Spartan Motors to Supply New Summit RV Chassis to National RV Holdings

22 March 1999
Spartan Motors to Supply New Summit RV Chassis to National RV Holdings
    CHARLOTTE, Mich., March 22 -- Custom chassis engineer and
manufacturer Spartan Motors, Inc. today announced plans to
supply recreational vehicle chassis to Perris, Calif.-based National RV
Holdings, Inc. .
    Charlotte, Mich.-based Spartan Motors said it has received orders to
supply its newly introduced Summit custom chassis to National RV Holdings for
certain of their Class A motorhome models.  Spartan Motors introduced the
Summit chassis at the RV industry's largest trade show in December 1998.  The
orders from National RV are Spartan's first-ever from the leading RV maker and
marketer.
    "This new relationship with National RV is affirmation of both our
commitment to be the premium supplier to the market, and specifically, our
investments in research and development to launch an industry-leading product
like the Summit series," said John Sztykiel, Spartan Motors president and
chief operating officer.  "We are optimistic that National RV will develop
into a quality, long-term partner as we work together to serve the growing
market for premium motorhomes."
    "Integrating Spartan's chassis into National RV's product mix adds depth
to our already strong lineup of Class A motorhomes.  We are looking forward to
forging an alliance with Spartan and capitalizing on the positive economic and
demographic trends driving the recreational vehicle market," said Raul
Gimenez, vice president of operations for National RV Holdings.
    According to RVIA statistics, the motorhome market experienced
double-digit percentage growth in 1998, including a 14.1% increase in the
Class A or premium motorhome segment.
    National RV Holdings, Inc. is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of
Class A motorhomes.  Through its National RV subsidiary, the Company designs,
manufactures and markets Class A motorhomes and fifth-wheel travel trailers
under brand names including Dolphin, Sea Breeze, Tropi-Cal, Tradewinds, Sea
View and Surf Side.  Through its Country Coach subsidiary, the Company
designs, manufactures and markets high-end (Highline) Class A motorhomes and
bus conversions under brand names including Concept, Affinity, Magna,
Intrigue, and Allure.
    National RV just moved to fourth place in the ranking of the top Class A
manufacturers as of January 1999, according to Grand Rapids, Mich.-based RV
industry researcher Statistical Surveys, Inc.  National RV was also recognized
as one of America's 100 fastest growing companies in Fortune magazine and
ranked 7th in the 200 Best Small Companies in the November 2, 1998 issue of
Forbes.
    Spartan Motors, Inc. (http://www.spartanmotors.com) is a leading engineer and
manufacturer of diesel-powered, custom-built chassis for the Class A motorhome
market.  The Company also manufactures chassis for fire trucks, transit buses,
school buses and other specialty vehicles.  Spartan owns three companies that
manufacture emergency vehicles -- Luverne Fire Apparatus, Quality
Manufacturing and Road Rescue -- and a stake in school bus manufacturer
Carpenter Industries, Inc.