interior will focus on ways to eliminate harmful, coercive climate policies and lower the cost of energy, which in turn will restore purchasing power to the everyday American and improve overall quality of life.
4. Announcing President Trump’s revocation of former Outer Continental Shelf Withdrawals
Secretary’s Order 3420 directs immediate compliance with President Trump’s revocations of the Biden administration’s wrongful withdrawals of the Outer Continental Shelf from oil and gas leasing. S.O. 3420 notifies the Department that the “ban has been unbanned” and directs all bureaus and offices to comply with President Trump’s revocation of the withdrawals as outlined in Executive Order 14148, “Initial Recissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions.” Furthermore, Interior is immediately directed to resume taking all actions available to expedite the leasing of the OCS for oil and gas exploration and production.
The three withdrawals that have been revoked by President Trump’s order are:
Withdrawal of Certain Areas off the United States Arctic Coast of the Outer Continental Shelf from Oil or Gas Leasing (March 13, 2023);
Withdrawal of Certain Areas of the United States Outer Continental Shelf from Oil or Natural Gas Leasing (January 6, 2025);
Withdrawal of Certain Areas of the United States Outer Continental Shelf from Oil or Natural Gas Leasing (January 6, 2025).
The Department will resume taking all actions available to expedite the leasing of the Outer Continental Shelf for oil and gas exploration and production.
5. Achieving Prosperity Through Deregulation
Secretary’s Order 3421 directs the Department of the Interior to support President Donald J. Trump’s deregulation agenda, as outlined in the Executive Order Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation.” The goal is to reduce red tape, enhance national security and improve the quality of life for U.S. citizens. Interior will eliminate at least 10 existing regulations for every new one introduced and ensure that the costs of new regulations are offset by removing the costs of previous ones. All of the Department’s bureaus and offices are tasked with streamlining financial management and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens.
Secretary’s Order 3422 directs the Department to take all necessary steps to unleash the State of Alaska’s abundant and largely untapped supply of natural resources. This Order implements Executive Order 14153, “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential,” by among other policies, efficiently and effectively maximizing the development and production of the natural resources located on both federal and State lands within Alaska.
S.O. 3422 withdraws Secretary’s Order 3401, dated June 1, 2021, and reinstates Secretary’s Order No. 3352, “National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska,” dated May 31, 2017, to prioritize the prudent development of natural resources in Alaska and beyond to ensure the Nation’s geopolitical security. The Secretary directs an immediate review of all punitive restrictions that have targeted resource development in Alaska and requires the Interior Department to develop plans of action to carry out President Trump’s agenda for how Alaska can help make America Energy Dominant again.
As the Department of the Interior moves forward under Secretary Burgum’s leadership, these initiatives set the foundation for a renewed focus on responsible resource management, economic growth, and cultural preservation. By advancing policies that honor America’s heritage while fostering innovation and sustainability, the Department remains committed to serving the interests of the American people and strengthening the nation’s environmental and energy future.
AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB) and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) have teamed up to launch a new pilot program aimed at strengthening Maine’s outdoor recreation workforce by defining and promoting outdoor jobs. This initiative will focus on research, partnerships, and innovative tools to expand career pathways in the state’s growing outdoor sector.
Jenny Kordick
“Maine’s outdoor recreation industry is a cornerstone of our economy and identity, but workforce challenges hinder its growth,” said Jenny Kordick, Executive Director of Maine Outdoor Brands. “This pilot program is a game-changer. By defining and promoting outdoor industry jobs, we can strengthen career pathways and inspire a new generation to build meaningful, impactful careers in the outdoor sector. Maine Outdoor Brands is proud to partner with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and ORR on this critical initiative to ensure our outdoor industry remains innovative, resilient, and a leader in economic and workforce development.”
Chris Perkins
Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at ORR, emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, “Maine’s outdoor recreation economy plays a vital role in the state’s identity and prosperity. This innovative program will create much-needed pathways for students and professionals to thrive in outdoor careers. By executing on this pilot program, we can ensure that Maine’s outdoor industry continues to lead in both economic impact and workforce development for years to come.”
