UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

 	Filed by the Registrant    S	

 	Filed by a Party other than the Registrant     o	

  	Check the appropriate box:	

o	Preliminary Proxy Statement	
 
o	Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))	

S	Definitive Proxy Statement	
 
o	Definitive Additional Materials	
 
o	Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12	

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

S           No fee required.
o          Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

(1)           Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

(2)           Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

(3)	Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):	

 
(4)           Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

 
 
(5)           Total fee paid:

o          Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

o	Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.	

(1)           Amount previously paid:

(2)           Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

(3)           Filing party:

(4)           Date filed:

 

 

 	 SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

1541 REYNOLDS RD. - CHARLOTTE, MI  48813 - USA
TELEPHONE 517.543.6400 - FACSIMILE 517.543.5403
WEB PAGE - WWW.SPARTANMOTORS.COM	

 
April 20, 2012

To Our Shareholders:

You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders of Spartan Motors, Inc. on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at 5:00 p.m., local time.  The annual meeting will be held in the Soar Room at AL!VE, 800 W. Lawrence Avenue, Charlotte, Michigan 48813.

At the annual meeting, we will vote on a number of important matters, as listed in the enclosed Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and as described in detail in the enclosed Proxy Statement. In addition, you will hear a report on Spartan Motors' business activities.  On the following pages, you will find the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the Proxy Statement.  We are mailing the Proxy Statement and enclosed proxy card to our shareholders on or about April 20, 2012.

It is important that your shares be represented at the annual meeting, regardless of how many shares you own.  Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, please  sign ,  date  and  return the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible or vote by Internet following the instructions on the proxy card .  Sending a proxy card or voting by Internet will not affect your right to vote in person if you attend the meeting.

 	Sincerely,

John E. Sztykiel
President and Chief Executive Officer	

 
Your vote is important.  Even if you plan to attend the meeting,
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY PROMPTLY.	

 

 

 	 SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

1541 REYNOLDS RD. - CHARLOTTE, MI  48813 - USA
TELEPHONE 517.543.6400 - FACSIMILE 517.543.5403
WEB PAGE - WWW.SPARTANMOTORS.COM	

 
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To Our Shareholders:

You are cordially invited to attend the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders of Spartan Motors, Inc.  The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at 5:00 p.m., local time, in the Soar Room at AL!VE, 800 W. Lawrence Avenue, Charlotte, Michigan 48813.  At the meeting, you will be invited to:

 	(1)	vote on the election of two directors to three-year terms expiring in 2015;	
 	 	 	
 	(2)	vote on the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as Spartan Motors' independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year;	
 	 	 	
 	(3)	vote on the proposed Stock Incentive Plan of 2012;	
 	 	 	
 	(4)	participate in an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our executives; and	
 	 	 	
 	(5)	transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting.	

You may vote at the meeting only if you were a shareholder of record of Spartan Motors common stock at the close of business on March 26, 2012.

Copies of the annual report to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 are enclosed with this notice.  We are mailing the following Proxy Statement and enclosed proxy card to our shareholders on or about April 20, 2012.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to be Held on May 23, 2012:   Our Proxy Statement, proxy card, Annual Report to Shareholders, and Form 10-K are available on the Internet at www.spartanmotors.com/asm .  You may also contact John Bober at (517) 543-6400 or John.Bober@SpartanMotors.com to request these materials.

Sincerely,	 	
 
	Charlotte, Michigan
April 20, 2012	
Thomas T. Kivell
Secretary	 	

Your vote is important.  Even if you plan to attend the meeting,
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY PROMPTLY.	

 

 
SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

MAY 23, 2012

PROXY STATEMENT

Introduction	

Use of Terms

In this Proxy Statement, "we," "us," "our," the "Company," "Spartan Motors,"  and "Spartan" refer to Spartan Motors, Inc., and " you " and " your " refer to shareholders of Spartan Motors.

Time and Place of Annual Meeting

You are cordially invited to attend the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders of Spartan Motors, Inc. The annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at 5:00 p.m., local time in the Soar Room at AL!VE, 800 W. Lawrence Avenue, Charlotte, Michigan 48813.  If you need directions, please contact Maryjane Shance at (517) 543-6400 or at MJShance@SpartanMotors.com.

