CHARLOTTE, Mich., May 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAR), is spearheading efforts to increase awareness of reporting obligations set forth by NHTSA, while promoting a more transparent and proactive approach to vocational motor vehicle safety in the markets it serves.
“Vocational vehicle manufacturers have the same responsibility as other vehicle manufacturers to adhere to NHTSA’s reporting requirements and to act in a timely manner to report safety-related defects and non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS),” said Wes Chestnut, Product Safety and Compliance Manager, Spartan Motors, Inc. “We’re doing our part to collaborate with governing bodies and to pass along our knowledge on this subject so that our peers in the industry are informed and prepared to report appropriately.”
Educating the Emergency Response Marketplace
At the recent Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association (FAMA) Technical Committee meeting, held during the FDIC International Conference on April 21, Chestnut presented alongside Bruce York, Division Chief of NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation Medium and Heavy Duty Vehicles Division. Together, they discussed the details of NHTSA regulations, including what is required of manufacturers in the event of a safety recall, how to report, and the associated documentation that must be completed. Chestnut and York went on to explain how detailed record retention can serve in an advocacy role for manufacturers.
“Record retention should not be feared,” explained Chestnut, “In fact, if you demonstrate to NHTSA that your organization is committed to collecting data proactively, not only do you have a better understanding of your vehicle issues before they present major concerns, you’re also able to present that data with conviction and transparency, should reporting be warranted.”
Extending Training to Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers
On May 4th, Spartan Motors will further extend its expertise as the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) hosts a complimentary NHTSA Reporting Seminar, at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana. The session will educate both RV industry suppliers and OEM vehicle manufacturers on the specific regulatory reporting requirements imposed on the RV industry, followed by a detailed review of each requirement, including who is obligated under law to comply. A panel, featuring Chestnut and York, alongside other industry experts, will discuss how manufacturers and their suppliers should coordinate to address their respective regulatory obligations.
“We take safety seriously at Spartan,” said Chestnut. “Our Advanced Protection System™ is a prime example. It includes an innovative set of safety features, many of them industry firsts, which we offer on both our emergency response apparatus and recreational vehicle chassis. We will continue to work closely with NHTSA to help raise awareness of the important obligations of manufacturers to comply with federal safety regulations.”
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. is a leading designer, engineer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty vehicles, specialty chassis, vehicle bodies and parts for the fleet and delivery, recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, defense forces and contract assembly (light/medium duty truck: Class 3, 4 and 5) markets. The Company's brand names - Spartan Motors, Spartan Specialty Vehicles, Spartan Emergency Response, Spartan Parts and Accessories, and Utilimaster®, a Spartan Motors Company - are known for quality, durability, performance, customer service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,700 associates at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Indiana. Spartan reported sales of $550 million in 2015. Visit Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.