Cummins Names John Gaidoo as VP, Chief Legal Officer 10 Apr 2025, 3:16 pm

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) announced today (April 9) that John Gaidoo has been appointed as Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, effective June 1. He will succeed Nicole Lamb-Hale following her transition to Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary.

“Throughout his 14-year tenure at Cummins, John has significantly impacted our company’s success, the teams he leads and the communities he supports,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO, Cummins Inc. “He has held various legal positions, showcasing his proficiency in both internal and external legal services. His counsel spans numerous specialized areas including intellectual property, labor and employment, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, procurement, regulatory compliance and administrative legal services.”

“A seasoned leader and former United States Marine Corps veteran, John believes that every employee has the power to contribute to a team’s success. He is an innovative thought partner and is deeply committed to our values,” Rumsey stated. “John’s unique skills and extensive experience make him the ideal candidate for the role of Chief Legal Officer, poised to lead our vital Legal function through a significant period in Cummins’ history. I am excited to welcome him as a member of the Cummins Leadership Team and look forward to his ongoing influential counsel.”

Gaidoo joined Cummins as a labor and employment lawyer in 2011. Since that time, he has held pivotal roles for the company, including creating the Crisis Action Management Plan in 2012, serving as Executive Director of Human Resources for Cummins Emission Solutions in 2017, leading the global Labor Relations team from 2018 and serving as lead lawyer for the COVID-19 Risk Management Team in 2020. In 2021, Gaidoo was elevated to an officer of the company, and in 2023, he was promoted to his current role as Vice President – Senior Deputy General Counsel.

As Chief Legal Officer, Gaidoo will lead Cummins’ Legal function globally and will serve as a core member of the Cummins Leadership Team, working with business and functional leaders to advance the company’s strategic and operational priorities.

Before joining Cummins, Gaidoo practiced labor and employment law in Indianapolis, IN (U.S.) at the law firm of Baker & Daniels LLP (now Faegre). He earned his bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees from Indiana University (U.S.).

About Cummins Inc.

Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, comprises five business segments – Engine, Components, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins – supported by its global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, valvetrain technologies, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, electric power generation systems, electrified power systems with innovative components and subsystems, including battery, fuel cell and electric power technologies and hydrogen production technologies. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 69,600 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and earned about $3.9 billion on sales of $34.1 billion in 2024.

See how Cummins is leading your world toward a future of smarter, cleaner power at www.cummins.com.

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Dragonfly Wins 2025 ‘Battery Tech Company of the Year’ 10 Apr 2025, 3:16 pm

RENO, Nev. – Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI), an industry leader in energy storage and battery technology and maker of Battle Born Batteries, has been named the “Battery Technology Company of the Year” in the 2nd annual CleanTech Breakthrough Awards program, according to a press release.

The award recognizes Dragonfly Energy’s patented innovations in dry electrode lithium battery cell manufacturing and its proprietary Dragonfly IntelLigence® technology. Submissions were evaluated by CleanTech Breakthrough, a leading independent market intelligence organization focused on identifying the top companies, products, and services across the global climate and clean technology landscape.

Dragonfly Energy emerged among thousands of nominations from more than 14 countries worldwide and was recognized for its world-class innovations in lithium-ion battery development and manufacturing. 

“Dragonfly Energy is setting new benchmarks in energy storage through innovation, sustainability, and execution,” said Bryan Vaughn, managing director of CleanTech Breakthrough. “We believe the Company’s patented dry electrode cell manufacturing process represents a significant leap forward in scalable, eco-conscious battery production. Combined with its proprietary Dragonfly IntelLigence® technology—which overcomes many of the limitations of traditional Bluetooth-based battery communication—we believe Dragonfly Energy delivers a more intelligent, reliable, and future-ready energy storage solution. These advancements are what earned Dragonfly Energy our 2025 ‘Battery Technology Company of the Year’ award.”

