Utilimaster Innovation Develops Most Fuel-Efficient Walk-in Van
March 04 2015 - 8:30AM
Utilimaster Corporation (the "Company"), a subsidiary of Spartan
Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), is launching a new, highly
fuel-efficient walk-in van called the VELOCITY. The VELOCITY
provides lower total cost of ownership through lower initial cost,
improved fuel economy, and a walk-through design that enhances
driver productivity and safety.
The VELOCITY, built on a Ford Transit cutaway chassis, debuted
today (March 4) during the 2015 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis,
Indiana. Executives from Utilimaster unveiled the VELOCITY at the
opening of The Work Truck Show before a large audience. The
VELOCITY allows full stand-up height, cargo capacities of 574, 679
and 784 cubic feet, and is scheduled for full production in the
third quarter of this year.
"Commercial vehicle customers approached us with the need for
lower cost of ownership and improved productivity," stated John
Forbes, President of Utilimaster. "Customers desired a large entry
door for ease of entry and exit on multi-stop routes, improved fuel
efficiency, and flexibility of configuring the cargo space for
various applications. The VELOCITY is the answer to driving a
better return on investment for each deployed asset."
The VELOCITY is the first walk-in van developed to support the
Ford Transit gas, diesel or CNG/LPG platforms. The design offers
rear swing or roll-up doors for dock loading, a robust curbside
sliding door, low entry and egress steps, and optimized ergonomics
for managing commercial deliveries and service routes.
The VELOCITY continues the Utilimaster history of innovation and
improved performance in design.
Cost of Ownership
- Cost of ownership over seven years is nearly half the cost of a
traditional walk-in van
- Initial acquisition cost is 15% lower than a traditional
walk-in van
- Operators realize a $3,000 fuel savings per vehicle at 20,000
miles per year when compared to a traditional walk-in van
- Improved driver productivity - walk-in design saves 30 seconds
for entry and egress per stop when compared to traditional
passenger cab door
Safety
- Largest entry steps and bus type hand rail in the industry
- Steps positioned lower to the ground for ease of entry/egress
minimizing operator strain
- Curbside entry and exit to avoid entering traffic
- Flat floor throughout, from cab area to cargo area
- Rear grip strut step bumper
- Three points-of-contact hand rail
Green/Sustainability
- Standard Ford 3.7L V6 gasoline engine with 274 horsepower and
260 lb-ft of torque. Engine is capable of running E85 or can be
equipped with a Gaseous Engine Prep package for compressed natural
gas (CNG) or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) operation.
- Available Ford 3.2L I-5 diesel engine with 185 horsepower and
350 lb-ft of torque
- Better Fuel Economy – capable of 16 miles per gallon, combined
EPA estimated fuel rating* in 3.7L gasoline versions
- A 60% improvement when compared to a traditional walk-in
van
- Multiple Fuel Options
- Recyclable aluminum body construction
Capacity/Efficiency
- 574-784 cubic feet of cargo capacity with up to 3,725 lb
payload capacity
- 42-inch wide by 73-inch high sliding curbside door
- Door configuration and lower step heights yield faster
entry/egress for improved productivity
- Easily accessible from the driver's seat, the cargo area allows
operators over six feet tall to walk in and out of the van in an
upright position
- Available in 156 inch and 178 inch wheelbase
configurations
- Payload capacities of 3,725 lb (12 ft), 3,600 lb (14 ft) and
3,200 lb (16 ft)
- 27-inch wide by 82-inch high sliding bulkhead door
- Heavy duty shelving rated at 600 lb for 12 ft models.
- Optional jump seat
Utilimaster recently completed a $10-million investment in plant
operations to deliver its premier trucks with speed and excellence.
"Our investment in plant operations focuses on four pillars:
decrease order to delivery times, increase plant efficiency, and
deliver customer orders on-time and with quality." said Daryl
Adams, President and CEO of Spartan Motors. "Our results are
impressive. In-plant assembly times are now three days in
comparison to the usual 21 days required to build vehicles. Our
clients tell us we have the best plant operations in the commercial
van industry."
The VELOCITY aligns with Spartan's D.R.I.V.E. initiative, as it
positions the company for diversified growth with its redefining
technology and innovation. Additionally, it reaffirms the strength
of the Utilimaster team and our commitment to supporting the
commercial van and walk-in industry. The Company's latest
innovation will be featured until Friday, March 6, in booth
#1133.
D.R.I.V.E. is Spartan's operating strategy based on five
tenets:
- Diversified Growth
- Redefining Technology and
Innovation
- Integrated Operational
Excellence
- Vibrant Culture
- Excited Consumers/Brand
Loyalists
For more information on Utilimaster, visit www.utilimaster.com
or call (574) 848-2111.
*Actual mileage will vary.
About Utilimaster
Utilimaster, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc (Nasdaq:SPAR),
is a leading manufacturer of commercial truck bodies, walk-in vans
and provides customized upfit solutions for a variety OEM vehicle
platforms.
Utilimaster helps fleet owners reduce operating cost by
analyzing fleet operators on their routes and then recommending
best practices. Utilimaster serves the fleet owner looking to
deploy a new corporate initiative into their existing fleet or
implement new technology/equipment into current operations. The
Utilimaster client development team has more than 200 years of
industry experience and a broad list of best practices than can be
tailored to individuals, small and large fleet operations.
Since 1973, Utilimaster engineers and designers have met, and
exceeded, the expectations of vehicle operators and fleet managers.
Contact a business development manager at 800-582-3454 to learn
more about how an engagement with Utilimaster will help you achieve
your business objectives. For more information, visit the
Utilimaster website at www.utilimaster.com.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures
specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket
parts for the recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response,
government services, defense, and delivery and service markets. The
Company's brand names – Spartan™, Spartan Chassis™, Spartan ER™,
Spartan ERV™ and Utilimaster® – are known for quality, performance,
service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs
approximately 1,700 associates at facilities in Michigan,
Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana and Florida. Spartan reported
sales of $507 million in 2014 and is focused on becoming a global
leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of specialty
vehicles and chassis. Visit Spartan Motors at
www.spartanmotors.com.
CONTACT: John Marshall
Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Utilimaster Corporation
(574) 848-2004
Greg Salchow
Director, Investor Relations
Spartan Motors, Inc.
(517) 543-6400
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