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dent access disappears entirely. Your experiences are an essential part of this effort. Member input helps us demonstrate the true impact of restricted access, both in legal settings and in policy discussions. If you have encountered barriers to diagnostics, parts installation, or repair authorization, we invite you to share your story with us. e independent aer- market has always been driven by hard work, ex- pertise, and collaboration. IDA's mission is to ensure those values continue to thrive — and that every member has a fair oppor- tunity to compete, inno- vate, and grow. IDA stands with the in- dependent channel. We are committed to pro- tecting your access, your voice, and your future in this industry. IDA will continue to lead with transparency, advocacy, and unwavering support for the businesses that keep this industry moving. Together, we will protect the value of independence. Protecting Your Right to Compete in the Heavy-Duty Aftermarket Where IDA Stands — and How We're Fighting for Independent Access T he heavy-duty aermarket is entering a crit- ical moment. Across the industry, OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers are increasing their control over diagnostics, replacement parts, and repair procedures. For many IDA members, this has already meant blocked access, restricted tools, and fewer options for serving customers. IDA recently commissioned a legal analysis to evaluate what's happening — and what it means for the in- dependent channel. e findings confirm a growing concern: advanced technolo- gies and business structures are creating a closed aer- market system, where OEMs hold the keys to essential repair functions. Secure gateways, VIN lock- ing, soware authorizations, and cryptographic controls may sound technical, but their impact is simple: they can limit who is allowed to install or service a compo- nent. As these restrictions grow, independent compa- nies risk losing the ability to operate freely in the aer- market they've supported for decades. IDA's position is straight- forward: independent distributors, manufactur- ers, and service providers must have fair access to the aermarket. Without open competition, the entire supply chain becomes less efficient, less innovative, and more expensive for custom- ers worldwide. Based on the legal findings, IDA is taking a multi-layered approach to protect our members: • Industry Investigation We are collecting real-world examples of blocked diagnostics, mod- ule pairing failures, and OEM-only authorization requirements to document how these barriers affect daily business. • Legal Strategy Review IDA is evaluating several possible legal pathways — from an IDA-led action to broader coalition efforts with other trade associa- tions or affected groups. • Regulatory & Legislative Advocacy We are strengthening our communication with federal and state agencies, including the FTC, DOJ, and state attorneys general who are already active in Right-to-Repair cases. We also continue to support legislation like the RE- PAIR Act. While no single solution will address every issue overnight, IDA is commit- ted to a strong and steady response. e goal is not just to react to today's challenges, but to prevent a future where indepen- IDA Universal Q1 2026 EDITOR'S NOTES Tiffany Cabral Executive Director/Editor IDA Hospitality Suite CONEXPO-CON/AGG March 4th, 2026 Westgate Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada 4

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