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Spartan Motors Introduces New Entry-Level Diesel-Pusher Chassis, the Summit ES

12 June 2000

Chassis Improves Performance and Cuts Cost 10-15 Percent

           
    CHARLOTTE, Mich. - Getting into a new diesel-pusher motorhome just became 
more affordable -- thanks to Spartan Motors, Inc.

    The Charlotte, Mich.-based manufacturer of custom chassis, emergency
vehicles and buses has introduced the new Summit ES chassis for diesel-powered
Class A motorhomes.  This new entry-level chassis allows for a motorhome
retail price point under $100,000, putting RV owners into a diesel-powered
coach at a price 10-15 percent less than anything currently being sold on the
market.  The new Spartan Motors chassis will debut in a new Class A RV product
by Rexhall Industries, Inc. , the Lancaster, Calif.-based
motorhome maker.

    Spartan Motors said that its Summit ES chassis maintains the performance
characteristics of higher-priced rear-engine diesel pushers, but provides a
significant price break to RV enthusiasts eager to upgrade from gas-powered
engines.

    "The new ES platform allows original equipment manufacturers such as
Rexhall to build a motorhome with all the features, performance and
maneuverability of higher-priced models, but with a sticker price of less than
$100,000," said John Sztykiel, president and chief operating officer of
Spartan.  "Our technology provides a crucial price-point breakthrough, which
we are certain will be very attractive to potential RV owners and should have
great acceptance in the marketplace."

    The new ES chassis is 10-15 percent lower in cost than any other model in
Spartan's popular entry-level Summit series, which was introduced in 1998.

    "This new chassis underscores our commitment to bring innovative new
products to market every six to eight months," Sztykiel said.  "Spartan Motors
introduced two new chassis lines at RVIA last fall, and we plan to introduce
another exciting new product at the upcoming RVIA show in November."

    The ES platform, which is built for motorhomes up to 38 feet, features a
Cummins ISB 260 h.p. engine, an Allison 1000 Series transmission and air
suspension as standard equipment.  Sztykiel said that offering air suspension
distinguishes the ES from other entry-level chassis, which use spring
suspension.

    "Spartan products have long been noted for their excellent ride and
handling, and air suspension allows us to do that," Sztykiel explained.  "This
becomes particularly important with slideouts, which are now standard on the
majority of Class A motorhomes.  Air suspension is not only the best way to
handle the issue of weight distribution, it also offers a far superior ride
than springs."

    Spartan Motors, Inc. is a leading developer and manufacturer of custom 
chassis for fire trucks, recreational vehicles, transit buses, school buses and 
other specialty vehicles.  The Company also manufactures fire and rescue 
vehicles through its subsidiaries Luverne Fir Apparatus, Quality Manufacturing 
and Road Rescue, Inc. and owns a majority interest in school bus manufacturer 
Carpenter Industries, Inc.