Spartan Chassis Showcases Custom Vehicle Module to Assist Transport of Persons with Medical Needs and Disabilities

CHARLOTTE, Mich., April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR), will showcase a custom-designed, low-cost transport vehicle module known as the Non-Emergency Ambulance Transport (NEAT) at the Fire Department Instructor's Conference (FDIC), which opens today in Indianapolis.  

Spartan developed the concept using a Ford Transit Connect. By up-fitting the vehicle with the custom module, Spartan created a transport vehicle designed for the growing medical/disability transport market. Beginning in August, interested departments or communities can purchase a Ford Transit Connect and have it delivered to Spartan Chassis for installation of the module. Installation does not require Spartan to drill any holes into the Ford body or cut into the Ford wiring.

"Traditional ambulances are often the vehicle of choice for health-related or disability transportation, but they are an expensive and often less flexible option," said John Sztykiel, President and CEO of Spartan Motors. "The primary focus in developing the NEAT and bringing it to market was low acquisition and operating costs. With 11,000 people turning 50 years old each day and more than 60 million disabled individuals in the U.S., the NEAT is an ideal, fully equipped vehicle to effectively serve this large and growing population."

The patent pending NEAT module, which will be on display April 22-24 in Spartan's exhibit (Booth #2222) at the Indiana Convention Center, features a fully-functional attendant seat with safety harness, gurney locking system for travel mode, oxygen bottle storage and delivery system, overhead dual-intensity lighting, master control panel, suction system, sharps container, multiple storage compartments and a fire extinguisher. Optional content includes a backboard with storage mechanism and a DVD player.  

"Our goal with the NEAT was to create an affordable, dependable solution for the organizations that provide this valuable service to the elderly and disabled in our communities," said Sztykiel. "This is a very exciting concept that provides limited emergency response capabilities to deal with a variety of medical situations that may occur in transit."

The Ford Transit Connect, which was awarded 2010 North American Truck of the Year, is a spacious, affordable, fuel-efficient vehicle with a rating of 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. For more information on the Ford Transit Connect, please visit www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/transitconnect.

About Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc.

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR), is a world-class leader in the engineering, manufacturing and marketing of chassis and aftermarket parts for emergency-response, outdoor recreation/RV, defense and specialty vehicles. End users of our products recognize - and request - the Spartan Chassis brand, which consistently delivers superior performance, exceptional safety ratings and technological innovations that distinguish us from our competitors. Visit Spartan Chassis on the web at www.spartanchassis.com.

SOURCE Spartan Motors, Inc.

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