With outdoor recreation contributing $3.4 billion (3.7%) to Maine’s GDP and employing 29,863 people, this program will provide timely solutions to support the industry’s continued growth. The project is one of 29 grants awarded throughout Maine by the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation in total more than $3.7 million have been awarded to Maine organizations in the final round of the Community Outdoor Recreation Assistance (CORA) Program’s competitive grants. CORA is funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation State Grant to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing these sectors.
Jeff McCabe
“This grant, along with the other grants, have been awarded to organizations across the state who are doing important work to increase access and sustainability for outdoor recreation in Maine,” said Jeff McCabe Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation.“These projects include things like trail planning, materials, signage, and design work, which will expand outdoor recreation capacity, across the state and strengthen our outdoor economy.”
The pilot aligns with the Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy 10-Year Roadmap and will include:
Research to update and expand Maine’s outdoor industry workforce demand survey, enabling better alignment between educational institutions and industry needs.
Marketing initiatives aimed at defining and promoting careers in the outdoor industry, including the creation and distribution of “Day in the Life” videos showcasing employees and entrepreneurs in action.
Outreach through classroom and campus events, engaging leaders from the outdoor industry to directly connect with students.
Planning a K-12 career path strategy, fostering early exposure to outdoor careers and building career perceptions among young people.
ABOUT MOB
Maine Outdoor Brands is a member-driven alliance of 200 local outdoor product makers, experience providers, retailers and organizations invested in strengthening Maine’s $3.4 billion outdoor recreation economy. MOB supports outdoor businesses by providing collaborative marketing, networking, resource sharing and education in partnership with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation. MOB has a job board and career newsletter for individuals interested in working in Maine’s outdoor industry.
ABOUT ORR
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing the more than 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation economy and the full spectrum of outdoor-related activities. The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% of GDP), 5 million jobs and comprises 3.1% of U.S. employees.
AUSTIN, Texas and LAS VEGAS – Rollick, a leader in digital marketing solutions for the outdoor recreation, marine, powersports, commercial, and industrial industries, announced today at AIMExpo that RollickEngage, its digital engagement and retailing product previously known as RollickDR, has been enhanced with powerful new features and integrations. Early adopters of the product report increased qualified lead volume and improved customer engagement rates, highlighting its ability to drive measurable outcomes for OEMs and dealers. RollickEngage converts shoppers into qualified prospects with an all-in-one solution for quote requests, special offers, trade-ins, pre-qualification, and more.
RollickEngage has quickly become an essential tool for the outdoor recreation and industrial equipment industries. Rollick empowers its OEM and dealer customers with seamless, all-in-one digital shopping experience for its digital shoppers, eliminating the need for multiple form fills and repetitive data entry. This product’s integration across major dealer website platforms allows for consolidated, native CTAs on vehicle inventory pages, enabling customers to complete more of the buying journey online. Key OEMs, including E-Z-GO, Winnebago Heartland RV, and Kioti, are now sponsoring the rollout of RollickEngage on their brand sites and/or across their dealer networks, which is a testament to the platform’s credibility and industry backing.
Recent key enhancements to the RollickEngage product include:
Web Provider Integrations: the product can seamlessly embed into OEM and dealer websites via external APIs, enabling a fully branded and customized digital retailing experience. Alternatively, with Rollick’s new agreements with industry website providers, dealers wanting to leverage Rollick’s script-based integration can now request that its CTAs be exclusive to ensure all lead activity runs through the RollickEngage tool.
Standalone USAA Special Offers: Starting with Rollick’s unique partnership with USAA, website visitors who are also USAA members can now see and learn how to redeem available benefits ranging up to $3,000 from select OEMs.
AI-Powered Notifications: Dealers will soon receive AI-driven Smart Summaries that capture consumer browsing activities and completed RollickEngage modules, providing actionable insights to prioritize high-value leads.
Expanded Financial Integrations: New partnerships with Priority One Financial, Aqua Finance, U.S. Bank, and 700credit offer multi-lender pre-qualification, pre-approval, and payment calculation capabilities, helping consumers save time at the dealership by getting pre-approved financing.
