BRISTOL, Ind., March 7, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Utilimaster Corporation, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), along with BAF Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq:CLNE), announced today the formation of a preferred installer agreement between the two companies. Together, Utilimaster and BAF will be presenting a converted vehicle in the Ford Commercial Truck booth (Booth #3139) at the 2013 NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Ind., March 6-8.
Under the agreement, Utilimaster, a market leader in delivery and service vehicles, is appointed the exclusive and preferred installer of the BAF Compressed Natural Gas system on the Ford F-59 walk-in van stripped chassis. The solution achieved both EPA and CARB certifications.
BAF, a leading provider of natural gas vehicle systems in the United States and supports clients with alternative fuel systems, has collaborated with Utilimaster to develop a dedicated solution to support the delivery and service markets. This partnership builds on the Utilimaster strategic vision of offering a full portfolio of alternate fuel and field service solutions.
"Alliances with companies like BAF Technologies provides Utilimaster clients with a professional partnership of project management, engineering and fleet solutions while positioning Utilimaster for long term growth," said John Forbes, President, Utilimaster Corporation. "The agreement further extends our commitment to offer green solutions that are field-proven and deliver a strong return on investment."
Compressed Natural Gas equipped vehicles provide a 65% fuel savings while utilizing natural gas, 90% of which is produced domestically.
Utilimaster has a proprietary alternative fuels program offering that assesses customer needs, formulates the best solution, develops the business case, manages the deployment project plan, and provides product training/support. Customers also have the option of calling upon the Utilimaster Fleet Solutions Organization to implement additional programs – at any location – that have proven to be best practices in the areas of improved driver productivity, safety, and reduction of cost of operation.
Spartan Motors' business strategy is embodied in The Spartan DRIVE Plan. It is a five-point plan that is represented by the acronym D.R.I.V.E.
D.R.I.V.E.
- Diversified Growth
- Redefining Technology and Innovation, Develop Exciting Products Value
- Integration of the Enterprise to Achieve Operational Improvement
- Vibrant Culture
- Extend Our Core Markets
Building on this plan, DRIVE encourages heightened focus, teamwork and a common approach. It will align associate efforts and emphasize the importance of both collaboration and integration across business units. This strategy will enable diversification and limit exposure to industry cyclicality.
About Utilimaster
Utilimaster, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), is a leading manufacturer of walk-in vans and commercial truck bodies for the delivery and service marketplace. Utilimaster designs, develops and manufactures products to customer specifications for use in the package delivery, one-way truck rental, bakery/snack delivery, utility and linen/uniform rental businesses. The company serves a diverse customer base and also sells aftermarket parts and accessories. Visit Utilimaster at www.utilimaster.com.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc., designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle, emergency response, government services and defense, delivery and service markets. The company's brand names - Spartan™, Spartan ERV™ and Utilimaster® - are known for quality, performance, service and first-to-market innovation. The company employs approximately 1,700 associates at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana, Florida and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $426 million in 2011 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis. Visit Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.
About BAF Technologies
BAF Technologies is the leading provider of natural gas vehicle systems in the United States and supports clients with alternative fuel systems. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, BAF was acquired by Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq:CLNE) in October 2009. BAF's alternative fuel vehicle up-fitting capabilities include aftermarket compressed natural gas (CNG) conversions of Ford-manufactured vans, cutaway shuttles, taxis, pick-ups and light-duty trucks. Visit www.BAFtechnologies.com.