Spartan Motors' 11th Annual Chassis Club Rally Rolls Out Learning, Fun
26 May 2000
Spartan Motors' 11th Annual Chassis Club Rally Rolls Out Learning, Fun CHARLOTTE, Mich., May 25 Picture it: More than 350 luxury
motorhomes worth a total of $1 billion representing hundreds of recreational
vehicle owners from nearly every state in the continental U.S.
Picture it here: They plan to circle their coaches -- some worth upwards
of $1 million -- in Charlotte, Mich. as the guests of Spartan Motors, Inc.
at its one-of-a-kind Chassis Club Rally.
Picture it now: These RV enthusiasts will take over the Eaton County
Fairgrounds May 30 to June 2 as they gather to learn more about motorhome
ownership, swap maintenance and destination tips, explore satellite and GPS
options, and relax with golf outings, craft classes, shopping excursions,
bingo and much more.
"The Rally is designed to give RV owners -- whether they're first-time
buyers or seasoned veterans -- an informative and fun way to learn about their
luxury motorhomes," said John Sztykiel, president and chief operating officer
of Spartan Motors. "We recognize that the RV lifestyle encompasses a broad
range of diverse interests, and we try to offer seminars that will address
those interests.
"The rally has nearly tripled in size since we held the first event in
1989, and this year we expect to set another new attendance record. We feel
this growing popularity demonstrates the value Spartan adds to the motorhome
experience by working with customers long after the final sale is made."
RV suppliers will be on hand to present a host of information seminars.
The Rally will feature representatives from Spartan Motors as well as Cummins
engines, Allison Transmission, A'Weigh We Go, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Meritor
brakes, Reyco/Granning Suspensions and other component manufacturers. Popular
topics include:
* Basic chassis maintenance
* Safe loading and weight restrictions, including tire maintenance
* Electrical systems
* Engine, brake and chassis maintenance
* Driver safety
* Fire prevention methods
* Self-defense techniques
* Global positioning systems (GPS)
"We offer a variety of seminars taught by experienced RV technicians that
focus on maintenance, troubleshooting and safety issues to make life on the
road a little safer and more comfortable for RV owners," Sztykiel said. "We
also make our maintenance and repair facilities available to Rally attendees
during the three-day event."
Camaraderie is also key to the Rally, and Spartan offers a slate of
recreational and social activities designed to appeal to the spouses. The
Company hosts tours of its motorhome factory where their chassis were built,
and this year will offer a tour of its fire truck production facilities. A
riverboat cruise, dinner theatre and two special luncheons round out Rally
activities.
The Charlotte community also supports the Rally each year. Local
merchants offer free samples and sidewalk sales for Rally attendees while the
Charlotte High School Chorale Choir will perform at the Ladies' Only luncheon.
"We want the Rally to appeal to everyone who comes, wives and husbands,
young and old," Sztykiel said. "It's an opportunity for RV owners to get to
know us -- and each other -- better. We want to ensure that everyone comes
away from this with both a better understanding of their RV and a few new
friendships. The Rally also gives Spartan an excellent opportunity to talk
with its loyal customers and determine how to design the next generation of
chassis.
Spartan Motors, Inc. (http://www.spartanmotors.com ) is a leading developer and
manufacturer of custom chassis for fire trucks, recreational vehicles, transit
buses, school buses and other specialty vehicles. The Company also
manufactures fire and rescue vehicles through its subsidiaries Luverne Fire
Apparatus, Quality Manufacturing and Road Rescue, Inc. and owns a majority
interest in school bus manufacturer Carpenter Industries, Inc.
