LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spartan Chassis, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), today presented a new Class A Front Engine Gasoline (FEG) concept chassis to capitalize on the growth of smaller Class A recreational vehicles (22K to 28K GVWR) and the increasing demand for gasoline powered engines in the motorized segment. Code named the Extol, this chassis presented at the RVIA National RV Trade Show in Louisville, KY offers significant powertrain and chassis performance improvements which will enable RV OEMs and their dealers to capture additional sales.
Powered by an 8.8 Liter engine that offers 430 HP and 512 lb.-ft. of torque (@3400 RPM) the engine offers a sizable performance improvement over current offerings in the market today. Branded Spartan and developed in cooperation with Power Solutions International, Inc. ("PSI") (OTCBB:PSIX) a leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of engines for industrial and off/on-road markets, the engine is right-sized to the Class A growth opportunity and offers the performance end-users seek for an improved driving and ownership experience.
"Spartan Chassis has been known for decades as a leader in the Class A diesel market. This Extol concept chassis is an excellent brand extension which should expand our product portfolio and fill what we perceive as a gap in the RV chassis market," said Tom Gorman, Chief Operating Officer, Spartan Motors. "This new chassis development illustrates both our long-term commitment to the RV business and, more importantly, our interest to continually find new business growth opportunities for our OEM partners in the RV industry."
The Extol value proposition includes multiple dimensions including:
- Chassis performance: a superior ride quality achieved through use of Spartan's proprietary suspension and the new Compression Fluid Strut
- Superior handling: achieved by tuning the chassis to the size, weight distribution, and profile of the RV OEM's body
- Engine performance: the 8.8-liter gasoline engine provides a durable, high-performance big block engine which delivers a 20% improvement in power and 15% better fuel-efficiency than previous models
- Engine durability: the heavy-duty, durable design includes a significantly stronger crankcase and a forged and induction hardened crankshaft, creating a block that can deliver 1,000 ft-lb of torque
"All of us at PSI are excited about the launch of our newly developed on-highway market applications with Spartan Chassis, a leader in the specialty vehicle category," said Jeremy Lessaris, Director of Marketing at PSI.
Spartan has always led the industry with after the sale support:
- Customer support: superior after the sale service provided by over 585 authorized Spartan service providers
- Customer service: the best Roadside Assistance program provided in partnership with Good Sam and their network of over 40,000 mobile service providers
The Spartan Chassis display at the Kentucky Expo Center is located in booth #1526. The PSI display is located in booth #248.
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 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.
About PSI
Power Solutions International, Inc. (PSI) is a leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of emissions-certified alternative-fuel and conventional power systems. PSI provides integrated turnkey solutions to leading global original equipment manufacturers in the industrial, off- and on-road markets. Our unique in-house design, prototyping, engineering and testing capacities mean we can customize clean, high-performance engines that run on a wide variety of fuels including natural gas, propane, biogas, diesel, gasoline, or hybrid systems and meet applicable environmental standards. We develop and deliver complete .97 to 22-liter power systems to meet our customers' specific applications and power needs, as well as provide service parts and support. PSI power systems are used worldwide in power generators, forklifts, aerial lifts, and industrial sweepers, as well as in oil and gas, aircraft ground support, agricultural and construction equipment. Visit PSI at http://psiengines.com/
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