Show of strength: Michigan MVPA affiliate shines bright at defense industry show

Jim Reuter, from Shelby Twp., Mich, brought his very clean 1951 Willys M38 to the Ground Vehicle Engineering & Technology Symposium. Reuter’s Willys was part of a contingent of MVs from the Military Vehicle Collectos Club of Michigan (MVCCMI). courtesy of Rick Forys

In August of 2025, the Military Vehicle Collectors Club of Michigan, (MVCCMI) was invited to display vehicles at the Ground Vehicle Engineering & Technology Symposium, (GVSETS). The 17th annual event was hosted by the Michigan Chapter of the National Defense Industry Association on August 12-14, at the Suburban Collection Showcase in Novi, Mich. This was the club’s first time attending the industry trade show in Novi.

The show focused on military ground vehicle technology, showcasing innovations in autonomy, artificial intelligence, power, and modernization for the war-fighter. This is the premier U.S. symposium for military ground vehicle systems engineering, which is attended by the military, industry, and academia.

This handsome Willy CJ5 owned is by Wells Werden. courtesy of Rick Forys

Doug Lentz from Fenton, MI displayed his 1943 Ford GPW. courtesy of Rick Forys

The numerous displays filled the hall, with more just outside the building. It would be impossible to mention all the organizations present, but among the many industry participants was Rheinmetall, which displayed its HX3 Common Tactical Truck. The HX3 was introduced in 2021, and is available in 4x4, 6x6, 8x8, and 10x10 configurations. Variants produced include Load Handling Systems (pictured), Heavy Equipment Transportation, and Artillery Truck Interfaces. Rheinmetall also displayed its various track products inside.

Pratt Miller Defense demonstrated its High Energy Logistics Platform (HELP) hydrogen power fuel cell. The company was quite proud to explain that this small vehicle could power an entire outpost. From Houghton, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, GS Engineering displayed its remotely operated portable bridge. Cummins Diesel was on hand showing its V903 14.8L V-8 diesel engine, used in the U.S. Army’s Bradley IFV. And speaking of the Army, their DEVCOM booth featured a M1301 Infantry Squad Vehicle, produced by GM Defense. Carnegie Robotics from Pittsburgh displayed their autonomous vehicle, which has undergone 10 million hours of testing.

Several educational institutions were in attendance, including Clemson University, which featured its Deep Orange Virtual Prototype Ground System, VIPR-GS. Leonardo DRS, headquartered in Arlington County, Va., demonstrated an Integrated Tactical C5I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber-Defense, and Intelligence) System, for enhanced battlefield situational awareness. Another interesting vehicle was the Senator MRAP produced by Roshel of Canada, based on a Ford F-550 chassis. Finally, the government was represented by U.S. Congressman Jack Bergman, who addressed attendees outside during the casual afterglow event featuring food and beverages.

Terry Shelswell brought several vehicles, including this 1952 Willys M38A1. courtesy of Rick Forys

He also had enough room to bring his 1968 ASC M274A5 Mule to add to the display. courtesy of Rick Forys

The MVCCMI had 11 vehicles on hand for the event that were very popular and attracted a lot of attention. Club members also enjoyed the show, finding the industry displays quite interesting. Event officials showed their appreciation to the club, and it appears likely the group will be invited back again next year, August 11-13, in Novi, Mich.

Chris Scalise’s M151A2 MUTT proved to be very popular with show attendees. courtesy of Rick Forys

Terry Shelswell’s 1980 AM General M816 wrecker also made the trip. courtesy of Rick Forys

The Leonardo DRS Integrated Tactical C5I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber-Defense, and Intelligence) System, for enhanced battlefield situational awareness. courtesy of Rick Forys

This impressive 1941 Dodge WC 15 is owned by Dan Brewer from Linden, Mich courtesy of Rick Forys

Show attendees were surprised to see a motel room in the back of Bill Nutting’s 1983 AM General M934 shop truck courtesy of Rick Forys

This remotely operated portable bridge was displayed by GS Engineering from Houghton, Mich. courtesy of Rick Forys

Among the many industry participants was Rheinmetall, which displayed its HX3 Common Tactical Truck. courtesy of Rick Forys

Pratt Miller Defense demonstrated its High Energy Logistics Platform (HELP) hydrogen power fuel cell. courtesy of Rick Forys

The Senator MRAP produced by Roshel of Canada, is based on a Ford F-550 chassis. courtesy of Rick Forys

The U.S. Army DEVCOM booth featured an M1301 Infantry Squad Vehicle, produced by GM Defense. courtesy of Rick Forys

Carnegie Robotics showed off its 10-million hour autonomous vehicle. courtesy of Rick Forys

Clemson University’s Deep Orange Virtual Prototype Ground Systems, VIPR-GS. courtesy of Rick Forys

U.S. Congressman Jack Bergman addressed attendees. courtesy of Rick Forys

Chris Scalise’s 1971 M35A2. courtesy of Rick Forys

This 1952 Dodge M37CDN owned by Terry Shelswell is a true Canadian citizen. courtesy of Rick Forys

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Ground Vehicle Engineering & Technology Symposium Michigan MVPA

Rick ForysAuthor