Expanded Payment Platform Integrations for Reserve Now Functionality: Integrations with Kenect, Chase Paymentech, Authorize.net, and Stripe allow more dealers to collect deposits online from consumers on units they want to purchase.
Enhanced texting integration with Kenect: Dealers now have another way to connect with prospects, offering quick, personalized responses that strengthen engagement.
Poulsbo RV, an RV dealer with 4 locations in the northwest, converted to RollickEngage in 2023 for all lead collection on its website. The tool is natively integrated to create a seamless experience for web visitors. Tony Labriola, Marketing Director, said the following about their product implementation: “Since fully implementing RollickEngage, we’ve experienced a significant increase in lead submissions and customer engagement. As someone dedicated to driving innovation, I can confidently say this tool has been transformative for our website.”
In 2025, RollickEngage will be further enhanced by leveraging AI to boost its capabilities. More specifically, OEMs and dealers can add an AI response module capable of answering basic product questions and guiding users through the shopping process. Additionally, the product will integrate with the company’s industry-leading RollickNurture product to dynamically personalize messages based on completed modules and other appended data from OEM’s Aimbase and third-party sources.
“Our goal is to continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital retailing,” said Bernie Brenner, CEO of Rollick. “The recent rebranding and enhancements we’ve made to RollickEngage underscore our commitment to creating innovative tools that enhance shopper engagement, improve dealer efficiency, and deliver measurable results for our partners.”
With these enhancements, RollickEngage positions dealers and OEMs to compete in an increasingly digital-first world, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that turn online shoppers into loyal customers. To set up a demo with a member of Rollick’s sales team, visit us here.
In a partnership with Legacy Motor Club, NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson picks up a custom King Aire motorhome from Newmar President Casey Tubman at the company’s service facility in Nappanee, Ind. The Legacy Motor Club intends on using the motorhome as a hospitality coach at its racing and other events.
About the Legacy Motor Club
Legacy Motor Club is a premier auto racing organization co-founded by entrepreneur Maury Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Jimmie Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty – “The King” – serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.
On Jan. 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security released a rule prohibiting the sale of connected vehicles and certain vehicle hardware and software with a sufficient nexus to the People’s Republic of China or Russian Federation (Russia) as a threat to U.S. national security, according to a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
In addition to restricting the import and sale of certain finished vehicles, the rule also places restrictions on two systems: Vehicle Connectivity Systems and Automated Driving Systems. For this rule, Vehicle Connectivity Systems are all hardware components and software in a vehicle that allows it to communicate offboard. Automated Driving Systems is the software that allows an autonomous vehicle to operate without a driver’s input.
This rule applies to companies that are selling or importing completed connected vehicles for sale in the United States that weigh 10,000 pounds or less. It does not apply to vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds and those that are already on the road. The following are three categories of vehicles and systems that are covered by the rule:
Sale of completed Model Year 2027 connected vehicles by People’s Republic of China or Russian companies,
Import or sale of completed Model Year 2027 connected vehicles that incorporate People’s Republic of China or Russian-covered software,
Import of People’s Republic of China or Russian Vehicle Connectivity Systems hardware beginning in Model Year 2030, or January 1, 2029, for components that don’t have a model year.
Compliance Requirements
The final rule requires importers of Vehicle Connectivity Systems hardware and importers and manufacturers of completed connected vehicles to submit to the Bureau of Industry and Security annual Declarations of Conformity to attest they are complying. These Declarations provide basic information about the company, the transactions it is engaging in, and its suppliers.
The final rule also contains several compliance mechanisms relevant for regulated entities:
General Authorizations that allow importers and manufacturers to engage in certain low-risk transactions without the need to notify the Bureau of Industry and Security.
Specific Authorizations that enable importers and manufacturers to apply to the Bureau of Industry and Security for permission to engage in a transaction that is otherwise prohibited by the rule.
Advisory Opinions that allow importers and manufacturers to ask the Bureau of Industry and Security for formal determination if a specific transaction would be subject to the rule’s prohibitions.