At the core of Dragonfly Energy’s innovation is its patented dry electrode battery cell manufacturing process, which eliminates the need for toxic solvents and enables a more sustainable, cost-effective pathway to domestic lithium battery production. Validated by third-party analysis for its economic and environmental advantages, the process reduces energy consumption, lowers capital expenditures, and allows for flexible, scalable deployment in decentralized manufacturing environments. Importantly, the Company’s technology enables the production of PFAS-free battery cells and has successfully demonstrated compatibility with high-purity recycled materials—such as those sourced through Aqua Metals—further strengthening its commitment to circularity and responsible supply chains.

Complementing its manufacturing breakthroughs is Dragonfly IntelLigence®, a proprietary battery communication and monitoring technology designed to optimize performance, enhance safety, and improve the user experience. Unlike traditional Bluetooth-based systems, Dragonfly IntelLigence® enables seamless, direct communication between connected batteries and system components through a robust, hardwired network. This advanced platform supports real-time data visualization, remote diagnostics, and smarter energy management—capabilities that are increasingly critical as energy systems become more complex and distributed.

“Our products are trusted across a wide range of industries—from leading RV manufacturers to large-scale commercial fleet operators,” said Dr. Denis Phares, chief executive officer of Dragonfly Energy. “We’re committed to not only meeting today’s energy storage demands, but also shaping the future of the industry through advanced performance, reliability, and sustainable innovation. Being recognized by CleanTech Breakthrough is a meaningful validation of our technology and our vision as we continue to drive progress in the lithium battery space.”

For more information about Dragonfly Energy and its innovative energy solutions, visit DragonflyEnergy.com.

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OEM Showcase: ATC Plā 750 4020 Fifth-Wheel Toy Hauler 10 Apr 2025, 3:16 pm

From ATC: Looking for the perfect home for you and the toys? Check out the Plā 750 4020 fifth-wheel toy hauler! With a generous garage space and a sleek modern interior, it’s all set to impress. The best part? It has no wood in its construction and comes with a 10-year structural warranty for your peace of mind. Now that’s a deal you can’t resist! View specs and more here.

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Europe’s ‘Fit Your Camper’ Show Draws Record Crowds 10 Apr 2025, 3:16 pm

ERBA, Italy – The second edition of Fit Your Camper, an RV aftermarket show for consumers held from April 3-6 April at Lariofiere, closed with extraordinary results, confirming and exceeding the expectations, according to a release.

The event recorded a significant growth in visitors, reaching 15,398 – an increase of 22% compared to the 12,623 of the previous year. This figure testifies not only to the growing interest in the world of caravanning and accessories, the release continued, but also to the quality of the event that was further enriched this year by the addition of half a day open to the public on Friday afternoon, a choice that proved particularly appreciated.

The participation of professional operators remained at significant levels, with 491 attendees, in line with the 2024 data (484), confirming the strategic importance that Fit Your Camper is also assuming in the B2B panorama of the sector.

“We are very satisfied: exhibitors and visitors have given us extremely positive feedback,” stated Fabio Viviani, co-organizer of the event. “This year we welcomed around 30% more exhibitors, with a broad and representative panorama of the accessories and components sector. The large turnout of campers has led us to prepare a seventh parking lot in the Pusiano lake area and to activate an additional dedicated shuttle. Almost all exhibitors have already confirmed their presence for 2026, often with requests for larger spaces. Even those who were unable to participate this year have told us their intention to be there at the next edition. The Lariofiere venue has been confirmed, with the hope of also being able to open the third pavilion.”

“This second edition confirms unequivocally that the format works and responds to a real need,” agreed Antonio Mazzucchelli, co-organizer of the event. “Fit Your Camper is a fair that was missing from the European panorama, and this is demonstrated not only by the numbers, but also by the interest from foreign operators who came to visit during the B2B days. As always, we will listen to all the voices, through surveys among exhibitors and visitors, to best calibrate the next edition. Furthermore, we will immediately start working on the inclusion of tourist destinations and accommodation facilities, so as to further strengthen the offer for our public.”

The value of the initiative was also underlined by the president of Lariofiere, Fabio Dadati, who said Fit Your Camper has represented a winning bet for Lariofiere.

