06.06.2016
Utilimaster Showcases Innovative Hybrid Electric Technology at EUFMC
Williamsburg, Va., June 6,
2016 – Spartan Delivery and Service Vehicles (“Spartan”), a business unit of Spartan
Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR) which
encompasses the Utilimaster go-to-market brand, is showcasing an innovative walk-in van specifically designed for
underground utility maintenance, featuring hybrid electric auxiliary power, at
the 2016 Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference (EUFMC) in Williamsburg, Virginia, June
5-8. Utilimaster isleading manufacturer of walk-in vans, truck bodies,
cargo management systems and fleet optimization services for delivery and
utility applications.
At EUFMC,
Utilimaster is demonstrating a network underground service walk-in van that
incorporates two key pieces of technology designed to make utility worksites greener,
quieter, and more comfortable for workers. The Odyne plug-in hybrid battery
technology feeds auxiliary power to utility maintenance equipment, while an onboard
air exchange system provides workers in underground vaults with cooled or
heated fresh air, from above.
“Driving innovation is a priority across all Spartan Motors business
units. Our team at Utilimaster has
delivered a product that is purpose-built to address the unique needs of the
customer in the utility industry,” said Daryl Adams, President and CEO, Spartan
Motors. “This vehicle can be deployed
directly into a utility fleet when it comes off line at our Bristol, Indiana
campus.”
Lower Worksite Cost. Less Worksite Noise.
At the work site, the Odyne
system significantly reduces engine
idling, with its associated fuel cost, maintenance, and
emissions. This technology allows
utility maintenance personnel to operate tools and other equipment with
batteries that provide up to 28 continuous kilowatt hours of power,
without the need for a separate diesel generator.The hybrid battery-powered
system also eliminates the
need for frequent engine restarts to charge batteries,
resulting in a quieter work site and extended work hours.
“This plug-in hybrid system fits right into the green initiatives
that have become standard practice at many utility companies,” said John
Forbes, President, Utilimaster. “Compared to diesel/gas-powered generators,
powering equipment with an electric system reduces greenhouse gases by 50
percent or more. Fuel and maintenance cost savings are significant, too – up to
$10,000 per year.”
Two Opportunities at EUFMC
The network underground services walk-in van will be featured in EUFMC’s morning
“Product Drive Through” for attending fleet managers, and will be displayed in
the Utilimaster booth for attendees to view up close, in Zone 2, booths D8-D11.
Utilimaster representatives will be on hand to answer questions about this
vehicle and Utilimaster’s full suite of products and services for the electric
utility industry.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. is
a leading designer, engineer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of
specialty vehicles, specialty chassis, vehicle bodies and parts for the fleet
and delivery, recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, defense forces and
contract assembly (light/medium duty truck) markets. The Company's brand names—
Spartan Motors, Spartan Specialty Vehicles, Spartan Emergency Response, Spartan
Parts and Accessories, and Utilimaster®, a Spartan Motors Company— are known
for quality, durability, performance, customer service and first-to-market
innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,800 associates, and operates
facilities in Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kansas, South Dakota, Saltillo,
Mexico; and Lima, Peru. Spartan reported sales of $550 million in 2015. Visit
Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.
About Odyne Systems, LLC
Odyne is a leader in hybrid drive systems for medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
Odyne’s advanced plug-in hybrid technology enables trucks over 14,000 pounds to
have substantially lower fuel consumption, improved performance, quieter work
site operation and reduced operating and maintenance costs. Odyne has fielded
more plug-in hybrid systems for large trucks throughout the United States than
any other supplier. Odyne systems are modular and are integrated to powertrains
during the vehicle manufacturing process or are retrofit to existing truck
chassis in various applications. The systems are sold and serviced through a
worldwide distribution network including Altec and Terex Utilities. Odyne has
also authorized selected Allison Transmission distributors to service Odyne
systems across North America. For further information, visit Odyne at www.odyne.com.
About Team Fenex
Team Fenex, a division
of Synergy Power Group, LLC, is a leader in supplying mobile power equipment to
some of America’s largest communications, cable, power, and agricultural
companies. In business for over 20
years, Team Fenex offers a robust catalogue of mobile equipment such as mobile
power units, fiber optic splicing trailers, SATCOM trailers, and
trailer-mounted arrow boards. Synergy
Power Group, LLC, and its founders are dedicated to supplying the highest
quality products with an eye toward the future.
Visit Team Fenex at www.teamfenex.com.
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Contact:
Russell T. Chick
Corporate Director of Marketing
Spartan Motors, Inc.
517.997.3852