News

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spartan Chassis, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), today presented a new concept chassis that is based on a low cab forward architecture and enables a body-on-frame design. This chassis can yield 10% to 13% of additional interior space that the recreational vehicle OEMs can leverage to create a differentiated customer experience and target the higher growth levels found in the small Class A segment. Code named Revel, the chassis was presented at the RVIA National RV Trade Show in Louisville, KY.

The Revel concept chassis includes:

• Engine: 6.0 Liter gasoline engine
• Output: 297 HP with 392 ft.-lb. of torque (at 4000 RPM)
• GVWR: 12K – 14.5K (additional capacity available with other powerplants)
• Wheelbase: 109″ to 176″
• Suspension: Tapered, multi-leaf springs
• Frame: Single channel, ladder type (optional “Coach Ready” type)

“Availability of a true body-on-frame chassis design in this segment is limited. Current product offerings are configured primarily as Class C. One of our value-adds to the RV OEM is development of new platforms which push the envelope of possibilities,” said Tom Gorman, Chief Operating Officer, Spartan Motors. “Creating additional space above the rails which the RV OEMs can leverage to design a better RV experience should be well received at this end of the motorized market where 13% of additional space is material.”

Spartan has always led the industry with after the sale support:

• Customer support: superior after the sale service provided by over 585 authorized Spartan service providers
• Customer service: the best Roadside Assistance program provided in partnership with Good Sam and their network of over 40,000 mobile service providers

The Spartan Chassis display at the Kentucky Expo Center is located in booth # 1526.

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, emergency response, government services, defense, and delivery and service markets. The company’s brand names – Spartan™, Spartan ERV™ and Utilimaster^® – are known for quality, performance, service and first-to-market innovation. The company employs approximately 1,700 associates at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana, Florida and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $426 million in 2011 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.

This release contains several forward-looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning our business, strategic position, financial strength, future plans, objectives, and the performance of our products. These statements can be identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “potential,” “future,” “may,” “will,” “should,” and similar expressions regarding future expectations. These forward-looking statements involve various known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, and likelihood. Therefore, actual performance and results may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could contribute to these differences include operational and other complications that may arise affecting the implementation of our plans and business objectives; continued pressures caused by economic conditions and the pace and extent of the economic recovery; challenges that may arise in connection with the integration of new businesses or assets we acquire or the disposition of assets; issues unique to government contracting, such as competitive bidding processes, qualification requirements, and delays or changes in funding; disruptions within our dealer network; changes in our relationships with major customers, suppliers, or other business partners, including Isuzu; changes in the demand or supply of products within our markets or raw materials needed to manufacture those products; and changes in laws and regulations affecting our business. Other factors that could affect outcomes are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available at www.sec.gov or our website. All forward-looking statements in this release are qualified by this paragraph. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

CONTACT: Russell T. Chick
         Corporate Director of Marketing
         Spartan Motors, Inc.
         517.997.3852 or [email protected]

Spartan Motors, Inc.