“From the beginning we believed in the vision of the organizers, recognizing the solidity of the contents and the adherence of the format to our territory and our structure,” Dadati said. “Lariofiere has the ideal size for a fair like this, and the natural and tourist context of Erba and its surroundings fits perfectly with the profile of camper visitors. Our territory offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in suggestive and highly valuable landscapes: from Lake Pusiano to the Regional Park of the Lambro Valley, passing through charming villages such as Canzo, Longone al Segrino and Ponte Lambro, up to the paths that climb towards the Corni di Canzo, offering spectacular views to nature and trekking lovers. Without forgetting Valsassina, with its green and authentic valleys, and the famous Lake Como, which is only a few kilometers away and offers glimpses of extraordinary beauty between water, mountains and historic architecture. The success of the second edition is also the result of the excellent teamwork carried out between our team and the event organization.”

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Blu Tech Intros Compact UV Water Protection for Whole RV 10 Apr 2025, 3:16 pm

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Blu Technology, the manufacturer of BluTech multi-stage compact RV water filtration systems, has announced the addition of the AR3 LED UVC advanced pathogen protection system.

“With the introduction of the AR3 LED UVC, we have enhanced our popular 3-stage filtration system,” said Blu Tech President Corbin Collet. The new system features a 5-inch longevity pre-filter with a 5-micron rating, a dual-action off-grid filter equipped with 0 .2-micron technology and carbon block media, and an advanced LED UVC purification module currently patent pending.”

We continue to offer our 2- and 3-stage systems for RV enthusiasts and van campers. Still, for those seeking an even higher level of protection, the AR 3 LED UVC is the ultimate mobile solution.

Collet noted that while other LED UVC systems are available, they only treat water at a single, dedicated faucet. He claims that Blu Tech’s new system is the only one that provides pure water throughout the entire RV, including the shower and all faucets.

Ultraviolet C (UVC) light has powerful disinfection properties. It inactivates microorganisms by damaging their DNA and RNA, which prevents them from reproducing and ultimately leads to their death. Blu Technology’s third-party testing has shown that UVC treatment effectively neutralizes 99.99% of organic microorganisms in water, including those resistant to chlorination.

Blu Tech systems are currently available with several RV manufacturers on select models. The company anticipates that this industry-first LED UVC model will be welcomed by manufacturers seeking to enhance the health and safety features of their products and their customers.

“We are noticing an increasing awareness among RVers regarding water quality,” stated Collet. From my experiences as a full-time RVer, I can attest that the quality of campground water can vary significantly, with some sources being nearly undrinkable.

Blu Tech offers a wide range of products for RVers and van life campers. Their offerings include compact under-the-counter filters ideal for vans, larger multi-stage filtration systems, stainless steel water softeners, and a range of high-quality stainless steel hoses, connectors, and various critical accessories focusing on drinking water safety.  

The company gained significant recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing full-flow systems that use 5-inch filters instead of the traditional 10-inch ones. These systems are equipped with ultra-fine 0.2-micron filters, resulting in a compact unit that is both easy to store and highly effective. Staying true to Blu Tech’s product DNA, the AR3 UVC system measures 8.25 inches by 9.5 inches by 14 inches and weighs 11.65 pounds.

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MARVAC’s ‘Knowledge Summit’ to Address GMI Issues 10 Apr 2025, 3:16 pm

Hosted by the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds, the Regional Knowledge Summit will be held later this month, and MARVAC President and CEO John Lindley hopes to see you there.

The first of the two Regional Knowledge Summit sessions will be April 22 at Suburban Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, Mich., while the second one will be April 23 on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University, 7400 Bay Road, Saginaw, Mich. The program on both days runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On the agenda for both days are three talks. First, attorney Bonnie Mayfield will speak on new employment laws, including Michigan’s new Earned Sick Time Act. After lunch, Lindley wills speak on the new state legislature and regulatory landscape. Finally, Curtis Hemmeler will speak on the new Ground Monitor Interrupter (GMI) requirements going into effect in 2026.

Hemmeler, who is the executive director of the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) and senior vice president of standards for the RV Industry Association (RVIA), is working to spread the word about these new requirements.

