03.04.2015
Utilimaster Innovation Develops Most Fuel-Efficient Walk-in Van
INDIANAPOLIS,
March 4, 2015 – 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.