CHARLOTTE, Mich., April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Spartan Motors
Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR),
will showcase a custom-designed, low-cost transport vehicle module
known as the Non-Emergency Ambulance Transport (NEAT) at the Fire
Department Instructor's Conference (FDIC), which opens today in
Indianapolis.
Spartan developed the concept using a Ford Transit Connect. By
up-fitting the vehicle with the custom module, Spartan created a
transport vehicle designed for the growing medical/disability
transport market. Beginning in August, interested departments or
communities can purchase a Ford Transit Connect and have it
delivered to Spartan Chassis for installation of the module.
Installation does not require Spartan to drill any holes into the
Ford body or cut into the Ford wiring.
"Traditional ambulances are often the vehicle of choice for
health-related or disability transportation, but they are an
expensive and often less flexible option," said John Sztykiel, President and CEO of Spartan
Motors. "The primary focus in developing the NEAT and bringing it
to market was low acquisition and operating costs. With 11,000
people turning 50 years old each day and more than 60 million
disabled individuals in the U.S., the NEAT is an ideal, fully
equipped vehicle to effectively serve this large and growing
population."
The patent pending NEAT module, which will be on display
April 22-24 in Spartan's exhibit
(Booth #2222) at the Indiana
Convention Center, features a fully-functional attendant seat with
safety harness, gurney locking system for travel mode, oxygen
bottle storage and delivery system, overhead dual-intensity
lighting, master control panel, suction system, sharps container,
multiple storage compartments and a fire extinguisher. Optional
content includes a backboard with storage mechanism and a DVD
player.
"Our goal with the NEAT was to create an affordable, dependable
solution for the organizations that provide this valuable service
to the elderly and disabled in our communities," said Sztykiel.
"This is a very exciting concept that provides limited emergency
response capabilities to deal with a variety of medical situations
that may occur in transit."
The Ford Transit Connect, which was awarded 2010 North American
Truck of the Year, is a spacious, affordable, fuel-efficient
vehicle with a rating of 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. For more
information on the Ford Transit Connect, please visit
www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/transitconnect.
About Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc.
Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors,
Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR), is a world-class leader in the engineering,
manufacturing and marketing of chassis and aftermarket parts for
emergency-response, outdoor recreation/RV, defense and specialty
vehicles. End users of our products recognize - and request - the
Spartan Chassis brand, which consistently delivers superior
performance, exceptional safety ratings and technological
innovations that distinguish us from our competitors. Visit Spartan
Chassis on the web at www.spartanchassis.com.
SOURCE Spartan Motors, Inc.