Oshkosh Truck Subsidiary, Pierce, Is First to Introduce Air Bags for Custom Fire Trucks
Air bags designed to increase fire fighter safety
OSHKOSH, Wis.--Sept. 15, 2006--Oshkosh Truck Corporation (NYSE:OSK) announced today that its subsidiary, Pierce Manufacturing Inc., North America's leading manufacturer of fire and rescue apparatus, is the first fire truck manufacturer to offer frontal air bags in its custom fire chassis. The air bags will be available in spring 2007 in Pierce's new Velocity(TM) and Impel(TM) chassis models.
"Bringing frontal air bags to the fire service is a true step forward in our on-going efforts to increase safety for fire fighters as they are driving to and from the scene. Frontal air bags have proven critical to improving occupant protection in cars, SUVs and light trucks, so it's only logical that fire fighters should have this same level protection while on the job. I'm extremely pleased that Pierce is the first to offer this safety feature. It clearly demonstrates our commitment to engineering and manufacturing the world's best and safest fire trucks," said John Randjelovic, executive vice president and president of Pierce.
The air bag offering is the latest element in Pierce's 360(degree) Protection From Every Angle(TM) program, a bumper-to-bumper program designed to increase the safety of fire fighters as they respond to and from fire and emergency calls. Pierce introduced the new frontal air bags with the unveiling of its newest custom chassis - the Velocity(TM) - at the Fire Rescue International show in Dallas. The system was co-engineered with LifeGuard Technologies, a division of IMMI, and is available exclusively from Pierce.
The Pierce air bag is also paired with the Pierce Side Roll Protection(TM) system. This system senses the exact moment of a side-roll and then deploys instantaneously seat belt pretensioners and side air curtains. Pierce was the first to introduce this safety technology to the fire service.
About Oshkosh Truck Corporation
Oshkosh Truck Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty commercial, fire and emergency and military trucks and truck bodies. Oshkosh's products are valued worldwide by fire and emergency units, defense forces, municipal and airport support services, and concrete placement and refuse businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount.
For more information about Oshkosh Truck Corporation, log onto the company web site at www.oshkoshtruckcorporation.com.
Contacts
Oshkosh Truck Corporation
Kirsten Skyba (Media), 920-233-9621