Solicitation of Proxies

This Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card are being furnished to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by Spartan Motors' Board of Directors for use at the annual meeting, and any adjournment of the meeting.

Mailing Date

This Proxy Statement is being mailed on and after April 20, 2012 to Spartan Motors' shareholders as of the record date.

Purposes of the Meeting

The purposes of the annual meeting are to:

 	(1)	vote on the election of two directors to three-year terms expiring in 2015;	
 	 	 	
 	(2)	vote on the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as Spartan Motors' independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year;	
 	 	 	
 	(3)	vote on the proposed Stock Incentive Plan of 2012;	
 	 	 	
 	(4)	participate in an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our executives; and	
 	 	 	
 	(5)	transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting.	

We do not know of any other matters to be presented for consideration at the annual meeting.  If any other matters are presented, the persons named as proxies on the enclosed proxy card will have discretionary authority to vote on those matters in accordance with their judgment.

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Record Date

You may vote at the meeting if you were a shareholder of record of Spartan Motors common stock on March 26, 2012.  Each such shareholder is entitled to one vote per share on each matter presented for a shareholder vote at the meeting.

As of March 26, 2012, there were 33,873,092 shares of Spartan Motors common stock outstanding.

How to Vote Your Shares

If you are a shareholder of record, that is, your common stock is registered directly in your name with the transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Co., you may vote by returning the enclosed proxy card. If you properly complete and sign the enclosed proxy card and return it so that we receive it before the meeting, the shares of Spartan Motors common stock represented by your proxy will be voted at the annual meeting and any adjournment of the annual meeting, as long as you do not revoke the proxy before or at the meeting.

If voting by Internet, go to the website printed on the proxy card or www.voteproxy.com and enter the control number printed on the proxy card.  Your control number is the 11-digit number located beneath the Company name and account number on the upper right side of your proxy material.  Proceed to follow the instructions provided.

Regardless of how you vote, if you specify a choice, your shares will be voted as specified.  If you do not specify a choice on your signed, returned proxy, your shares will be voted: (1)  for  the election of all nominees for director named in this Proxy Statement ,  (2)  for  the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as Spartan Motors' independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year, (3)  for  the approval of the proposed Stock Incentive Plan of 2012, (4)  for  the approval of the compensation of our executives, and (5) with respect to any other matters that may come before the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting, in accordance with the discretion of the persons named as proxies on the proxy card.

"Street Name" Shareholders

If you hold your shares in "street name," that is, your shares are registered in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, which we will collectively refer to as your " broker ," your broker must vote your shares if you provide it with proper and timely voting instructions.  Please check the voting forms and instructions provided by your broker or its agent.

How to Revoke Your Proxy

If you are a shareholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the meeting by doing any of the following four things:

 	·	by delivering written notice of revocation to Spartan Motors' Corporate Secretary, 1541 Reynolds Road, Charlotte, Michigan 48813;	
 	 	 	
 	·	by delivering a proxy card bearing a later date than the proxy that you wish to revoke;	
 	 	 	
 	·	by casting a subsequent vote via Internet; or	
 	 	 	
 	·	by attending the meeting and voting in person.	

Your last vote properly received before the polls are closed at the meeting is the vote that will be counted. Please note that attending the meeting will not by itself revoke your proxy.

If you are a street name holder and have instructed your broker to vote your shares, you must follow directions from your broker to change your vote.

Quorum

In order for business to be conducted at the meeting, a quorum must be present.  The presence in person or by properly executed proxy of the holders of at least a majority of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Spartan Motors common stock entitled to vote is necessary for a quorum at the meeting.  For purposes of determining whether a quorum is present, we will include shares that are present or represented by proxy, including abstentions and broker non-votes.

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Adjournment

The shareholders present at the meeting, in person or represented by proxy, may by a majority vote adjourn the meeting despite the absence of a quorum.  If there is not a quorum at the meeting, we expect to adjourn the meeting to solicit additional proxies.

Required Votes

Election of Directors.  A plurality of the shares voting is required to elect directors.  This means that the nominees who receive the most votes will be elected to the open director positions.  In counting votes on the election of directors, abstentions, broker non-votes, and other shares not voted will be counted as not voted.

Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. The proposal to approve the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012, as described in this Proxy Statement, will be approved if a majority of the shares voted at the meeting are voted in favor of the proposal. In counting votes on this proposal, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as voted. Shares that are not voted will be deducted from the total shares of which a majority is required.