The GMI devices will serve a simple, yet potentially life-saving purpose. Once installed, they will protect RV owners from “hot skin,” which can happen if an RV’s electrical system is plugged into an improperly grounded receptacle. “Hot skin” refers to when any metal item, including an RV’s metal exterior, becomes electrified, raising the risk of shock or fire.

Hemmeler explained that a bad electrical ground can “energize” the whole RV. To counteract this, RVs built in 2026 will be required to have a GMI device installed on the unit. “So, if there’s any kind of issue with a campground’s pedestal, it’s going to trip the GMI on the RV.” (For further background see: “Grounding Monitor Interrupters on RVs Coming in 2026”)

The RV industry is looking to educate as many people as possible – including RV dealers and campground owners – about the new GMI requirement. Hemmeler’s talk will cover industry standards, inspections, and how the new ground monitoring devices will work. Also on the agenda, tips for how campgrounds can prepare for the new equipment. This will include guidance on maintenance plans, electrical inspections, and risk mitigation.

Hemmeler says the independence of the RV industry is maintained by its self-regulation, adding that’s a perk they don’t want to lose. But the biggest goals are consumer safety and campground readiness, he said.

“The whole idea of the change is for safety,” Hemmeler said. “The second piece would be to make sure the campground is ready – make sure the consumer doesn’t have any problems when they try to hook up, so that the consumer has a good experience. If they don’t have a good experience, they’re less likely to continue to recreate or camp, and they might choose an alternative. Obviously, our goal is to try to keep them in the RV world, so that they can continue to purchase within the industry, but also so they can create those family memories that are very positive versus being an unhappy experience.”

Lindley agrees with the importance of safety and a good customer experience.

“At the end of the day, user experience and user safety are as important as any other factor when it comes to the industry and the industry’s success,” he said.

Lindley says registration for the Regional Knowledge Summit is easy. You can do so by calling MARVAC at (517) 349-3300, or emailing info@mmhrvca.org. Registration costs $50 for members, and $150 for non-members, with $100 credited toward a MARVAC membership if joining within seven days of the event. He’s hoping to see a good turnout at this year’s summit.

“These events provide a great opportunity for colleagues to get together with colleagues,” he said. “Those are truly extraordinarily valuable conversations that members of the association have with each other that we’re able to facilitate.”

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RVDA Sets Webinar on Dealer Help Desk, Solution Center 10 Apr 2025, 3:16 pm

FAIRFAX, Va. — RVDA, the National RV Dealers Association, will be hosting a webinar to introduce its newly launched RVDA Help Desk & Solution Center, a dynamic support resource designed to provide RV dealers with direct access to professional guidance and timely, business solutions, according to a release.

This free, educational 30-minute session will be held at 2 p.m. Eastern, Wednesday, April 23, and will feature RVDA Director of Partnerships Patrick Calpin alongside Tom Kline, founder of Better Vantage Point, a recognized leader in dealership risk management and compliance.

Register HERE.

What you will learn:

• How to Use the Help Desk & Solution Center: Discover how to submit questions and access customized support — including up to one hour of expert consultation at no charge for RVDA members.
• Real-World Solutions: Hear real examples of how RV dealers have used the service to solve day-to-day operational challenges.
• Maximize Your RVDA Membership: Explore additional benefits and support tools available exclusively to RVDA members.

“The RVDA Help Desk & Solution Center is an important step in providing on-demand support to our members,” said Phil Ingrassia, President of RVDA. “We’re excited to partner with Tom Kline, who brings decades of dealership experience and insight to the table.”

Why you should attend:

Whether you are facing compliance questions, operational concerns, or looking to improve your dealership’s efficiency, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to explore a new member resource designed with your success in mind.

Early registration is recommended. The event will be recorded for those interested in attending but unable to participate.

For more information, visit www.rvda.org.

