Spartan Earns 2010 Emissions Certification; Trains ER Technicians on New Technology

CHARLOTTE, Mich., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR), today announced it recently received approval from Cummins for the installation of their 2010 Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, certified ISC and ISL diesel engines for use in the emergency-response market.

Spartan Chassis and Cummins committed a significant amount of engineering resources to the development, testing and introduction of the mid-range engines. With horsepower ranging from 330 to 450, the engines will continue to deliver powerful performance as well as improved efficiency and durability.

"Customers in the emergency-response market have a range of needs, and most of them require high levels of capability," said John Sztykiel, president and CEO of Spartan Motors. "Spartan and Cummins worked productively together to validate the installation of the 2010 technology, and I am confident that the value, innovation and performance of our products integrated with these diesel engines will meet—if not surpass—the expectations of our customers."

The new diesel engines are available for hands-on training during Spartan's 16th Annual Fire Truck Training Conference which began Sunday in Lansing. Fire truck service personnel from across North America have come to the event for rigorous training on the company's products and services, including the Gladiator®, Metro Star® and Furion® emergency-response cab and chassis.

Sztykiel added, "New requirements often result in added complexity for vehicle components and systems. Knowledge then becomes critical in holding down the cost of repairs and maintaining these vehicles. Spartan provides the preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and service information needed by technicians to make sure their truck, or fleet, is ready for the next call."

Spartan's training conference will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding and hands-on demonstrations of vehicle components and systems. Several of the 35 courses led by instructors from major suppliers of fire vocational equipment and Spartan Chassis training specialists will provide preparation for Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification exams to be held during the week.

About Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc.

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc. 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.

About Spartan Motors

Spartan Motors, Inc. (www.spartanmotors.com) designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles and truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the Outdoor Recreation/RV, emergency-response, defense, government services, delivery and service markets. The Company's brand names - Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire Aerials(TM), Road Rescue(TM) and Utilimaster(R) - 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 $430 million in 2009 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis.

SOURCE Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc.