CHARLOTTE, Mich., April 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spartan Chassis, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), today announced the debut of their R XO crossover, a chassis cab/concept. Offering best-in-class clearance, performance and maneuverability, the R XO will be on display at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC), April 19-21 in the Spartan Chassis booth (#2403), and by appointment following the tradeshow.
Spartan Chassis, in conjunction with Renault Trucks Defense SA – an operating unit of Volvo Governmental Sales – is bringing the R XO chassis to FDIC to review the applicability of the current configuration and to better understand what modifications meet the needs of the North American market.
"The Spartan R XO gives our OEMs a great commercial platform to build on, which will enable them to further fulfill end-user needs," said Dennis Schneider, president of Spartan Emergency Response. "The R XO is a crossover. While many departments desire off-road capabilities, they currently can't afford it. The R XO's affordability will enable departments to 'crossover' and make the purchase. On-road or off-road, the R XO is there to serve."
The Spartan R XO boasts a number of industry-leading features, including:
- Clearance height (17 inches)
- Turning radius (23.4 feet)
- Gradient angle (32 degrees tilt test performance)
- Angle of approach (37 degrees)
- Angle of departure (36 degrees)
- 183-inch wheelbase for improved maneuverability
- Up to six passenger seating
- 60mm steel roll cage
Schneider said the Spartan R XO is fitted with a proprietary Flashover Protection System, which offers occupants potential lifesaving protection in the event of a flashover. The system consists of fire protected cables and hoses, an emergency air supply in the cab and eight strategically placed nozzles – powered by secondary electrical and water sources – to protect the fuel tank/line, tires, windows and windshield from excessive heat and flames.
"The breadth and depth of the Spartan Chassis portfolio is unmatched," said Schneider. "Furthermore, the relationship between Spartan and Renault Trucks Defense SA is clear validation of Spartan's new global strategy, which is based upon forging innovative products and partnerships around the world."
The Volvo Governmental sales unit and Renault Trucks Defense are known for their design and engineering prowess and have been developing forward-thinking automotive products and concepts for more than a century and Volvo Governmental sales is looking to establish a larger footprint in the North American market.
"Spartan Chassis and Volvo Governmental Sales are leaders in global technology and innovation," said Stefano Chmielewski, head of Volvo Governmental sales. "By working together we see the opportunity to build the world's toughest, most reliable emergency response products – adaptable to meet the needs of first responders around the globe."
For more information on Spartan Chassis products, visit 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, 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.