News

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., June 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spartan Delivery and Service Vehicles (“Spartan”), a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAR) which encompasses the Utilimaster go-to-market brand, is showcasing an innovative walk-in van specifically designed for underground utility maintenance, featuring hybrid electric auxiliary power, at the 2016 Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference (EUFMC) in Williamsburg, Virginia, June 5-8.  Utilimaster is leading manufacturer of walk-in vans, truck bodies, cargo management systems and fleet optimization services for delivery and utility applications.

At EUFMC, Utilimaster is demonstrating a network underground service walk-in van that incorporates two key pieces of technology designed to make utility worksites greener, quieter, and more comfortable for workers. The Odyne plug-in hybrid battery technology feeds auxiliary power to utility maintenance equipment, while an onboard air exchange system provides workers in underground vaults with cooled or heated fresh air, from above.

“Driving innovation is a priority across all Spartan Motors business units.  Our team at Utilimaster has delivered a product that is purpose-built to address the unique needs of the customer in the utility industry,” said Daryl Adams, President and CEO, Spartan Motors.  “This vehicle can be deployed directly into a utility fleet when it comes off line at our Bristol, Indiana campus.”

Lower Worksite Cost. Less Worksite Noise.
At the work site, the Odyne system significantly reduces  engine idling, with its associated fuel cost, maintenance, and emissions.  This technology allows utility maintenance personnel to operate tools and other equipment with batteries that provide up to 28 continuous kilowatt hours of power, without the need for a separate diesel generator. The hybrid battery-powered system also eliminates the need for frequent engine restarts to charge batteries, resulting in a quieter work site and extended work hours.

“This plug-in hybrid system fits right into the green initiatives that have become standard practice at many utility companies,” said John Forbes, President, Utilimaster. “Compared to diesel/gas-powered generators, powering equipment with an electric system reduces greenhouse gases by 50 percent or more. Fuel and maintenance cost savings are significant, too – up to $10,000 per year.”

Two Opportunities at EUFMC
The network underground services walk-in van will be featured in EUFMC’s morning “Product Drive Through” for attending fleet managers, and will be displayed in the Utilimaster booth for attendees to view up close, in Zone 2, booths D8-D11. Utilimaster representatives will be on hand to answer questions about this vehicle and Utilimaster’s full suite of products and services for the electric utility industry. 

About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. is a leading designer, engineer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty vehicles, specialty chassis, vehicle bodies and parts for the fleet and delivery, recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, defense forces and contract assembly (light/medium duty truck) markets. The Company’s brand names— Spartan Motors, Spartan Specialty Vehicles, Spartan Emergency Response, Spartan Parts and Accessories, and Utilimaster^®, a Spartan Motors Company— are known for quality, durability, performance, customer service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,800 associates, and operates facilities in Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kansas, South Dakota, Saltillo, Mexico; and Lima, Peru. Spartan reported sales of $550 million in 2015. Visit Spartan Motors at theshyftgroup.com.

About Odyne Systems, LLC
Odyne is a leader in hybrid drive systems for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Odyne’s advanced plug-in hybrid technology enables trucks over 14,000 pounds to have substantially lower fuel consumption, improved performance, quieter work site operation and reduced operating and maintenance costs. Odyne has fielded more plug-in hybrid systems for large trucks throughout the United States than any other supplier. Odyne systems are modular and are integrated to powertrains during the vehicle manufacturing process or are retrofit to existing truck chassis in various applications. The systems are sold and serviced through a worldwide distribution network including Altec and Terex Utilities. Odyne has also authorized selected Allison Transmission distributors to service Odyne systems across North America. For further information, visit Odyne at www.odyne.com.

About Team Fenex
Team Fenex, a division of Synergy Power Group, LLC, is a leader in supplying mobile power equipment to some of America’s largest communications, cable, power, and agricultural companies.  In business for over 20 years, Team Fenex offers a robust catalogue of mobile equipment such as mobile power units, fiber optic splicing trailers, SATCOM trailers, and trailer-mounted arrow boards.  Synergy Power Group, LLC, and its founders are dedicated to supplying the highest quality products with an eye toward the future.  Visit Team Fenex at www.teamfenex.com.

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

Spartan Motors, Inc.