CHARLOTTE, Mich., June 18, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spartan Chassis ("Spartan" or the "Company"), a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), announced today that it has entered a chassis supply agreement with Foretravel Motorcoach ("Foretravel") of Nacogdoches, Texas. The agreement calls for Spartan to serve as the sole chassis supplier for Foretravel's new Realm FS6 motorhome. The Realm FS6 will be available exclusively at Motor Home Specialist in Alvarado, Texas.
The agreement calls for Spartan, a chassis manufacturer of recreational vehicles, fire trucks, defense and specialty vehicles, to design, engineer and assemble chassis for integration into Foretravel's Realm FS6 motorhome. Delivery of the custom chassis to Foretravel is underway.
"Spartan continues to be focused on leveraging its operational and strategic agility, as well as customization in order to meet customer requirements in the RV market," said Art Ickes, President of the Specialty Vehicles business unit, Spartan Chassis. "Our proactive business initiatives and strong brand have resulted in an opportunity to continue and expand our valuable business in a core market into a valuable partnership with Foretravel. This agreement is a very positive development for Spartan, Foretravel Motorcoach and the market as a whole."
Spartan's K3GT chassis will serve as the foundation for the 2015 Realm FS6. The K3GT chassis is one of the most technologically advanced and structurally sound motorhome chassis ever produced. The K3GT chassis is not only massive in stature, but boasts a 20,000 lb towing capacity.
Equipped with a Cummins ISX 600hp engine and Allison 4000MH transmission, the Realm's K3GT chassis arrived with Spartan's new passive steer tag axle, which produces a 7% reduction in curb-to-curb turning radius. Additionally, the K3GT chassis delivers a robust 20,000 lb independent front suspension capacity.
"The Foretravel Realm FS6 combines power, prestige and performance," added Greg Amys, President of Foretravel. "Beyond beauty and performance, the Foretravel Realm FS6 is built to possess undeniable craftsmanship and superior quality in fit, finish and detail you'll find throughout the motor coach."
"The Realm's cutting edge design sets it apart from every other luxury motor coach on the market today," said Donny O'Banion, Motor Home Specialist CEO. "Rivaled only by the premium entries found in the high-end automotive market, the Realm FS6 exudes luxury and refinement."
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 $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.