CHARLOTTE, Mich., Apr 19, 2012 (GlobeNewswire
via COMTEX) --Spartan ERV (Emergency Response Vehicles), a subsidiary of
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), today introduced the Classic Series
21 ST apparatus at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in
Indianapolis, Ind. Currently available on two commercial chassis, these
products have been designed, engineered and configured to optimize
performance and enable fire departments to respond to all calls at lower
acquisition and operating costs, according to Dennis Schneider, Spartan
Emergency Response president.
"Innovation and speed are at the heart of Spartan ERV's new global
strategy, which is driven by the realities of today's market," said
Schneider. "As calls continue to increase and funding challenges remain,
the Classic Series 21 ST improves product performance yet reduces the
acquisition and operating cost of the apparatus."
Schneider added that Spartan's new product development process yields
a collection of performance and cost improvements, including:
-- Bill of material line item reduction of 10 percent
-- Overall weight reduction of 400-500 lbs.
-- Increased compartment space, due to Spartan's use of a Design for
Manufacturing (DFM) approach
-- New extrusions add an additional two inches of storage space
-- Lowered wheel compartments allow for air bottle storage in L2 and R2 and
eliminate small wheel well doors/compartments
-- Water tank redesigned to serve multiple purposes, including overflow
-- Body design that allows the tank, complete with a hose bed divider, to
be installed last
-- Reduced electrical system hours (50 percent less)
-- Proprietary electrical system that includes upgraded rear lighting
(LEDs), a super node and multiplex body switch
-- New extrusions that minimize the paint and graphic
application/development process
-- Pump module that includes stainless steel panels and color coded
graphics to simplify operation
The Classic Series ST 21 will be on display at FDIC in both the
Spartan ERV and Ford Truck booths. Ford is featuring the F550 version of
the series, which boasts 400 HP, four doors, a 300 gallon water tank
and the ability to pump at 1,250 GPM; Spartan ERV is showcasing a 330
HP, 2-door Kenworth T-370.
For more information on Spartan products and services, 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