Spartan Motors Further Strengthens Its Commitment to the Emergency Vehicle Market

Spartan Motors Further Strengthens Its Commitment to the Emergency Vehicle
Market

MARION, S.C., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a move to strengthen its
operations and performance, Road Rescue has received additional capital
investment and leadership support from its parent company, Spartan Motors,
Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR).

As part of a strategic initiative announced six months ago, Spartan Motors has
made capital investments in facilities and equipment to strengthen the Marion,
S.C. manufacturer of premium ambulance and rescue vehicles. Spartan Motors is
also investing in the development of new Road Rescue products that will be
introduced in the coming quarters.

Enhancements at the Marion facility include:
-- Construction of a new customer inspection facility that is climate
controlled and is illuminated by high intensity lighting
-- Addition of equipment that streamlines the engineering and
manufacturing
processes, reducing order-to-delivery time
-- Lighting upgrades throughout the facility to improve the manufacturing
environment while supporting energy conservation

-- Focus on continuous improvement, with an emphasis on refining work
flow,
reducing inventory and increasing speed

David L. Reid, a vice president at Spartan Motors, will now lead the
day-to-day operations of Road Rescue. Reid, who brings more than 30 years of
leadership experience to this role, will have profit/loss responsibility for
Road Rescue, as well as its sister company, fire apparatus manufacturer
Crimson Fire, Inc.

Prior to joining SMI, Reid spent more than 20 years with publicly traded
global furniture maker Herman Miller, Inc. While at Herman Miller, he served
as senior vice president and general manager of Milcare, Inc., a subsidiary of
Herman Miller specializing in healthcare furniture and equipment. He
successfully returned Milcare to profitability by developing and expanding the
dealer distribution network, establishing a strong government sales unit,
expanding into international markets and making operational improvements.

"Road Rescue builds the best, safest and strongest ambulances in the industry,
and Spartan Motors remains deeply committed its success," said Tom Gorman,
chief operating officer of SMI. "Dave Reid has been a recognized and
effective change agent since joining us in 2007. He and his team have the
full support - and resources - of SMI to supplement the talent in Marion.

"Our team is focused on accelerating the progress at Road Rescue by sharing
best practices from all the Spartan Motors family of companies with South
Carolina to maximize the value we deliver to shareholders, dealers and end
users. We are committed to having the right people in place to make this
business successful in Marion."

The announcement comes at the conclusion of a successful dealer meeting in
Marion. More than 40 participants from 16 leading dealers spent two days at
the facility reviewing new products and programs being developed for 2010
introductions. Dealers like Bob Reilly of North Eastern Rescue have already
begun to see the changes.

"North Eastern Rescue is proud to partner with Road Rescue and SMI," said
Reilly, partner in North Eastern. "In these uncertain times the financial
backing and support of SMI for Road Rescue is comforting. It has allowed the
people at Road Rescue to continue to focus on the quality and innovation that
has made them a market leader."

Reid looks forward to working with Reilly and other Road Rescue dealers, as
well as the team in Marion, end users and other key stakeholder groups.

"Spartan has a reputation of excellence in engineering and custom
manufacturing in every industry where it operates," Reid said. "We are
flexible, nimble and committed to meeting deadlines. The shared services team
now operating at Road Rescue brings that philosophy to Marion.

"Road Rescue, its dealers and end users will benefit from the financial
investment and leadership support of the Spartan Motors team. I look forward
to working with the associates in South Carolina to bring our best corporate
practices to Road Rescue."

About Road Rescue

Established in 1976, Road Rescue, Inc. (www.roadrescue.com) designs and
manufactures a complete line of premium custom ambulances and emergency-rescue
vehicles. An innovative market leader, Road Rescue pioneers new features that
allow technicians to provide effective patient care in a safe, secure
environment. The Road Rescue(TM) brand name signifies quality, innovation,
strength and reliability to emergency personnel throughout North America. Road
Rescue is a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR).

SOURCE Spartan Motors, Inc.

David L. Reid of Road Rescue, +1-517-667-9943, or Mary Ann Sabo of Sabo Public
Relations, +1-616-485-1432