Spartan Chassis Introduces the New Diamond Chassis

CHARLOTTE, Mich., April 29 -- Durability, safety and brilliance -- all characteristics of the new Diamond by Spartan, the latest edition to the Spartan Chassis product line-up that is being unveiled today at the 2004 Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Ind., April 29 - May 1, 2004.

"The Diamond chassis offers the trademark features of a Spartan; exceptional maneuverability, durability and reliability coupled with the most spacious cab in the industry," said Richard Schalter, president of Spartan Chassis. "The Diamond cab satisfies a middle-market niche that expands the Spartan product line and offers exceptional value to the end user."

This new Diamond boasts a variety of options on a mid-range chassis. It's loaded with all of the excellent features available on the top-of-the-line Spartan Gladiator and is powered by a lower range of engine options. Space and safety, Spartan's hallmark qualities, are two unique features that characterize this cab. The cab is 96 inches wide, has a smaller engine tunnel and expanded seat width. Other interior features include:

  * Increased storage capacity
  * Greater visibility for all passengers
  * Expanded hip room and legroom for driver and officer
  * Molded dash design with accessory compartments
  * Overhead, high-performance HVAC system

In addition to the ergonomically designed cab interior, the multi-faceted Diamond chassis also includes these premium features:

  * Up to a 400 Hp engine
  * GVWR from 35,600 to 81,500 lbs.
  * Front service access via grill and headlamp modules
  * Numerous cab models and roof styles available

Orders for the Diamond can be placed starting today, the opening day of FDIC. The Diamond chassis will be well suited for both small and large communities where cab safety, reliability, versatility and value rank high on the priority list.

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(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire Aerials(TM), and Road Rescue(TM) -- are known in their market niches for quality, value, service and being the first to market with innovative products. Spartan Motors employs approximately 700 at facilities in Michigan, Alabama, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and South Dakota and is publicly traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol SPAR.