Product's 2007 launch provided purpose-built value unattainable on commercial chassis
Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc., will display its product line of purpose-built cabs and chassis, featuring the multi-functional Furion, in Booth #1203 at the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire-Rescue International Conference (FRI) and Expo, August 14-16 in Denver, Colorado.
Unveiled at FRI in August 2007, the Furion was designed specifically as an emergency rescue vehicle to put the power and performance of a Spartan Chassis into the affordable range for virtually all fire departments. The Michigan-based manufacturer has processed and built 16 Furion cab/chassis units since its introduction one year ago. Spartan currently has 14 more Furion cab/chassis units in the build schedule to be completed by the end of 2008 for delivery to OEMs and end-users around the U.S. and Canada.
"Fire departments are increasingly recognizing the value of purchasing a cab and chassis specifically designed for front-line service with the latest in safety, durability and performance enhancements. Departments can easily configure the Spartan Furion to maximize their response to the diverse calls they receive without compromising their budget," said Richard Schalter, president of Spartan Chassis.
The NFPA-compliant Furion features:
- A 94-inch stamped galvanized steel 4-door tilt cab
- Fully-dipped E-coated cab for corrosion protection
- 50° front axle cramp angle for maximum maneuverability
- Multiple seating options for up to 6 occupants and equipment
- Superior visibility with a one piece, 3,265 sq inch windshield
Furion units complete with apparatus will be on display during FRI, the world's premier conference for fire and emergency services leaders, with two of Spartan's OEM partners. Rosenbauer America/Central States will showcase a Furion mid-mount pumper unit (Booth #1324). Conference attendees will also have an opportunity to see Braun Industries' Furion ambulance/rescue transport designed at the request of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in Florida (Booth #1716).
"As our communities continue to grow and change, so too do the capabilities of fire departments like Miami-Dade to fill the critically important first responder role," said John Sztykiel, president and CEO of Spartan Motors. "The Spartan Chassis Furion is a major initiative in the emergency rescue market that can help departments-urban or rural-to meet the varying demands of their communities effectively."
The Gladiator®, Metro Star™ and the Furion are all purpose-built for the emergency rescue industry and offer varying degrees of customization based on the model chosen allowing fire departments to meet their specific needs. Spartan also offers its customers specialized customer service, warranties for repairs, parts and replacements, and training programs for vehicle operators, as well as mechanics and technicians.