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Pebble Starts Production of All-Electric ‘Flow’ Trailer 10 Apr 2025, 3:16 pm

FREMONT, Calif. – Pebble, a California-based startup defining a new way to work, live, and explore from anywhere, has started production of the Pebble Flow, bringing its all-electric travel trailer one step closer to customers. Designed to make RVing as easy as using an iPhone, the Pebble Flow combines electrification, smart automation, and a streamlined design for a simpler, stress-free travel experience.

Pebble remains on schedule for first deliveries by end of Spring 2025 at its 60,000 sqft manufacturing facility in Fremont, California. Customers who preordered and configured a Founders Edition (FE) Pebble Flow will be invited to finalize their purchase 8-12 weeks before their estimated delivery date.

“This marks a major step forward – not just for Pebble, but for our customers who have been looking for a seamless, intuitive way to experience the outdoors,” said Bingrui Yang, CEO and Founder of Pebble. “As we are now underway with production, the Pebble Flow is moving from vision to reality. RVing has long been full of hassles – stressful towing, difficult parking, and maneuvering. We built the Pebble Flow to remove those barriers and look forward to seeing our first customers take the Pebble Flow on the road soon.”

The Pebble Flow integrates advanced technology never before seen in the RV industry, combining a fully electric powertrain, automation features, and seamless connectivity. It includes: 

• Magic Hitch for fully automated hitching
• Easy Tow with Active Tow Assist to optimize energy efficiency and enhance towing dynamics
• Remote Control for maneuvering and parking via the Pebble App
• A 45 kWh LFP battery and 1.1 kW solar array allowing for up to seven days of off-grid living

Customers can visit pebblelife.com/build to place a fully refundable $500 deposit, customize the Pebble Flow to their preferences, and explore financing options. Additionally, customers may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $10,000, further reducing the cost of ownership.

About Pebble

Pebble is a California-based startup defining a new way to live, work, and explore with a 100% electric, hassle-free RV. Built by a team of experts from Apple, Tesla, Rivian, and Zoox, Pebble combines electrification with cutting-edge automotive technology for an RV experience that removes the hassles RV owners have struggled with for decades. Learn more at pebblelife.com.

Follow Pebble on Social 

To receive real-time updates and learn more about Pebble, subscribe to the newsletter at pebblelife.com or check out the team on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Discord, and YouTube.

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Camping World’s Coleman Brand is Top-Selling Trailer 10 Apr 2025, 3:16 pm

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. – Camping World Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CWH), the “World’s Largest Recreational Vehicle Dealer,” announced in a press release that its Coleman brand of travel trailers was the No. 1-selling travel trailer by unit volume in the U.S. year-to-date through February 2025, according to RV industry retail registration data compiled by Statistical Surveys Inc., the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based subsidiary of Trader Interactive that monitors retail and consumer data for the RV industry. 

“Our contract manufacturing strategy continues to drive our growth in market share,” Camping World Chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis stated in the release. “Coleman is the No. 1-selling travel trailer in America year-to-date through February, and the Coleman portfolio represents our most traded-in unit and our most sold used unit, all contributing to our record year-to-date new and used combined unit market share. These lineups give us the ability to work directly with our manufacturing partners to ensure we are meeting the customer where they want to be in terms of both price and payment.”

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Blue Compass Celebrates Opening of Airstream of N.M. 10 Apr 2025, 3:16 pm

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Blue Compass RV celebrated the grand opening of its Airstream of New Mexico store, marking the company’s 13^th Airstream dealership in the United States and sixth dedicated Airstream location. Blue Compass RV recently acquired Airstream of New Mexico and has relocated the store to a new dedicated Airstream sales and service facility on its large dealership campus in a great location on I-25 in Albuquerque. 

“We’re excited to open this exclusive Airstream dealership in New Mexico,” said Jon Ferrando, founder, president and CEO of Blue Compass RV. “This marks our sixth exclusive Airstream dealership, a model that we’ve been very successful with.  The early positive response and the energy at our grand opening truly reflect our team’s passion for delivering an unparalleled Airstream ownership experience through exceptional service and support.  We thank the Airstream leadership team for joining us at the event.”

