Spartan Unveils Three New Emergency Rescue Products

Spartan Unveils Three New Emergency Rescue Products at Industry Trade Show

             New Models Deliver Latest Technological Developments

    CHARLOTTE, Mich., Aug. 24 Spartan Motors, Inc.
will unveil three new emergency products featuring some of the
most advanced technologies ever to appear on rescue vehicles.  Spartan Motors'
Emergency Vehicle Team (EVTeam) will showcase the products at the
International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) show in New Orleans beginning
today.
    The Charlotte, Mich.-based manufacturer of custom chassis and emergency
vehicles said that it will debut two new fire trucks and one ambulance at the
industry trade show, which runs Friday, Aug. 24, to Monday, Aug. 27, in New
Orleans.  The IAFC expects more than 16,000 fire and rescue professionals to
attend the show.
    "Our new products demonstrate our commitment to offering fire and rescue
departments the latest in innovative technology," said John Sztykiel,
president and chief operating officer of Spartan Motors.  "The new designs
represent an important step forward that will change the way people work in
the emergency vehicle industry, and we expect the new products will generate a
lot of excitement at the IAFC show.
    "Spartan Motors and all its subsidiaries are committed to providing
innovative engineering solutions that deliver the latest in must-have features
to all of our customers.  As we have said, product differentiation through
innovation will be a key component in our formula to grow sales and earnings."
    Quality Manufacturing, a fire apparatus manufacturer based in Talladega,
Ala., will unveil its new extruded aluminum body.  Extruded aluminum, which is
stronger and easier to use than galvanneal steel, stamped aluminum and other
materials currently used by the industry, currently accounts for 30 percent of
all fire truck sales.  The new vehicle, which will be named during the show,
will provide more work and storage space, as well as easier access to storage.
    "Quality Manufacturing has a reputation for performance and durability,
which will be enhanced by the addition of an extruded aluminum body to our
product line," said Brian Bennett, president of Quality.  "With this new
vehicle, we really focused on the details that are important to fire
professionals: Ergonomically designed workspaces, additional storage space for
patient care equipment and emergency tools, and stainless steel cabinets and
benches for easier cleaning."
    Luverne Fire Apparatus Co., a fire apparatus manufacturer based in
Brandon, S.D., will introduce the Dakota SS, a fully loaded, 100 percent
stainless steel, emergency vehicle.  The Dakota SS features Luverne's
signature plumbing and control panel, multiplex electrical systems, corrosion-
control wheel wells, a unique body mount system and a nine-step paint process
that ensures durability.
    "We feel Luverne quality combined with affordability makes the Dakota SS
one of the most attractive trucks on the market," said Jeff Lautt, president
of Luverne.  "By asking firefighters to tell us what they thought were the
most important features on a fire truck, we were able to design a vehicle that
incorporated innovation, strength and safety at a very affordable price."
    Road Rescue, Inc., an ambulance manufacturer based St. Paul, Minn., will
debut its 2002 International 4400LP series ambulance, a state-of-the-art
vehicle that features:

    *  All-aluminum cabinetry that is 100 percent wood-free -- an important
feature that reduces weight, increases payload, increases structural integrity
and creates a more sterile environment for paramedics and patients.
    *  A liquid crystal, electronically controlled privacy window that allows
paramedics to change the window from transparent to opaque with the push of a
button.

    "Road Rescue's new ambulance addresses some of the major concerns among
rescue workers today -- cleanliness, privacy and safety," said Chuck Drake,
president of Road Rescue.  "We engineered the vehicle around the suggestions
of the professionals who need an easily maintained, structurally sound vehicle
that incorporates the highest levels of technology."
    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.