Spartan Chassis Encourages FDIC Attendees to "Build What You Want - Get What You Want"

CHARLOTTE, Michigan, April 10, 2008 - Spartan Chassis, Inc., a
subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. , will showcase its
flexible design capability to the emergency-rescue industry at the Fire
Department Instructors Conference, which opens today.

 

Spartan will display the Furion*, introduced in late 2007 as the third
cab and chassis in the Michigan-based company's fire truck product line
up. Unlike its commercial counterparts, which might end up as a delivery
or moving truck, the Furion is a purpose-built cab-and-chassis
specifically designed for the emergency-rescue industry.

 

The Furion will be on display April 10-12 at Booth #2222 at FDIC, the
world's largest firefighter training conference and exhibition. Units
complete with apparatus will be on display during the show with several
of Spartan's OEM partners, including: Rosenbauer America (#6301), PL
Custom Emergency Vehicles (#7023), Fort Garry Industries (#6210),
Crimson Fire (#2433), Gimaex of America (#7504) and Smeal Fire Apparatus
(#2401).

 

"The Furion allows our customers to get a purpose-built cab-and-chassis
specifically designed for the emergency-rescue industry instead of
settling for a commercial vehicle," said Richard Schalter, president of
Spartan Chassis. "When a Furion rolls off the Spartan Chassis line, it
is ready for an apparatus to be fitted, which will save the body builder
hours of time and labor in chassis preparation currently required on
commercial chassis."

 

The Furion features:

*	A 94-inch galvanized steel cab designed for safety, roominess
and maneuverability
*	Plenty of room for six crew members and equipment
*	Cab-over-engine design, which allows for greater visibility and
maneuverability
*	Advanced electrical system, featuring an under-dash heating and
air conditioning system

 

"The Furion is a major initiative for Spartan Chassis and Spartan Motors
and marks our entry into the customized commercial chassis market," said
John Sztykiel, president and CEO of Spartan Motors.  "Historically, we
have been very good at converting commercial markets to custom. Over the
years, we have secured increasingly large shares in our key markets."

 

The Gladiator(r), Metro Star* and the Furion are all purpose-built for
the emergency rescue industry and offer varying degrees of customization
based on the model chosen allowing fire departments to "get what they
want" to meet their specific needs. Spartan also offers its customers
specialized customer service, warranties for repairs and replacements,
and training programs for vehicle operators, as well as mechanics and
technicians.

 

Also during FDIC, show goers will have their first opportunity to see a
prototype of a Furion Ambulance/Rescue Transport vehicle which will be
unveiled during the show. The Miami-Dade prototype unit is compliant
with Star-of-Life federal specifications and features superior
maneuverability over conventional cab products, shorter overall length
to allow for parking in smaller bays and offers a softer ride for
patient and crew, while also providing exceptional chassis roll
stability during turns and maneuvers. This vehicle will be on display at
the Braun Industries, Inc. booth (#1832).

 

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About Spartan Chassis, Inc.:

Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc.
, is a leading developer and manufacturer of custom chassis for
recreational vehicles, fire trucks and specialty vehicles. Spartan
Motors, which also manufactures emergency rescue vehicles under the
brand names of Crimson Fire, Crimson Fire Aerials and Road Rescue,
reported sales of $681.9 million in 2007 and is focused on becoming the
premier manufacturer of specialty vehicles and chassis in North America.