Blue Compass RV has owned the No. 1 Airstream dealership in the world for five consecutive years and proudly adds this 13^th location in New Mexico to its list of Airstream dealers across the country. The 13 Airstream locations of Blue Compass RV are the following: Airstream of New Mexico, Airstream of San Diego, Airstream of Tampa, Airstream of Austin, Airstream of South Carolina, Airstream of Greensboro, Airstream of Orlando, Airstream of Des Moines, Airstream of New Hampshire, Airstream of Gainesville, Airstream of Jacksonville, Airstream of Maine and Airstream of Albany.

Blue Compass currently holds Five Rivet status in a record-setting 13 of its Airstream locations. To learn more about the newest airstream location or Blue Compass RV, visit https://www.bluecompassrv.com/brand/airstream.

About Blue Compass RV

Blue Compass RV is the fastest growing RV retail company in the United States over the past five years, with over 100 locations in 33 states. Our stores across America offer an incredible selection of new and used RVs, including the best lineup of premium new brands. Our mission is to provide an exceptional sales, service, and RV ownership experience for our customers, and with over 1,000 service bays across the country, we are able to service our customers wherever their travels may take them.

Blue Compass RV has been named the #1 Airstream dealer in the world for five consecutive years, with a record setting 13 Airstream stores achieving the prestigious “Five Rivet” status.  Blue Compass RV’s flagship Motor Home Specialist store has been the leading motorhome dealer in the U.S. for 10 consecutive years.

Led by Founder, Chief Executive Officer and President Jon Ferrando, Blue Compass has experienced exponential growth since its founding in 2018, for which it was named to the 2023 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list, as well as South Florida Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Private Companies list for three consecutive years. Prior to launching Blue Compass RV, Ferrando was instrumental in building America’s largest automotive retailer from start-up to over $20 billion in revenue.

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Trump Puts Tariffs on Pause for 90 Days, Markets Rally 10 Apr 2025, 3:16 pm

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump delivered another jarring reversal in American trade policy Wednesday (April 9), suspending for 90 days import taxes he’d imposed barely 13 hours earlier on dozens of countries while escalating his trade war with China. The moves triggered a powerful stock market rally on Wall Street but left businesses, investors and America’s trading partners bewildered about what the president is attempting to achieve, according to an Associated Press report.

The U-turn came after the sweeping global tariffs Trump announced last week set off a four-day rout in global financial markets, paralyzed businesses and raised fears the U.S. and world economies would tumble into recession.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to characterize the sudden change in policy as part of a grand negotiating strategy. But to those outside the Trump administration, it looked like a cave-in to market pressure and to growing fears that the president’s impetuous use of import taxes — tariffs — would cause massive collateral economic damage.

“Other countries will welcome the 90-day stay of execution — if it lasts — but the whiplash from constant zig-zags creates more of the uncertainty that businesses and governments hate,” said Daniel Russel, vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute. “The Administration’s blunt-force tactics have rattled allies, who see the sudden reversal as damage control following the market meltdown, rather than a pivot to respectful, balanced negotiations.’’

Trump’s turnaround Wednesday capped a wild week in U.S. trade policy. On Wednesday April 2 — which Trump labeled “Liberation Day’’ — the president announced plans to impose tariffs on almost every country on earth, upending the world trading system. The first of his new tariffs — a 10% “baseline’’ tax on imports from most countries — went into effect Saturday.

At midnight Wednesday, he upped the ante by slapping what he called “reciprocal’’ taxes on countries he accused of unfair trading practices and adding to U.S. trade deficits. Those are the tariffs he suspended for 90 days, saying the pause would give countries time to negotiate with him and his trade team.

There was one exception to the reprieve: He raised the tariff on Chinese imports to a staggering 125%, punishing Beijing for announcing retaliatory tariffs on the United States. Meanwhile, the 10% baseline tariffs – a substantial act of protectionism in their own right – remain in place.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

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Living Vehicle Showcases its All-Electric Lineup for 2026 10 Apr 2025, 12:34 pm

When purchasing a Living Vehicle all-electric home on wheels, the customer becomes part of that outdoor-enthusiast family. “We are dedicated to prioritizing the experience of our owners above all else,” said Founder & CEO Matthew Hofmann. Hofmann said that the company provides personalized customer service, and the minute a new owner tows a Living Vehicle off the lot — or uses LV’s direct-to-home delivery service — the company’s cofounder Walter Hofmann, aka Wally, steps in to be a personal concierge.