Specifically, the Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a General Authorization that exempts vehicles that are driven less than 30 days per year. If you fall under a General Authorization, you do not need to submit a Declaration of Conformity. However, the Bureau of Industry and Security may, at its discretion, seek verification from importers and manufacturers as to whether they are relying on a General Authorization, and if so, may request records to verify compliance.
The RV Industry Association submitted comments urging the Bureau of Industry and Security to exempt RVs from the final rule. Though they declined to exempt RVs, the Bureau of Industry and Security “believes RVs will largely be excluded from the regulation” and that “[i]n the future, the Bureau of Industry and Security may consider whether a general authorization that specifically addresses RVs would be appropriate.”
The full language is here:
Specifically, the Bureau of Industry and Security has amended the definition of “connected vehicle,” for the purposes of this rule, to exclude vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of over 10,000 pounds, which generally aligns with the weight delineation included in definitions used by other government agencies (including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and by industry to delineate between passenger and commercial vehicles.
One commenter also requested that the Bureau of Industry and Security clarify that RVs are not included in the definition of a “connected vehicle.” The Bureau of Industry and Security declines to amend the definition as it believes RVs will largely be excluded from the regulation.
First, as amended, RVs weighing over 10,000 pounds will not be captured by this rule and will instead be subject to an intended future rule covering commercial vehicles.
Second, as the commenter noted, the Bureau of Industry and Security intends to issue a general authorization pertaining to vehicles used on public roads for fewer than 30 days a year, which could capture additional RVs that weigh under 10,001 pounds, if manufacturers are able to verify their RVs are eligible.
Manufacturers availing themselves of any future general authorization need not notify the Bureau of Industry and Security of its use nor apply for the authorization, contrary to the comment’s suggestion. In the future, the Bureau of Industry and Security may consider whether a general authorization that specifically addresses RVs would be appropriate.
While the RV Industry Association estimates that all type As and Cs, nearly all 5th wheels, and the majority of type Bs will be excluded by the weight threshold, many travel trailers could be included. The RV Industry Association also expects the General Authorization exemption that applies to vehicles on the road for fewer than 30 days a year to capture RVs.
For more information about the Connected Vehicle Final Rule, including a list of FAQs, you can visit their website. Please contact Bill Erny, Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs, [email protected], if you have additional questions.
LAKELAND, Fla. – National Powersport Auctions (NPA) has released the February pre-owned report for RVs.
Preparing and Adjusting Inventory It’s time to take inventory. Plan how to manage holdover stock and fuel consumer demand for affordable, quality pre-owned RVs before the new models arrive in June. As a seasonal industry, the lower temperatures typically lead to lower prices and a greater selection. Dealers and businesses should take advantage of this downtime to purchase pre-owned inventory.
Getting Ready for the Demand Ahead NPA is gearing up for an increased supply of RVs, campers, and fifth-wheels. With more auctions scheduled and a new location in Kansas City, NPA is offering businesses greater opportunities to manage their inventory effectively. NPA conducts live auctions nationwide, which can be attended both in-person and via NPA Simulcast. All auctions begin at 9 AM local time. Be sure to check out the auctions on the NPA 2025 Live Auction Calendar. If you need to sell or buy inventory quickly, NPA also offers an eSale platform where RV and camper inventory is available 24/7.
A Reliable Remarketing Lane Get set up now with NPA’s nationwide buying and selling platforms. Businesses can register to purchase through all NPA auction platforms. Registration is easy—simply sign up online or reach out to the NPA Dealer Registration department at 888.292.5339, ext. 923301, or via email at [email protected].
In addition to purchasing inventory, NPA can assist with liquidating any unwanted or taken-on-trade RVs or campers. To consign RV inventory, please contact your area’s NPA Territory Sales Manager for auction information.
February Finds In February, NPA is thrilled to showcase over 300 RVs and campers, including a premium selection of 2024 models from M&T Bank, at our locations in Atlanta and Sacramento. Visit the NPA RV webpage to find a diverse array of affordable options. NPA Members can view the complete vehicle details and reports.
