INDIANAPOLIS, April 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spartan Chassis, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), introduced a new Connectivity and Mobile Hotspot Concept at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Ind. The Spartan solution is a multi-tiered approach to effectively manage data and hardware on the scene or remotely.
The Spartan Chassis Connectivity Concept integrates three protocols (Bluetooth, cellular, and satellite) with the portability and multiple form factors of today's electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, and laptops), and merges these technologies with the apparatus and the department. From monitoring and/or controlling the apparatus remotely, to scheduling and planning apparatus maintenance, to maintaining communications with other departments and authorities, the opportunities to benefit the firefighter are limitless.
While the Spartan Chassis Connectivity Concept offers multiple use-cases, it is the ability to maintain communications during a major power outage created by natural or civil disasters that is most critical. Hurricane Sandy is a case-in-point. Soon after it made landfall, Sandy disabled communications for many first responders, as over 25% of the cell towers were inoperative. More recently, cell towers were overloaded and inoperable, following the tragedy at the Boston Marathon, which also created communication problems for first responders.
"The benefits enabled by our Connectivity Solution will enhance safety, productivity and information access. We are very optimistic about the market's reaction to this technology concept and with stabilization of protocols and operating systems, Spartan can enter the market with offerings of this nature," said Dennis Schneider, President, Spartan Emergency Response. "Without effective communications, everything breaks down; but now Spartan has solved the issue."
The Connectivity Solution is a good example of Spartan creating products that redefine technology and innovation which provide significant value to firefighters and enhance the Spartan brand across multiple dimensions. These enhancements further align Spartan with its D.R.I.V.E. business strategy.
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, D.R.I.V.E. 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 Spartan Chassis, Inc.
Spartan Chassis, Inc. is a world-class leader in the engineering, manufacturing and marketing of chassis and aftermarket parts for emergency response, recreational vehicle (RV), defense and specialty vehicles. End users recognize and request the Spartan Chassis brand, which consistently delivers superior performance, exceptional safety ratings and innovations which distinguish us from the competition. Visit Spartan Chassis at www.spartanchassis.com.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, government services, defense, and delivery and service markets. The Company's brand names – Spartan™, Spartan Chassis™, Spartan ER™, 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 and Florida. Spartan reported sales of $471 million in 2012 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.
This release contains several forward-looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning our business, strategic position, financial strength, future plans, objectives, and the performance of our products. These statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "potential," "future," "may," "will," "should," and similar expressions regarding future expectations. These forward-looking statements involve various known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, and likelihood. Therefore, actual performance and results may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could contribute to these differences include operational and other complications that may arise affecting the implementation of our plans and business objectives; continued pressures caused by economic conditions and the pace and extent of the economic recovery; challenges that may arise in connection with the integration of new businesses or assets we acquire or the disposition of assets; issues unique to government contracting, such as competitive bidding processes, qualification requirements, and delays or changes in funding; disruptions within our dealer network; changes in our relationships with major customers, suppliers, or other business partners, including Isuzu; changes in the demand or supply of products within our markets or raw materials needed to manufacture those products; and changes in laws and regulations affecting our business. Other factors that could affect outcomes are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available at www.sec.gov or our website. All forward-looking statements in this release are qualified by this paragraph. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.