Spartan ERV Debuts Next-Generation 4 x 4 Wildland Concept Truck at FDIC

2012-04-19

CHARLOTTE, Mich., Apr 19, 2012 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) --Spartan ERV (Emergency Response Vehicles), a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), presented a next-generation Type 3 concept truck that will redefine off-road capability, safety, maneuverability and performance levels. Known as the Spartan 4 x 4 Wildland, the truck incorporates proven and market-leading global technologies, which have been integrated with Spartan's North American market expertise to push the performance envelope well beyond anything available today, said Dennis Schneider, Spartan Emergency Response president.

Developed together with global ER leader Gimaex, the truck was presented immediately following the Spartan ERV press conference today at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Ind. The concept truck will be available for "walk around" presentations at the Spartan booth (#2423) on April 19-21 and by appointment following the tradeshow.

"The Spartan 4 x 4 Wildland Crossover and its imposing presence illustrate Spartan's new global ER strategy and the collective strength of Spartan and Gimaex," said Schneider. "The design and technology in this concept truck have been battle-tested in Europe and other global markets, but haven't yet reached North America...until now. Spartan ERV's understanding of the specific needs and requirements in the North American market will contribute greatly to bringing products and technologies -- like those found in this 4x4 Wildland truck -- to market quickly and efficiently.

"Versatility is what makes this truck unique. Being a crossover, it's equipped to respond to residential and rural situations, which will save agencies money by allowing them to consolidate their emergency response fleets. We anticipate this truck's rare combination of performance, safety and affordability will reshape the market."

The Spartan 4 x 4 Wildland Crossover includes the Gimaex Flashover Protection System, which provides firefighters with a new level of safety. It's complete with fire protected cables and hoses, an emergency air supply in the cab and eight strategically placed nozzles -- powered by secondary electrical and water sources -- to protect the firefighter, fuel tank/lines, tires, windows and windshield.

"The North American fire market presents many growth opportunities," said Louis Devaleix, Gimaex Americas CEO. "Our technology and innovation have always been at the forefront of the global industry, but needed to be customized and refined to fit North American requirements and NFPA standards. Our relationship with Spartan gives us the ability to bring highly innovative products -- like our Flashover Protection System -- to market faster and at more attractive price points."

The Spartan / Gimaex 4x4 Wildland offers:

  --  Side slope stability of 32 degrees
  --  Short wheelbase (138 inches) for increased maneuverability
  --  Uphill starting capability up to a 60 percent grade
  --  Narrow turning circle of 23.4 feet (20.1% better than the competition)
  --  Fully recyclable AluPrime body structure -- the lightest in the industry
  --  Super single tires (no duals)
  --  Four-door cab that seats up to six people
  --  60mm steel roll cage
  --  In-cab and remote CAFS operation
  --  Full pump and roll capability
  --  500 GPM pump
  --  400 gallon water tank, plus an 80 gallon self-protection reserve tank
  --  Booster reels
  --  Bumper monitor
  --  Hose bed that holds 1,000 feet of 2-inch hose
  --  Energy efficient LED compartment and scene lights
  --  G-Touch electronic control system, which allows the combination of the
      chassis, bodywork and firefighting installations for easy operation and
      safety
  --  7-inch hi-resolution display screen with "soft-keys"
  --  Touch-screen rear pump monitor
  --  Backup camera hookup

"The Spartan ERV 4 x 4 Wildland is another validation of Spartan's new global ER strategy, which is based on developing innovative, market-changing products and partnerships around the world," said Schneider.

For more information on the Spartan / Gimaex 4 x 4 Wildland and other Spartan products, visit www.spartanERV.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(TM), Spartan ERV(TM) and Utilimaster(R) - 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 www.spartanmotors.com.

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: Spartan Motors, Inc.

CONTACT: PCGCampbell: Eric Garner - 310.224.4976,
cell: 541.413.2880, egarner@pcgcampbell.com
Spartan Motors: Russell Chick - 517.997.3852,
russell.chick@spartanmotors.com

Spartan ERV