News

CHARLOTTE, Mich., Nov. 22, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), will debut two new chassis concepts to the recreational vehicle market at the upcoming 49th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., November 29 – December 1.

The innovative design concepts, a 32′ (Class A) and a 25′ (Class C), provide the potential future chassis design direction of the marketplace and capture key design features such as flexibility and adaptability that have always been key attributes of Spartan’s premier chassis foundations. The concept chassis are expected to appeal to manufacturers targeting current owners looking to downsize their RV and prospective buyers interested in purchasing entry-level units.

“Manufacturers are finding opportunities within the marketplace for growth through the introduction of smaller, light-weight, fuel-efficient recreational vehicles,” said Dave Snitgen, Vice President of Recreational and Specialty Chassis at Spartan Chassis. “Spartan Chassis is embracing this change and is focused on creating new product options that dovetail with evolving market and customer needs.”

Spartan Chassis utilizes proven technology and research to design, analyze and engineer each model in its product line to fit seamlessly with the body design of each manufacturers coach model. To date, the result has been creative and innovative designs ranging from mid-size Class A models to luxurious highline RVs. The concept chassis provide the quality and performance of Spartan’s traditional premium platforms, while creating opportunities for interested manufacturers to develop new products with a unique edge that can drive demand for their businesses.

32′ Concept Chassis

A 2010 study by Harris Interactive* indicates strong interest in smaller and more fuel efficient RVs. In an effort to target this growth within the Class A segment, Spartan Chassis developed the 32′ concept, which is a light-weight, maneuverable mid-size, diesel-pusher chassis. The concept features improved fuel efficiency and a smaller carbon footprint, as well as the traditional benefits of a rear diesel engine chassis such as low engine noise, increased power options, and carrying capacity.

Additional features of the innovative concept chassis design include:

  Navistar MaxxForce 7 turbo-diesel engine

  Allison 1000MH electronic transmission

  Cummins Onan 6k generator

  22,000 lb. gross vehicle weight rating

  High-strength, low-alloy steel construction: 50,000 psi minimum yield

  Hydraulic disc brakes

  Polymer diesel fuel tank

25′ Concept Chassis

With more than 40 million disabled adults living in the United States and a growing baby-boomer generation, there is a need in the marketplace for a purpose-built, low-floor platform design that offers ease of entry and egress with the option of including an ADA compliant ramp.

According to 2005 United States Census Bureau data** of people aged 15 and older:

  27.4 million had difficulty with ambulatory activities of the lower body

  About 22.6 million people had difficulty walking a quarter of a mile; 12.7 million were not able to perform this activity

  About 21.8 million people had difficulty climbing a flight of stairs; 7.4 million of them were not able to do it at all

  Roughly 3.3 million people used a wheelchair or similar device and 10.2 million used a cane, crutches, or walker to assist with mobility

The 25′ concept incorporates front and rear self-leveling air suspensions with four-corner kneeling. This kneeling feature, available at the touch of a single switch, reduces entry step height to a level never before seen on an RV. This concept chassis provides manufacturers with the opportunity to expand their business to include RVs for customers with mobility and health concerns.

Additional features of the 25′ concept chassis include:

  Chevy G4500, gas and diesel chassis

  Air-ride suspension with sway bars (front and rear)

  Electronic control kneeling (front and rear)

  Available in multiple lengths (24', 26', and 28')

  High-strength, low-alloy steel construction: 50,000 psi minimum yield

  Powder-coated frame for extended life and corrosion resistance

  Premium air dryer system with spin-on eco-friendly filtration

  3 year / 50,000 mile limited chassis warranty

John Sztykiel, President and CEO of Spartan Motors commented: “Spartan Chassis has always been focused on creating new product options that meet the evolving needs of our customers. We believe that innovation and greater design flexibility gives consumers new choices and we are proud to be demonstrating to the RV market the latest design and technology advancements that we have made.”

The concept chassis will be on display at the Spartan Chassis exhibit, #2001, in the Kentucky Expo Center where the company will be obtaining feedback from show attendees on the concepts for future consideration and refinement.

The 49th Annual National RV Trade Show, November 29 – December 1, 2011, is the preeminent trade show for the RV dealer market, and brings together suppliers, dealers, and other industry representatives each year to showcase the latest RV technology and new models.

*Harris Interactive, RV Perceptions & Purchase Motivators: A Communications Planning Study, Go RVing, 2010.

** Brault, Matthew, Americans with Disabilities: 2005, Current Population Reports, P70-117, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC, 2008.

About Spartan Chassis

Spartan Chassis, Inc. is a world-class leader in the engineering, manufacturing and marketing of chassis and aftermarket parts for emergency-response, recreational vehicle (RV), defense and specialty vehicles. End users recognize and request the Spartan Chassis brand, which consistently delivers superior performance, exceptional safety ratings and innovations which distinguish us from the competition. Visit Spartan Chassis at spartanchassis.com.

About Spartan Motors

Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, government services, defense, and delivery and service markets. The Company’s brand names – SpartanTM, Crimson FireTM, Crimson Fire AerialsTM, and Utilimaster® – are known for quality, value, service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,800 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana, Florida and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $481 million in 2010 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis. Visit Spartan Motors at theshyftgroup.com.

CONTACT: Russell T. Chick
         Corporate Director of Marketing
         Spartan Motors, Inc.
         517.997.3852

Spartan Motors, Inc.