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation. The proposal to approve the compensation of our executives, as described in this Proxy Statement, is an advisory vote only.  The Company will disclose the results of this vote, but is not required to take action based upon the outcome of this vote. However, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board intends to consider the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

Other Matters. The proposal to ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as Spartan Motors' independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year will be approved if a majority of the shares voted at the meeting are voted in favor of the proposal. In counting votes on this proposal, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as voted. Shares that are not voted will be deducted from the total shares of which a majority is required.

We do not know of any other matters to be presented for shareholder action at the annual meeting.

Broker Non-Votes.  A broker non-vote occurs when a shareholder holds his or her stock through a broker and the broker does not vote those shares. This usually occurs because the broker has not received timely voting instructions from that shareholder and the broker does not have discretionary voting power for the particular item upon which the vote is taken.

It is important that you instruct your broker how to vote shares held by you in street name using the vote instruction form provided by your broker.  Your broker should vote your shares as you direct if you provide timely instructions on how to vote by following the information provided to you by your broker.

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Proposal:  Election of Directors	

Nominees for Election

The Board of Directors proposes that the following two individuals be elected as directors of Spartan Motors for three-year terms expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2015:

John E. Sztykiel
Kenneth Kaczmarek

Each nominee is presently a director of Spartan Motors whose term will expire at the annual meeting.  Biographical information concerning the nominees appears below under the heading "Spartan Motors' Board of Directors and Executive Officers," beginning on page 7.
 
The persons named as proxies in the proxy card intend to vote for the election of each of the nominees.  The proposed nominees are willing to be elected and to serve as directors of Spartan Motors.  However, if any or all of the nominees become unable to serve or otherwise unavailable for election, which we do not anticipate, the incumbent Board of Directors may or may not select a substitute nominee or nominees.  If a substitute nominee or nominees is or are selected, the shares represented by your proxy card will be voted for the election of the substitute nominee(s), unless you give other instructions. If a substitute is not selected, all proxies will be voted for the election of the remaining nominee(s).  Proxies will not be voted for more than two nominees.

Your Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the election of each nominee.

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Ownership of Spartan Motors Stock	

Five Percent Shareholders

The following table sets forth information as to each person or other entity (including any group) known to Spartan Motors to have been the beneficial owner of more than 5% of Spartan Motors' outstanding shares of common stock as of March 26, 2012 (or any different dates specified in the footnotes to the table):

Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner	 	Sole
Voting
Power	 	 	Sole
Dispositive
Power	 	 	Shared
Voting or
Dispositive
Power	 	 	Total
Beneficial
Ownership	 	 	Percent
of Class	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
BlackRock, Inc. (1)
   40 East 52nd Street
   New York, New York  10022	 	 	2,723,371	 	 	 	2,723,371	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	2,723,371	 	 	 	8.04	%	
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (2)
   Palisades West, Building One
   6300 Bee Cave Road
   Austin, Texas  78746	 	 	1,972,549	 	 	 	2,027,117	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	2,027,117	 	 	 	5.98	%  	
The Killen Group, Inc. (3)
  1189 Lancaster Ave.
  Berwyn, PA  19312	 	 	1,892,977	 	 	 	1,996,677	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	1,996,677	 	 	 	5.89	%	

(1)	Based on information set forth in an amendment to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 10, 2012.  Ownership is reported on behalf of various subsidiaries of BlackRock, Inc.	
(2)	Based on information set forth in an amendment to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2012, which indicates that all of the shares reported as beneficially owned by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP are owned by various investment companies, trusts, and other accounts for which Dimensional and/or its subsidiaries may serve as investment advisor or manager.	
(3)	Based on information set forth in a Schedule 13G received by Spartan Motors on February 21, 2012 from The Killen Group, Inc.  Ownership is reported on behalf of various clients of The Killen Group, Inc.	

