INDIANAPOLIS, April 9, 2014 – Spartan Chassis (“Spartan” or the “Company), a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR), today introduced its new cab configuration available on its Gladiator cab/chassis at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, April 10-12. The unit, presented at FDIC booth 2408, features an innovative interior design that has been re-engineered for comfort and space, next generation seats, along with revolutionary quiet cab technology.
“The re-engineered cab configuration reinforces Spartan’s leadership in the Emergency Response cab/chassis market,” said Michael Bowman, Vice President of Sales, Emergency Response Chassis. “The Company is excited to debut this offering which provides unmatched occupant comfort combined with the industry’s leading protection system, the Spartan Advanced Protection System.”
Firefighters have again asked Spartan to provide additional comfort in both the driver and the officer positions. Without increasing the 99-inch width of the Company’s Gladiator cab/chassis, more hip room has now been made available providing improved comfort for all individuals equipped in their turnout gear. With this improvement in occupant comfort, Spartan has further established itself as a leader in the industry.
Comfort
- Improved weight distribution
- Greater occupant comfort
- Improved styling
- Rigid backed SCBA parade panel available
- An increase in comfort when utilizing the HVAC system
- Improved seat cushion bolster and lumbar support
- Ergonomic enhancements
- Elastomer vibration control (50% vibration reduction)
- Dual density foam – greater comfort and increased cushion durability
Safety
- Improved shoulder harness accessibility
- E-Z Release SCBA system
- Seat material which reduces blood born pathogen exposure
- Approximately 2.5dB*, or 45%, reduction in sound energy levels within the cab when traveling at a speed of 45 mph with the windows up
- A safer environment inside the cab for occupants en route to a call
- Greater ability to communicate effectively inside the cab without the need of an intercom
* dB reduction will vary based on the final cab/chassis configuration
Space Utilization
- Volume increase of 5,827 cubic inches (the equivalent of 118 12oz cans)
- 10% increase in hip room on driver's side of tunnel
- 11% increase in hip room on officer's side door to side of tunnel
- 6.6% reduction in tunnel height
- 3.8% increase in leg room for the two center forward facing crew members
- 22” base seat cushion and back cushion
The configuration is a product of Spartan’s voice of the market (VOM) process. The Company utilizes a collection of research techniques to drive the VOM process, which fall into two classifications:
Qualitative Methods
- Observational techniques
- Focus groups
- One-on-one interviews
Quantitative Methods
- Tracking surveys: Brand/communications tracking studies
- Segmentation studies
- End-user surveys
