MHC Introduces First Motorhome Built on the
Spartan Motors Me2 Platform
Desert Fox Meets RV Lifestyle Demands with More Living and Storage Space
CHARLOTTE, Mich., and RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Jan. 29 Less than five months after Spartan Motors, Inc. introduced a
new mid-engine chassis, the Me2, motorhome manufacturer MHC Group, Inc. plans
to unveil the first Class A coach on this innovative platform during an RV
rally in April.
Although it usually takes six months to bring a coach from the drawing
board to the showroom floor, California-based MHC accelerated the design
process in order to debut the Desert Fox during the Family Motor Coaching
Association (FMCA) rally, which opens April 3 in Oklahoma City, Okla. The
Desert Fox is built on the Me2, a mid-engine platform built by Spartan Motors
that features a rear-lift deck with extra storage space for bicycles, ATVs,
canoes and other "toys" that complement the RV lifestyle.
Spartan Motors, a Charlotte, Mich.-based manufacturer of custom chassis
and emergency vehicles, unveiled the Me2 platform during the Recreational
Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) national show in December 2000 in response
to consumer demand for more usable space in Class A motorhomes. The Company
will ship its first Me2 chassis to MHC during the first week of February.
MHC's Desert Fox is designed to appeal to motorhome owners who want to get
away from it all -- yet take it all with them.
"We are pleased to partner with MHC to introduce a truly revolutionary
concept in coaches," said John Sztykiel, president and chief operating officer
of Spartan Motors. "The Me2 is exciting in that it draws on the popularity of
lifestyle towables, or 'toy houses,' as they are called, that allow consumers
to bring along their favorite 'toys.' Numerous studies reinforce the fact
that consumers want to bring their wave runners, bicycles and ATVs along on
their vacations, and the Desert Fox will allow them to do just that.
"MHC's willingness to move so quickly is unusual, but indicates the
tremendous amount of market interest in the flexibility offered by the Me2.
It also confirms the excitement this new platform generated during RVIA, which
was the best I have seen over a new product introduction in more than 15
years."
The Desert Fox is a 38-foot diesel pusher built on the Me2 platform and
featuring a rear-lift deck that will offer additional storage space. Other
features include:
* Up to 30 percent more storage space, thanks to the flexibility offered
by the Me2 chassis.
* Between two and four slideouts.
* Unique and more flexible interior floor plans that can be custom
designed to fit the customers' individual needs.
* Independent front suspension, which offers better ride and handling.
MHC expects the Desert Fox, which is a 2002 model year, will appear at
dealerships early in the spring. MHC will release more details on the Desert
Fox in the coming weeks.
"Our new coach is one of the first truly innovative designs to come along
in the world of Class A motorhomes in some time," said Gordie Hakes, chairman
and chief executive officer of MHC. "The Desert Fox stands out from its
competitors by offering a unique floor plan, plenty of extra living and
storage space, and better ride and handling. Starting with Spartan's Me2
chassis as the foundation has allowed us to build an exceptional coach that
delivers just what motorhome owners are looking for: more space to enjoy the
RV lifestyle.
"The Desert Fox is the first of several innovative new vehicles MHC plans
to introduce over the next several months."
The management of MHC, which is headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.,
first saw the Me2 chassis during RVIA. The Me2 shifts the engine and
transmission to the middle of the coach, allowing original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) greater design flexibility. Shifting the center of
gravity also gives a vehicle built on the Me2 platform improved safety, ride
and handling.
Specifically, the Me2 features:
* A rear-lift deck, or traveling garage, that allows RVers to carry
boats, bikes, ATVs or other "toys" with them on trips. This deck
increases storage space by as much as 30 percent.
* The ability to handle up to six slideouts, which increases the average
living space in a coach by as much as 30 percent.
* Easier maintenance, improved safety and a quieter ride.
* The flexibility for more innovative interior floor plans, including a
sunken master bedroom with Jacuzzi, an art studio, computer room,
traveling home office, etc.
"Registration of diesel motorhomes was strong throughout 2000, which
demonstrates continued retail demand for diesel coaches," Sztykiel said.
"Consumers are hungry for innovative designs that will distinguish their
coaches from their neighbors' and, at the same time, resolve some of their
most pressing needs. The Me2 platform and the new Desert Fox by MHC will give
RVers what they want on both counts."
The mid-engine concept and rear lift deck are all in the patent process,
Sztykiel said that the Company is excited about the competitive advantage this
will give Spartan Motors for quite some time. More information on the Me2
platform is available at http://www.spartanmotors.com .
Spartan Motors, Inc. (http://www.spartanmotors.com ) is a leading developer and
manufacturer of custom chassis for recreational vehicles, fire trucks,
ambulances and other specialty vehicles. The Company also owns fire and
rescue vehicle manufacturers Luverne Fire Apparatus, Quality Manufacturing and
Road Rescue, Inc.
The statements contained in this news release include certain predictions
and projections that may be considered forward-looking statements by the
securities laws. These statements involve a number of risks and
uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive,
governmental and technological factors affecting the Company's operations,
markets, products, services and prices, and actual results may differ
materially.
