DALLAS, Aug. 15, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spartan Chassis ("Spartan"), a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), will showcase its connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot solution in Dallas, Texas during the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire-Rescue International August 15-16. The concept will be on display in the Spartan Chassis booth (#3925) during the event.
"The benefits enabled by our connectivity solution will enhance safety, productivity and information access," said Michael Bowman, Vice President of Sales, Emergency Response Chassis. "With the unfortunate increase of natural disasters, we have seen that without effective communications, everything breaks down. We are very optimistic about the market's reaction to this technology concept; and with stabilization of communication protocols and operating systems, Spartan can enter the market with offerings of this nature."
The Spartan connectivity solution integrates cellular and satellite communications with the portability and multiple form-factors of today's electronic devices (smartphones, tablets and laptops), and merges these technologies with the apparatus.
A Spartan chassis equipped with the Wi-Fi hotspot solution offers a range for the user around the apparatus, which is three-times greater than standard connectivity, and the ability to support up to five-times more users on the network. The cellular connectivity range of the apparatus to its access point (cell tower) has also increased up to five-times more, or up to 25 miles.
While the Spartan 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 local 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 Spartan 100% Connectivity Solution boasts a number of industry-leading features, including:
- 5x more users
- 5x greater cellular range*
- 3x greater Wi-Fi range
- Increased bandwidth
- 100% connectivity* due to multiple carriers and satellite providers
* Optional equipment required
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, emergency response, government services, defense, and 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 and Florida. Spartan reported sales of $470 million in 2013 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.