OSHKOSH, WIS. (April 10, 2006) – Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NYSE: OSK] today introduced its next generation Oshkosh® H-Series™ snow chassis at the Airfield Operations Area (AOA) annual conference in Milwaukee, Wis. The H-Series redesign focused on three priorities derived through comprehensive interviews with airport snow removal operators from across the country: improved visibility, safety and comfort. Built specifically for airport snow removal operations, this latest design adds to the reputation of the most popular airport snow removal chassis in history.
“The improvements to the H-Series chassis were the direct result of operator input,” said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Oshkosh Truck has pushed the envelope in terms of performance and again demonstrated our commitment to be an innovative force in every industry we serve.”
Operator visibility is improved with close to 40 percent more windshield glass over the new chassis’ predecessor – already the industry leader in that category. The improvement was accomplished by designing a wraparound front windshield without the typical blind spots created by corner posts. Enhanced wiper and defroster systems improve window coverage. In addition, rear three-quarter windows were added to improve rearward visibility and lower front cab windows were added to give the operator a birds-eye view of attachments and mounts.
Safety and maintenance were improved through the use of onboard diagnostic displays and a network of safety features. The display and conveniently-located wraparound controls in the cab create a more focused and safe driving environment for the operator. Additionally, a second seat has been added to accommodate a supervisor or trainer.
Long hours in a snow removal chassis require a comfortable cab. The H-Series chassis has been upgraded significantly in this regard beginning with an additional 10-inches side-to-side and front-to-back of interior space. The cab can be accessed through doors on both sides of the vehicle. Powered windows, automotive style “set-it-and-forget-it” digital climate controls and even two cup holders were all added based on customer input.
The next generation H-Series snow chassis seamlessly integrates with a variety of blowers, plows, scrapers and brooms to give airports maximum flexibility in their snow operations.
Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NYSE: OSK] is a leading manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies for the defense, fire and emergency, concrete placement and refuse hauling markets. Oshkosh Truck is a Fortune 1000 company with products marketed under the Oshkosh®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec™, Geesink®, Norba®, Jerr-Dan®, CON-E-CO® and London® brand names. The company is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis., and had annual sales of $2.96 billion in fiscal 2005.
To learn more about Oshkosh Truck Corporation, visit its web site at www.oshkoshtruckcorporation.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that the company believes are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital spending and debt levels, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as the company “expects,” “intends,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” or “believes” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the company’s control that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, risks related to reductions in government expenditures, the uncertainty of government contracts, risks related to the Company’s acquisition strategy including identifying and evaluating acquisition candidates and integrating acquired businesses, and the possibility that expected synergies and other cost savings will not be achieved nor future plans realized. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
