Spartan to Introduce New Class in RV Platforms at RVIA
December 01 2009 - 2:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new class of RV
- a specialty chassis integrated with a custom cap or cockpit - is
debuting today at the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show in
Louisville, Ky. Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan
Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR), is set to debut the company's latest
innovation, the Next Generation Platform (NGP), a new class in RV
platforms (Booth # 2024 - East Hall). Spartan has filed a patent
for the first-of-its-kind highline RV cap and chassis design which
provides the quality and performance of a premium automotive
platform with increased flexibility for fully customizable
interiors and exteriors. Spartan said optional Coach-Ready
Platforms are also available featuring a variety of OEM options for
chassis integration. The development of the NGP was based on
research conducted by Spartan which provided insights into the RV
buying process. The research confirmed that the exterior of a
vehicle excites the potential buyer and draws them inside the unit,
but it is the features of the interior floor plan that typically
closes the sale. In addition, the primary decision maker for the
purchase is the female - like with many premium consumer products -
and, not surprisingly, her main focus is on interior styling and
features. The NGP integrates more components into the chassis
configuration with an emphasis on functions that are critical to
operating the vehicle but that are unimportant to the buyer. This
reduces chassis-prep and engineering for RV OEMs and allows them to
concentrate on customer-facing priorities such as the exterior
design and interior floor plan. By offering OEMs the ability to
choose from an extensive menu of available options for the front,
middle and rear sections, motorhome makers have the freedom to
design a vehicle to their exact specifications, yet still achieve
faster model changeovers and increased speed to market for new
designs and product features. "Like every other consumer category,
the RV marketplace is constantly evolving as customers look for the
latest body styles and new approaches to interior layouts, making
it more important than ever to adapt quickly as styles, trends and
desires change," said Tom Gorman, Chief Operating Officer of
Spartan Motors. "The front driver's section, everything below the
floor, and rear-engine sections all require a significant amount of
engineering time, but the research has shown these things don't
drive the purchasing decision. The NGP moves the non-floor plan
area to the chassis builder, enabling the OEM to focus on the areas
important to the customer." The final step of the buying process is
the test drive, where ride performance and drivability are keys to
confirming the buyer's decision. Inspired by Spartan's popular
Furion fire truck chassis design, the Spartan NGP features a
powerful rear diesel engine chassis and independent front
suspension. Options including a smart wheel, tilt/telescopic
steering column, adjustable pedals and six-way adjustable electric
seats ensure a premium cockpit experience. Spartan said it expects
to introduce a front engine configuration of the NGP in the fourth
quarter of 2010, adding an even greater level of customization. "In
a marketplace where there are more than 100 OEMs, a low cost to
enter, and the business is hyper-competitive, products must and
will change fast," said Gorman. "With Spartan absorbing a
significant amount of responsibility, the NGP enables an OEM to
enter and compete within the motorized segment with a minimal time
and financial commitment. This new approach even makes it possible
for a dealer to partner with an OEM to create their own
private-label product, something that previously would have been
extremely difficult due to the costs involved." RVIA (December 1-3,
2009) is the preeminent trade show for the RV dealer market
bringing together suppliers, dealers, and other industry
representatives each year to showcase the latest RV technology and
new models. About Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc. Spartan Motors
Chassis, Inc., (http://www.spartanmotors.com/) a subsidiary of
Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAR), designs, engineers and
manufactures custom chassis, specialty vehicles and truck bodies
and aftermarket parts for the outdoor recreation/RV,
emergency-response, defense, delivery and service markets. The
company's brand names - Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire
Aerials(TM), Road Rescue(TM) and Utilimaster® - are known for
quality, value, service and being the first to market with
innovative products. The company employs approximately 1,500 at
facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota,
Indiana and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $844.4 million in 2008
and is focused on becoming a global leader in the manufacture of
specialty vehicles and chassis. This release contains
forward-looking statements, including, without limitation,
statements concerning our business, future plans and objectives and
the performance of our products. These forward-looking statements
involve certain risks and uncertainties that ultimately may not
prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ
materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical
complications may arise that could prevent the prompt
implementation of the plans outlined above. The company cautions
that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by
other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the
company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filing and other filings with
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at
http://www.sec.gov/). Government contracts and subcontracts
typically involve long payment and purchase cycles, competitive
bidding, qualification requirements, delays or changes in funding,
extensive specification development and changes, price negotiations
and milestone requirements. An announced award of a governmental
contract is not equivalent to a finalized executed contract and
does not assure that orders will be issued and filled. Government
agencies also often retain some portion of fees payable upon
completion of a project and collection of contract fees may be
delayed for long periods, which can negatively impact both prime
contractors and subcontractors. The company undertakes no
obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this
release, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise, except as required by law. DATASOURCE: Spartan Motors,
Inc. CONTACT: Karen Hildebrant of Spartan Chassis, Inc.,
+1-517-543-6400 ext. 3111; or Jeremy Bakken or Jeff Lambert of
Lambert, Edwards & Associates, +1-616-233-0500 Web Site:
http://www.spartanmotors.com/
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