Montana politicians got behind the wheel of American-made vehicles Thursday as they toured two Gallatin County facilities — one that builds emergency trucks and another that just opened as a demo and service center for electric vehicle maker Rivian.

Gov. Greg Gianforte kicked off the day at Acela, a truck manufacturer near Four Corners that assembles heavy-duty emergency vehicles, often used by fire departments or during flood rescues. After touring the facility with company leaders, he took of one the massive nine-ton trucks for a spin.

“So, I have to wait two years to get one?” he asked.

“I know somebody,” an employee responded with a smile.

David Ronsen, president of Acela, said the trucks begin as a military surplus chassis, often from the late 1990s or early 2000s, which are strip

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