Spartan Chassis Showcases 'Next Generation of Custom' at FDIC
Company Delivers Ultimate Customization, Complete Flexibility
CHARLOTTE, Mich., April 19 -- Spartan Chassis, Inc. will showcase its "next generation of custom" approach to products and services during the Fire Department Instructors Conference, which opens today.
Spartan Chassis, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAR), will focus on changes to its product line that allow fire departments to "build what they want" during the emergency-rescue industry's largest trade show, which runs through April 21 in Indianapolis, Ind. The manufacturer of custom fire truck cabs and chassis will feature three show trucks, including its unique push-pull demo that showcases 94-inch and 96-inch cabs in a single vehicle, at Booth 2222 in Hall D.
Beginning in June, Spartan Chassis will consolidate its fire truck product line down to two base models: the Metro Star 94-inch cab and the Gladiator 96-inch cab. The move will enhance the ability of fire departments to "build what they want," providing ultimate customization and complete flexibility.
"This approach epitomizes the 'next generation of custom,' allowing department leaders to be truly in the driver's seat when it comes to designing their cab and chassis," said Richard Schalter, president of Spartan Chassis. "We continue to offer all the expected features - such as roll stability control, seat belt sensors and independent front suspension - as well as flexible designs that help each department meet its specific needs."
FDIC attendees will also have the opportunity to view an Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle, or ILAV, at the Spartan Chassis booth. Spartan Chassis expanded into the specialty vehicle market two years ago, utilizing its strength in custom products and heavy-duty chassis to secure contracts for the ILAV and other military vehicles being used in the Middle East. The ILAV has been extremely successful in protecting allied troops from improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, landmines and other hazards.
"Our expertise with specialty chassis allowed Spartan to expand into the military-defense market," Schalter explained. "We have been successful in translating the technology, performance and durability built in to each of our fire truck chassis to military vehicles such as the ILAV. In turn, the expertise we develop in building vehicles that protect our troops will allow us to translate new improvements to our other core chassis products."
Additionally, Spartan Chassis associates will host a fundraising effort in support of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. For a minimum donation of $10, FDIC attendees will receive a Spartan Chassis "Move Over" T-shirt. All of the funds collected will be donated to the foundation to provide assistance and support to the surviving family members and departments of America's fallen fire heroes.
About Spartan Chassis, Inc.
Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAR), is a leading developer and manufacturer of custom chassis for recreational vehicles, fire trucks and specialty vehicles. Spartan Motors, which also manufactures emergency rescue vehicles under the brand names of Crimson Fire, Crimson Fire Aerials and Road Rescue, reported sales of $445 million in 2006 and is focused on becoming the premier manufacturer of specialty vehicles and chassis in North America.
Source: Spartan Motors, Inc.
CONTACT:
Karen Hildebrant of Spartan Chassis, Inc.,
+1-517-543-6400 ext. 3111;
or Mary Ann Sabo of Sabo Public Relations,
+1-616-485-1432,
for Spartan Motors, Inc.
