Spartan Motors, Inc.
The following is information regarding Spartan Motors, Inc. . If you have any questions, please call Ben Buursma or Mary Ann Sabo at 616.233.0500. Thank you for your interest in Spartan Motors. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE See Spartan products at FDIC in Booths 2627, 2427, 3507, 2537 Spartan Motors Unveils New Technology, Nine New Emergency Vehicles at Industry's Largest Trade Show CHARLOTTE, Michigan, April 11, 2002 - In response to increased demand for emergency and rescue vehicles, Spartan Motors, Inc. and its subsidiaries will unveil new technology and nine new fire trucks and ambulances this week at the industry's largest trade show. The Charlotte, Mich. manufacturer of emergency vehicles and custom chassis said its new vehicles represent the largest and most comprehensive product introduction in the Company's history. Spartan Motors Chassis, along with Luverne Fire Apparatus, Quality Manufacturing and Road Rescue, will debut vehicles equipped to handle a broad range of emergency situations. The products will be on display at the 2002 Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis April 11-13 at Booths 2427, 2627, 3507 and 2537. "The tragic events of September 11 have brought the issue of emergency preparedness to the forefront of our national consciousness," said John Sztykiel, president and chief operating officer of Spartan Motors. "Pres. Bush has allocated more than $3.5 billion in his 2003 budget to help municipalities upgrade and expand their rescue capabilities. Communities across the nation are re-evaluating their rescue operations to ensure emergency personnel are properly trained and equipped to handle a wide range of unexpected situations. "Spartan Motors and all our subsidiaries are committed to delivering new and innovative products that help firefighters and emergency personnel meet the daily challenges inherent in their jobs. The new vehicles and technology we are introducing at FDIC represent the next generation of innovation in the rescue industry. They will allow Spartan to expand our penetration of current markets and enter new - and growing - market segments." Spartan's new product line includes: * The Gladiator Evolution, a custom chassis and cab from Spartan Motors offers increased interior space, improved engine performance, improved ease-of-maintenance and increased safety features - and all with a distinctive new look. * The Smart Display electrical system from Road Rescue, which is the industry's first liquid-crystal-display (LCD) on-board computer that delivers continuous maintenance and diagnostic feedback to the driver. Road Rescue, an ambulance manufacturer based in St.Paul, Minn., will also unveil three new ambulances during the show. * The first vehicle in the "Quick Attack" line of off-road firefighting vehicles by Luverne Fire Apparatus, a Brandon, S.D. manufacturer of fire apparatus and emergency vehicles. The Quick Attack brush truck will allow Luverne to enter the off-road firefighting segment, which is a strong and growing market. * A new heavy-duty rescue vehicle, also by Luverne, designed for multiple emergency situations. This new vehicle will allow emergency personnel to handle hazardous materials and rescue emergencies. Luverne will also introduce a new custom pumper truck, as well as a custom-built aerial featuring a 100-foot platform. * The Avenger, a new program pumper by Quality Manufacturing, a Talladega, Ala. manufacturer of fire and rescue apparatus. The Avenger includes a number of custom-level features, but will debut at a price competitive with other commercial trucks. "These vehicles serve different needs in different markets, but they have one thing in common - they feature innovative technology designed to meet the changing needs of today's emergency and rescue workers," Sztykiel said. "Spartan and all our subsidiaries enjoy an excellent reputation in our industry because we build durable, dependable vehicles that perform under the toughest conditions. We listen to our customers and to our end-users in designing and building all of our vehicles - and it shows." Sztykiel said that the vehicles introduced at FDIC will go into production beginning in the third quarter of 2002. About Spartan Motors Spartan Motors, Inc. (www.spartanmotors.com) is a leading developer and manufacturer of emergency vehicles and custom chassis. The Company also owns fire and rescue vehicle manufacturers Luverne Fire Apparatus, Quality Manufacturing and Road Rescue. CONTACT: John Sztykiel, President Spartan Motors, Inc. (517) 543-6400 or Mary Ann Sabo, Ben Buursma (mail@lambert-edwards.com) Lambert, Edwards & Associates, Inc. (616) 233-0500