Living Vehicle, started in 2017 by Matthew and Wally, “share a vision of redefining freedom through design.” The father-and-son duo, with many years of architecture, engineering and business experience, have succeeded in creating self-sufficient travel trailers and fifth-wheels that keep folks off the grid without sacrificing creature comforts. Scratch that—LV goes beyond “creature comforts;” these trailers are for “living in luxury.” While most manufacturers are focused on self-containment for short-term use, LV’s whole approach is to be able to operate without plugging in and maintaining resources. New for the 2026 model year is the ability for customers to custom-tailor their own Living Vehicle.

Living Trailers versus Travel Trailers

The company classifies its trailers into two distinct categories: The robust HD and GT lines are mobile residences with dedicated bedrooms and are designed to be lived in full time or for extended stays, so they are categorized as “Living Trailers.” One of these “Living Trailers” would make a captivating guest house, especially if you’ve got property with a view and on-site utilities. Customers will need an appropriate tow vehicle to move an HD or GT since they weigh in at 12,000-plus pounds. The CyberTrailer, which is due out later this year with production ramping up in 2026, is what the company categorizes as its “Travel Trailer” since it’s designed to be far more mobile. Its luxurious and adaptable one-room interior with six configurations can be altered to fit the owner’s needs, with a bathroom suite on one side of the trailer. The CyberTrailer is being purpose-built to be towed by half-ton trucks, including electric pickups like the Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T.

Now that we’ve made the distinction, Living Vehicle’s line consists of the HD24 and HD30, which are traditional travel trailers; the GT32 and GT39 fifth-wheels; and the 27-foot CyberTrailer travel trailer. And there are no convoluted nomenclatures here—the numbers refer to the true lengths of the trailers as measured from front wall to rear wall.

Complete Refresh for 2026

From the beginning, Living Vehicle’s motto has been “Luxury Unplugged.” For the 2026 model line, available now, the focus has been on a complete refresh by incorporating integrated tech when it comes to being able to connect to the internet and staying connected, and pushing the envelope to see how long a customer can really stay off-grid. “Now that our legacy brand’s quality has been established, we went from ‘bigger is better’ thinking to making things a lot more efficient,” said Hofmann. “Maximizing off-grid time and the efficiencies of resource generation is really the core tenet of this redesign. We’ve made the systems inside the unit more efficient, producing more resources while you’re off-grid so you can embody that motto of luxury unplugged as much as possible.”

The updates include “more efficient fixtures, and the power consumption inside the unit has been drastically reduced to extend that off-grid time,” said Hofmann. “The line we’re really walking is how much can you create—whether it’s water or power off-grid.” Living Vehicle’s water-generation system is now on version 3 and “in a major upgrade on our march toward self-sufficiency our water-generation system is capable of producing up to 13 gallons a day.”

Hofmann explained that the water-generation system essentially draws air in, moves it across a condenser, and then pulls water from the air through heat extraction. It then fills up a water reservoir and pumps it through a multistage filtration process. Said Hofmann, “It actually remineralizes the water to fill up your freshwater tank.” And since the system is integrated, a touch panel on the RV’s control system “allows you to see in real-time the water you’re generating. And then based upon the humidity, you can see how much power you’re using.”

Regal & Rugged

Inside an 8½-foot-wide “Living Trailer” you’ll find luxurious amenities like a state-of-the-art kitchen with residential-height solid-surface countertops, a residential fridge, ample storage, a spa-like bathroom, a spacious and bright bedroom, and a whisper-quiet air conditioner thanks to the European-style mini-split unit that is built into the chassis. Options include a drawer dishwasher, black-walnut paneling and wood treatments in the bathroom, a composting toilet and a host of other things to personalize your Living Vehicle.  

