WOOD DALE, Ill., Nov. 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Power Solutions International, Inc. ("PSI") (OTCBB:PSIX) and Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR) announced today the launch of a new Class A Front Engine Gas (FEG) concept chassis featuring PSI's newly designed 8.8-liter engine. The new chassis, code named the Extol, is designed to meet increased demand in the RV market for greater power performance and for gas powered engines. Both companies will be showcasing these products at the RVIA National RV Trade Show, which takes place November 27—29 in Louisville, Kentucky.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=15959

"PSI is excited about presenting our newly developed on-highway applications through this collaboration with Spartan Chassis, a leader in the specialty vehicle category," said Jeremy Lessaris, Director of Marketing at PSI.

Recreational vehicle OEMs have been frustrated with their engine options, which until now have been underpowered. Because of the considerable weight, RVs require significant torque for pickup and to avoid chugging or spitting on hills. As a result, power compromises are problematic.

Powered by a PSI 8.8-liter engine that provides 430 HP and 512 lb.-ft of torque (@ 3400 RPM), the Extol chassis offers the power performance that end-users seek in a package developed to capitalize on the growth of smaller Class A recreational vehicles (22K to 28K GVWR). The newly designed and engineered engine offers 20% across-the-board improvements in power and 15% better fuel-efficiency over its predecessor, General Motors 8.1-liter.

The Extol also provides superior handling and superior ride quality, achieved through Spartan's proprietary suspension and new Compression Fluid Strut. Spartan Chassis has been known for decades as a leader in the Class A diesel market. This Extol concept chassis is an excellent brand extension which should expand our product portfolio and fill what we perceive as a gap in the RV chassis market," said Tom Gorman, Chief Operating Officer of Spartan Motors. "This new chassis development illustrates both our long-term commitment to the RV business and, more importantly, our interest to continually find new business growth opportunities for our OEM partners in the RV industry."

PSI's high-performance 8.8-liter "big block" replacement was launched at the 2011 RVIA Expo. The new engine is capable of fulfilling power, efficiency, emissions and fuel-flexibility needs across a wide range of applications beyond RVs, including school buses, waste-hauling trucks and light-duty uses. The heavy-duty, durable block includes the following design features:

• A significantly stronger crankcase and a forged and induction hardened crankshaft that enable delivery of 1,000 ft-lb of torque.
• An intake manifold that incorporates a tuned, long-runner to increase torque
• High-flow, fast-burn cylinder heads that ensure a full burn to reduce emissions

Power Solutions International is presenting its 6.0-liter and 8.8-liter engines in booth number 248 at the RVIA National RV Trade Show in the Kentucky Expo Center, November 27—29. The Spartan Chassis display is located in booth number 1526.

About PSI

Power Solutions International (PSI) is a leading global provider of cleantech power solutions. The company designs and manufactures engines for the industrial and on-road sectors and offers fuel-flexible, low-emission engines ranging from .97 liters to 22 liters of displacement. PSI's power systems are used worldwide in trucks and buses, power generation, forklifts, aerial lifts, and industrial sweepers, as well as in equipment used for oil and gas extraction, aircraft ground support, agriculture, and construction equipment. For more information visit www.psiengines.com

About Spartan Chassis, Inc.

Spartan Chassis, Inc. is a world-class leader in the engineering, manufacturing and marketing of chassis and aftermarket parts for emergency-response, recreational vehicle (RV), defense and specialty vehicles. End users recognize and request the Spartan Chassis brand, which consistently delivers superior performance, exceptional safety ratings and innovations which distinguish us from the competition. Visit Spartan Chassis at spartanchassis.com.

About Spartan Motors

Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle, emergency response, government services, defense, and delivery and service markets. The company's brand names - Spartan™, 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, Florida and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $426 million in 2011 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.

The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.

CONTACT: For more information about this release, please contact:



         Jeremy Lessaris

         Director of Marketing

         Power Solutions International

         Mobile: 1.847.366.4300

         E-mail: jlessaris@psiengines.com



         Russell T. Chick

         Corporate Director of Marketing

         Spartan Motors, Inc.

         517.997.3852 or Russell.chick@spartanmotors.com

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