Oshkosh Truck Subsidiary, Pierce, Unveils Reengineered State-Of-The-Art Quantum Fire Chassis.

Business Editors

OSHKOSH, Wis--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2004

Oshkosh Truck Corporation (NYSE: OSK) announced today that its subsidiary, Pierce Manufacturing Inc., the leading manufacturer of custom fire apparatus in North America, has unveiled its next generation Quantum(R) custom fire chassis, which has defined state-of-the-art fire fighting apparatus since it was first introduced in 1995. The newly reengineered chassis was introduced at the Fire Department Instructors' Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Ind.

"Pierce has again established a new frontier for custom chassis design with this new version of our flagship Quantum chassis, which combines a spacious, state-of-the-art interior with industry-leading technologies," said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh chairman, president and chief executive officer.

"The Quantum's new, signature look pays tribute to the proud tradition of the fire service, while creating a bold, distinctive style for this exceptional chassis," commented John W. Randjelovic, president of Pierce.

The most significant changes are evident in the state-of-the-art interior which features an all-new, wraparound instrument panel with room for up to 80 switches in overhead and dash positions, and critical controls are strategically mounted for optimum ease of use.

Safety Performance Enhanced with Standard FeaturesFeatures

For enhanced safety, the Pierce Side Roll Protection(TM) System is standard to help protect firefighters in case of an accident involving a side roll. This system senses the exact moment of a side-roll, and then provides instantaneous passenger protection, including seat belt pretensioners and side air bags. Pierce was the first to introduce this safety technology to the fire service.

The new Quantum rides more like an SUV than a typical fire truck, since it is equipped with TAK-4(TM) independent front suspension, which shortens stopping distance by up to 23%, improves ride quality by 340% (as measured by accelerometer testing), enhances vehicle control, increases load capacity, improves durability and simplifies maintenance.

Command Zone(R) electronics, an advanced monitoring, control and troubleshooting technology, are now standard on the Quantum. The newest version of Command Zone not only integrates the drive train and all electrical components and sub-systems, but features 7-inch, color monitors in the cab and at the pump panel. These provide a full menu of operating information as well as allowing the driver to view optional GPS mapping, camera views, as well as optional forward looking infrared cameras. A Madas accident reconstruction system is also available.

Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus and a subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck Corporation. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, elliptical tankers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems. For more information on Pierce, visit www.piercemfg.com.

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(R), Pierce(R), McNeilus(R), Medtec(R), Geesink and Norba brand names. The company is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis., and had annual sales of $1.9 billion in fiscal 2003. To learn more about Oshkosh Truck Corporation, visit its web site at www.oshkoshtruckcorporation.com