SPAR Spartan Motors Inc

New Dakota Pumper Combines Features of Mini-Pumper with 1,000 g.p.m. Midship Pump BRANDON, S.D., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Leading fire and rescue vehicle maker Crimson Fire, Inc. will debut its new Dakota rapid-response pumper in conjunction with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire-Rescue International (FRI) show, Sept. 14-16 in Dallas. The Dakota is similar in size and price to a mini-pumper, but includes a sizable 1,000 g.p.m. split shaft pump located in the middle of the vehicle, making the vehicle fully compliant with Class A pumper specifications as defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The Dakota's physical size is smaller than traditional Class A pumpers, letting it safely maneuver through challenging, narrow spaces and allowing fire fighters to rapidly deploy the capabilities of a Class A pumper to more locations, such as a wooded environment surrounding a secluded home or a back alley of an urban neighborhood. The vehicle's 4 x 4 chassis also allows the Dakota to operate in rough terrain, an important feature for U.S. fire departments that are wrestling with the growing population shifts into rural areas and the onslaught of wildfires. The Dakota pumper, along with three other fire trucks produced by Crimson Fire, will be on display at booth #401 at the show. Crimson Fire is a subsidiary of Charlotte, Mich.-based Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAR). "The Dakota will allow fire departments to purchase a Class A pumper at a much more affordable price, with the added benefits of a rapid-response vehicle," said Jim Salmi, president of Crimson Fire. "The Dakota allows fire fighters to take the capabilities of a Class A pumper into locations which were previously limited to mini-pumpers. Its smaller size and ability to traverse rough terrain makes the Dakota ideal for rural and suburban departments, especially as more people relocate into what were mostly rural areas." Additional features of the new Dakota pumper include: * GMC 5500 crew cab 4 x 4 chassis with Allison 1000 Series automatic transmission * A multiplexed low-voltage electrical system for enhanced safety interlocking capabilities * Added strength due to mounting on the patented Vibra-Torq(TM) system to reduce the effects of vibrations * Enclosed rear ladder storage for a 22' 3 section, 10' Roof, and 9' Folding Attic ladder * Waterous CXC10 1,000 g.p.m. midship pump, Foam Pro 1600 and 300 gallon poly tank About Crimson Fire Crimson Fire, a Spartan Motors company, is a leading manufacturer of custom fire trucks and other rescue vehicles, representing quality, value and innovation. Crimson Fire was established in 2003, when Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAR) merged its two fire apparatus subsidiaries, Quality Manufacturing and Luverne Fire Apparatus. The Company now draws on more than 130 years of excellence in fire truck manufacturing. Crimson Fire manufactures pumpers, rescues, aerials, quick-attack vehicles and other fire and rescue trucks from facilities in Alabama, Pennsylvania and South Dakota. For more information on Crimson Fire, visit http://www.crimson-fire.com/ . DATASOURCE: Crimson Fire, Inc. CONTACT: Ahren Taszreak of Crimson Fire, Inc., +1-517-582-4019; or Ryan McGrath of Lambert, Edwards & Associates, +1-616-233-0500, , for Crimson Fire, Inc. Web site: http://www.crimson-fire.com/

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