Revolutionizing the Fire Rescue Vehicle; Spartan Introduces Independent Front Suspension and Color Multiplex Display

CHARLOTTE, Mich., April 29 -- Spartan(R) is carrying on its reputation for innovation by introducing independent front suspension (IFS) and a full-color electronic display multiplex system on the Spartan Gladiator at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis today.

Spartan Chassis has been widely recognized for bringing independent front suspension to the motorhome industry. Now, Spartan has adapted that same quality and innovation into its elite line of fire truck chassis to meet the needs of today's firefighters. With a durable IFS system, rescue vehicles have a heightened level of control and maneuverability. In the emergency response profession, these two features are crucial in safe vehicle operation.

In addition, Spartan has teamed with Weldon Technologies Inc. to offer a new, full-color display on multiplex-equipped chassis that gives the driver complete control of the vehicle's electrical functions at a centralized computer electronic display mounted anywhere inside the cab. The multiplex system's advanced electrical design can detect system failures and even allows for climate control at the touch of a button, automatically monitoring and adjusting cab temperature.

"The exciting features we are releasing on our products at FDIC are in response to the requests of the men and women who have committed their lives to the fire rescue service," reports Richard Schalter, president of Spartan Chassis. "Their dedication to the community motivates us to innovate and manufacture exceptional fire fighting vehicles."

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.