LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 3, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), will join the RV industry at the 51st Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., Dec. 3-5. Spartan Chassis will display its K3 and Mountain Master GT chassis and feature several innovations during the event held in the Kentucky Expo Center (Booth #5320 – West Wing).
“Since 1985, Spartan Chassis has developed significant technological innovations that have changed the RV industry,” said Art Ickes, President of the Specialty Vehicles business unit, Spartan Chassis. “Throughout the years, the demand for Spartan Chassis has continued to remain strong as owners value the innovations Spartan has and continues to develop. In 2013, we saw a strong increase in the number of prospective Class A diesel motorhome owners requesting a Spartan Chassis.”
Spartan will feature a 24,000 lbs. drive axle as well as welcome Fogmaker North America into the RV market. The Reyco Granning RD2400 drive axle is designed to take advantage of recent changes in Federal Highway Administration laws that allow the use of a single rear axle rated at 24,000 lbs. weight capacity. The RD2400 eliminates torque induced drive line grumble which further extends the product’s life-cycle.
Fogmaker North America delivers fire suppression systems for engine compartments and enclosed spaces utilizing a patented water mist technology. This system extinguishes fire by targeting the three components (oxygen, fuel and heat). The system is environmentally friendly and cleanup after activation is simple and fast.
The goal at Spartan Chassis is to provide its end-users with an exceptional RV experience, no matter the destination, duty-cycle or configuration. To achieve that, Spartan consistently drives innovation that improves maneuverability, ride quality and coach handling to name a few. Spartan’s OEM customers recognize the company and its ability to design, engineer and manufacture the Premier Foundation.
The demand for motorhomes built on a Spartan Chassis has increased 21.5% year-over-year from 2012 to 2013. Spartan Chassis’ unit volume this year outperforms the Class A diesel market by over six percentage points. Spartan custom manufactures chassis to the individual specifications of Entegra Coach, Newmar Corporation and Tiffin Motorhomes.
The National RV Trade Show presented by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) is the preeminent trade show for the RV dealer market, annually showcasing the latest RV technology and new models. According to RVIA Today, a Recreation Vehicle Industry Association newsletter, the show is expected to draw nearly 8,000 manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, and other industry representatives to the Kentucky Expo Center.
About Spartan Chassis, Inc.
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 www.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 – Spartan™, Spartan Chassis™, Spartan ER™, Spartan ERV™ and Utilimaster® – are known for quality, performance, service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,800 associates at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana, and Florida. Spartan reported sales of $471 million in 2012 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
Spartan Motors, Inc.
