Spartan Emergency Response Unveils Unique Combination of Mission-specific Innovations

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 02, 2016 -- At the Firehouse World show in San Diego, February 2-3, Spartan Emergency Response, a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAR), will showcase its unmatched safety configurations alongside a head-turning  multi-purpose, multi-functional mission-specific apparatus, in Booth #1005. 

From brush fires to inner-city rescues, this Riverside Fire Department dual purpose Wildland/Urban Interface unit helps the department respond efficiently and safely to any scenario. Available for immediate delivery, this Spartan Series 2000 combines industry-leading safety, connectivity, and in-cab comfort provisions.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1046691e-01af-4797-b298-27c7a7d9ec1e

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Wildland/Urban Interface – A Unique Mix, For a Unique Geography

Spartan’s Firehouse World exhibit this year includes a newly-developed California exclusive: a custom pumper designed to serve both Wildland and Urban Interface needs. The apparatus is one of 27 units engineered and produced for the Riverside County Fire Department.

The Wildland/Urban Interface unit is a multi-purpose, multi-function response vehicle, equipped with all terrain capability, a must-have for Riverside County’s landscape and locale. Riverside County chose Spartan for its commitment to product quality, its reputation for outstanding after-sale support, and Spartan’s ability to customize the apparatus to meet Riverside’s specific needs at a competitive price.

The truck features include a unique front bumper configuration with a 16-degree angle-of-approach for improved off-road performance, a custom aluminum body that maximizes equipment storage while maintaining a small footprint, and pump-and-roll capabilities.

“We worked closely with Riverside Fire Department to design a truck that meets their unique Wildland / Urban interface needs. We know there’s a broad need for vehicles like this because four other districts, including San Diego County, have purchased units from our Riverside contract,” says Travis Grinstead, President and CEO of Emergency Vehicle Group (EVG), Spartan’s Orange County-based dealer, which serves California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Innovations That Pave the Way for Better Rescues

At Firehouse World, Spartan will also display a Series 2000 Stock Truck, available for immediate delivery. This pumper features Spartan’s signature Advanced Protection System, a collection of industry-leading safety features that includes eight airbags, outboard sensors, and intelligent seat belts, as well as additional leading safety equipment, that together provide superior protection for all occupants. In addition, the unit features a 1,000-gallon tank, a pump rating of 1,500-gallons-per-minute, and the Spartan Mobile Gateway – a connectivity solution with a range of up to 25 miles. The Series 2000 is also configured with Spartan’s Advanced Climate Control – the new HVAC benchmark for cab comfort.

“Demonstrating our ability to respond to a Fire Department’s unique needs is what has traditionally made Spartan great,” said John Slawson, President, Spartan Emergency Response. “Bringing industry-leading and exclusive innovations in the areas of safety, connectivity, and in-cab comfort, while remaining a responsive and competitive apparatus manufacturer is what will take Spartan to another level.”

The exhibition at Firehouse World runs from February 2-3, 2016, in the San Diego Convention Center. Spartan will be exhibiting in partnership with EVG for the duration of the show, with company executives and engineers available in the booth to answer questions about the vehicles on display, and what makes differentiates a Spartan cab/chassis.

About Spartan Motors

Spartan Motors, Inc. is a leading designer, engineer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty vehicles, specialty chassis, vehicle bodies and parts for the fleet and delivery, recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, defense forces and contract assembly (light/medium duty truck: Class 3, 4 and 5) markets. The Company's brand names - Spartan Motors, Spartan Specialty Vehicles, Spartan Emergency Response, Spartan Parts and Accessories, and Utilimaster®, a Spartan Motors Company - are known for quality, durability, performance, customer service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,700 associates at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Indiana. Spartan reported sales of $507 million in 2014. Visit Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.

Contact:
Russell T. Chick
Corporate Director of Marketing
Spartan Motors, Inc.
517.997.3852