The exterior is anodized aluminum, and Living Vehicles are built on an aluminum chassis with a custom tongue-and-groove aluminum decking integrated into the chassis. “They’re built like a tank,” said Hofmann. A major feature of every Living Vehicle is the curbside fold-down patio, rated for 1,500 pounds, that keeps the user more than 3 feet off the ground. Collapsible railings can be set up within minutes—valuable for keep a pet from jumping overboard if spotting a critter. The patio is accessed through an 8-foot sliding door off of the kitchen, creating a seamless transition to the outdoors.

Living Vehicles are four-season capable, with temperature ratings based upon trim levels—anywhere from minus 4 degrees to 120 degrees F. These trailers can even power an electric car.

Unlimited Solar

Depending on the configuration, a Living Vehicle can be outfitted with up to 5,800 watts of solar power, like on the GT39. Additionally, the company offers deployable solar. “Basically, you can have unlimited solar,” said Hofmann. “With this larger platform you can connect into an on-site solar array. For example, if you’ve got land and don’t have the ability to put in a 50-amp shorepower panel, you can create an off-grid living environment that is completely independent and powers the energy system on the unit. This is what we’ve actually designed the GT series for—this is our full-time living or extended-living product.”

Not only are the rooftops of a Living Vehicle lined with solar panels, but depending on the trim level you opt for, the trailer can be equipped with “butterfly” awnings—solar awnings that wing upward from the sides, providing shade over the curbside patio. These awnings are hinged at the top and lock against the side of the trailer during travel.

The GT fifth-wheel models have the option of a deployable solar awning at the rear of the trailer as well to maximize solar gain. Explained Hofmann, “The flagship GT39 is built like a yacht, while the GT32 is a more nimble, user-friendly trailer that maintains all the functionality of its larger sibling. We have a whole new package of imagery for the GT32 and we’re very excited about this unit. There’s also a 3D tour of it on the website.”

The new GT32’s base weight is 13,250 pounds and it has a 16-inch ground clearance. It can sleep four with the bedroom’s king-size bed and the living area’s convertible lounge. The kitchen’s island is actually removable so it can be moved to the patio for outside use or to make some extra space inside.

Trim Levels and Custom Configurations

LV’s lineup consists of four trim levels: ECO, COR, MAX and PRO. The ECO is designed for on-grid and is the standard foundation for all configurations. The ECO can also be outfitted with all options and travel as any other RV, requiring full hookups at campgrounds.

The COR, MAX and PRO are LV’s off-grid models. As trim levels increase, so does solar capacity, energy storage, inverter power and temperature ratings. The Level 2 EV Charging Package adds more power for e-bikes and toys.

New for the 2026 model year is that the entire Living Vehicle line is available with a custom configuration so customers can design their own trailer from the ground up, “becoming the architect of their mobile sanctuary.” Every design starts with a blank canvas, and from there the customer determines what they want from dozens of custom packages and options. With this flexible manufacturing system in place, a consumer can start with a lower entry price and design a trailer for on-grid or off-grid use.

Hofmann said that a full-feature configurator will be released on the website in the coming weeks for customers to self-configure their units and generate a custom quote in real time.

Fresh Off the Lot

Earlier this year, Living Vehicle opened a dealership in the Greater Los Angeles area so now people have easy access to check out various new and preowned units. Customers are welcome to come by during business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday and by appointment on the weekends. Hofmann encourages making an appointment to be guaranteed a personalized tour by him or Wally as they love to show off their trailers! Notices of their availability are posted on social media, and you can stay up to date on Living Vehicle’s happenings on social by subscribing. The dealership is located at 31280 The Old Road in Castaic, California. Said Hofmann, “It’s quite a sight to see 10 Living Vehicles all lined up!”

The company offers nationwide open-source service across the United States and Canada, plus mobile service providers who will come to the customer. LV handles everything after a customer’s direct call to them. Living Vehicle recently partnered with a lender in California to offer financing on new units as well as inventory. Prior to now, a new order required cash up front to produce a custom build. livingvehicle.com

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