Product’s 2007 launch provided purpose-built value unattainable on commercial chassis
CHARLOTTE, Michigan, August 14, 2008 – Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR), will display its product line of purpose-built cabs and chassis, featuring the multi-functional Furion, in Booth #1203 at the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire-Rescue International Conference (FRI) and Expo, August 14-16 in Denver, Colorado.
Unveiled at FRI in August 2007, the Furion was designed specifically as an emergency rescue vehicle to put the power and performance of a Spartan Chassis into the affordable range for virtually all fire departments. The Michigan-based manufacturer has processed and built 16 Furion cab/chassis units since its introduction one year ago. Spartan currently has 14 more Furion cab/chassis units in the build schedule to be completed by the end of 2008 for delivery to OEMs and end-users around the U.S. and Canada.
“Fire departments are increasingly recognizing the value of purchasing a cab and chassis specifically designed for front-line service with the latest in safety, durability and performance enhancements. Departments can easily configure the Spartan Furion to maximize their response to the diverse calls they receive without compromising their budget,” said Richard Schalter, president of Spartan Chassis.
Furion units complete with apparatus will be on display during FRI, the world’s premier conference for fire and emergency services leaders, with two of Spartan’s OEM partners. Rosenbauer America/Central States will showcase a Furion mid-mount pumper unit (Booth #1324). Conference attendees will also have an opportunity to see Braun Industries’ Furion ambulance/rescue transport designed at the request of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in Florida (Booth #1716).
“As our communities continue to grow and change, so too do the capabilities of fire departments like Miami-Dade to fill the critically important first responder role,” said John Sztykiel, president and CEO of Spartan Motors. “The Spartan Chassis Furion is a major initiative in the emergency rescue market that can help departments—urban or rural—to meet the varying demands of their communities effectively.”
The Gladiator®, Metro Star™ and the Furion are all purpose-built for the emergency rescue industry and offer varying degrees of customization based on the model chosen allowing fire departments to meet their specific needs. Spartan also offers its customers specialized customer service, warranties for repairs, parts and replacements, and training programs for vehicle operators, as well as mechanics and technicians.
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 (www.spartanmotors.com), which also manufactures emergency rescue vehicles under
the brand names of Crimson Fire, Crimson Fire Aerials and Road Rescue, reported
sales of $681.9 million in 2007 and is focused on becoming the premier
manufacturer of specialty vehicles and chassis in North America.
This release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning our business, future plans and objectives and the performance of our products. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that ultimately may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications may arise that could prevent the prompt implementation of the plans outlined above. The company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filing and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at { HYPERLINK "http://www.sec.gov" }). Government contracts and subcontracts typically involve long payment and purchase cycles, competitive bidding, qualification requirements, delays or changes in funding, extensive specification development and changes, price negotiations and milestone requirements. An announced award of a governmental contract is not equivalent to a finalized executed contract and does not assure that orders will be issued and filled. Government agencies also often retain some portion of fees payable upon completion of a project and collection of contract fees may be delayed for long periods, which can negatively impact both prime contractors and subcontractors. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
CONTACT:
Karen Hildebrant
Spartan Chassis, Inc.
(517) 543-6400 x. 3111
Jeremy Bakken, Jeff Lambert
Lambert, Edwards & Associates, Inc.
(616) 233-0500
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