Crimson Fire Introduces Star Series(TM) at the IAFC Fire-Rescue International

DALLAS, Aug. 22, 2003 -- Crimson Fire, Inc. today introduced its first all-new fire truck since the merger earlier this year of two subsidiaries with over 130 years of industry experience. The Star Series(TM) combines the best attributes of Quality Manufacturing and Luverne Fire Apparatus products, adding new technology, improved ergonomics and a safer ride and better handling. The Star Series(TM) is being showcased at the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire-Rescue International annual industry trade show in Dallas, August 22-25. Crimson is a wholly owned subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. .

The Star Series was designed to reflect on-going feedback and discussions with dealers and fire chiefs around the country to drive improvement and enhance performance.

"We've listened to our customers, taken the best aspects of Quality and Luverne products, added new features and created the most user-friendly apparatus available today," Jeff Lautt, president of Crimson Fire said. "This combination of strength, fit and finish provides maximum serviceability and will ultimately help fire fighters perform their jobs at an even higher level."

John Sztykiel, CEO of Crimson Fire's parent company Spartan Motors, added: "We expect the Star Series to continue the positive order momentum we are experiencing at Crimson Fire, which will be reflected in our sales in 2004."

Notable innovations in the Star Series include an exclusive body configuration featuring a complete tank re-design which nests it between the frame rails of the chassis, lowering the overall height of the tank and hose bed for quicker access and re-loading. The lower center of gravity also provides significantly improved handling and a safer ride.

The Star Series also integrates larger storage areas for equipment by using previously unused space for such features as a floor-dry compartment in the wheel well to address oil spills and other clean-up operations with the pull of a lever. A re-designed pump panel allows for easier access for mechanical repairs. The Star Series also improves pump operator ergonomics with gauges and controls that are easier to read and operate.

"Using our newly designed pump panel, a service technician can literally walk into the frame of the truck and perform 'open-heart surgery' on the vehicle in less than a minute," said Lautt. "Other features like the custom- built tank and unique storage components make this a one-of-a-kind unit."

Crimson Fire also included an innovative Vulcan radio frequency monitor designed by Elkhart Brass, an Elkhart, Ind.-based manufacturer of fire fighting equipment. The Vulcan RF allows the user to wirelessly control water pressure and direction with a hand-held remote control. The Vulcan RF features unlimited security codes and frequency combinations, and provides enough pressure to direct up to 1250 gallons per minute.

In addition to these features, the Star Series also includes:

* Vibra-Torq(TM) - Crimson Fire's exclusive body mounts which allow the body to float above the chassis, reducing vibration and stress for added durability.

* Hydraulic generator - produces less noise and is more efficient than diesel or gas generators

* An expanded upper platform with a textured surface for a larger, safer work-space.

* Smart Access - allows easier access to different areas of the unit through doors and a removable running board.

* Smart Display - the master pump control panel is angled from the top of the vehicle for better visibility and reduced glare.

About Crimson Fire

Crimson Fire, a Spartan Motors company, is a leading manufacturer of custom fire trucks and other rescue vehicles, representing quality, value and innovation. Crimson Fire was established in 2003, when Spartan Motors, Inc. merged its two fire apparatus subsidiaries, Quality Manufacturing and Luverne Fire Apparatus. Crimson Fire is headquartered in Brandon, South Dakota, and draws on more than 130 years of combined history and excellence in fire truck manufacturing. For more information regarding Crimson Fire, please visit www.crimson-fire.com .

About Spartan Motors

Spartan Motors, Inc. (www.spartanmotors.com ) designs, engineers and manufactures custom chassis and vehicles for the recreational vehicle, fire truck, ambulance and emergency-rescue markets. The company's brand names -- Spartan(R), Crimson Fire(R) and Road Rescue(R) -- are known in their market niches for quality, value, service and being the first to market with innovative products. Spartan Motors employs more than 750 at facilities in Michigan, South Dakota, Alabama and South Carolina and is publicly traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol SPAR.