-5-

 

Security Ownership of Management

The following table sets forth the number of shares of common stock that each of Spartan Motors' directors and nominees for director, each of the named executive officers (as that term is defined in the Summary Compensation Table on page 19 and all directors and executive officers (including all named persons) as a group beneficially owned as of March 26, 2012:

 	 	Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership(1)	 	 	 	 	
Name of Beneficial Owner	 	Sole Voting
and Dispositive
Power(2)	 	 	Shared Voting
or Dispositive
Power(3)	 	 	Total
Beneficial
Ownership(2)(3)	 	 	Percent of
Class	 	
William F. Foster	 	 	1,123,850	 	 	 	430,515	 	 	 	1,554,365	 	 	 	4.59	%	
John E. Sztykiel	 	 	783,166	 	 	 	168,948	 	 	 	952,114	 	 	 	2.81	%	
Kenneth Kaczmarek	 	 	80,359	 	 	 	2,500	 	 	 	82,859	 	 	 	*	 	
Hugh W. Sloan, Jr.	 	 	59,595	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	59,595	 	 	 	*	 	
Richard R. Current	 	 	30,295	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	30,295	 	 	 	*	 	
Ronald Harbour	 	 	25,295	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	25,295	 	 	 	*	 	
Richard F. Dauch	 	 	18,935	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	18,935	 	 	 	*	 	
Thomas W. Gorman	 	 	110,258	 	 	 	800	 	 	 	111,058	 	 	 	*	 	
Joseph M. Nowicki	 	 	97,078	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	97,078	 	 	 	*	 	
Thomas T. Kivell	 	 	27,108	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	27,108	 	 	 	*	 	
Andrew Rooke	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	*	 	
All Directors and executive officers as a group	 	 	2,355,939	 	 	 	602,763	 	 	 	2,958,702	 	 	 	8.73	%	
*Less than 1%.
(1)	The number of shares stated is based on information provided by each person listed and includes shares personally owned of record by the person and shares which, under applicable regulations, are considered to be otherwise beneficially owned by the person.	
 	 	
(2)	These numbers include shares held directly and shares subject to options that are currently exercisable or that are exercisable within 60 days after March 26, 2012.  Shares held directly include restricted shares, which are detailed in the tables on pages 19 and 26, for the officers and the directors, respectively.  These numbers also include shares that the named individual has a right to acquire through the exercise of Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs") exercisable within 60 days after March 26, 2012.  These SARs entitle the holder to obtain a number of shares of common stock having a value equal to the difference between the market value of the stock at exercise and the exercise price of the SARs, multiplied by the number of SARs being exercised.  For the purposes of this table, we have used the closing price of the Company's common stock on March 26, 2012 as the market value, which was $5.30.  The number of shares subject to such stock options, and the number of shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of such SARs, is shown below for each listed person:	

 	 	Options	 	 	SARs	 	
William F. Foster	 	 	84,372	 	 	 	968	 	
John E. Sztykiel	 	 	134,997	 	 	 	1,550	 	
Kenneth Kaczmarek	 	 	7,875	 	 	 	542	 	
Hugh W. Sloan, Jr.	 	 	-	 	 	 	-	 	
Richard R. Current	 	 	-	 	 	 	-	 	
Ronald Harbour	 	 	-	 	 	 	-	 	
Richard F. Dauch	 	 	-	 	 	 	-	 	
Thomas W. Gorman	 	 	-	 	 	 	-	 	
Joseph M. Nowicki	 	 	-	 	 	 	-	 	
Thomas T. Kivell	 	 	-	 	 	 	-	 	
Andrew Rooke	 	 	-	 	 	 	-	 	
All Directors and executive officers as a group	 	 	227,244	 	 	 	3,060	 	

(3)	These numbers include shares over which the listed person is legally entitled to share voting or dispositive power by reason of joint ownership, trust or other contract or property right, and shares held by spouses, children or other relatives over whom the listed person may have substantial influence by reason of relationship.	

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Spartan Motors' Board of Directors and Executive Officers	

Spartan Motors' Board of Directors currently consists of seven directors.  The Board of Directors is divided into three classes, with each class as nearly equal in number as possible.  Each class of directors serves a successive three-year term.

Biographical information concerning Spartan Motors' directors (including the persons who are nominated for election to the Board of Directors) and the named executive officers is presented below.

Nominees for Election as Directors with Terms Expiring in 2015

John E. Sztykiel (age 55) has been a Director since 1988.  Mr. Sztykiel has been Spartan Motors' President since December 1992 and Chief Executive Officer since June 2002.  He was the Chief Operating Officer from December 1992 to June 2002.  Mr. Sztykiel joined the Company as Director of Marketing in 1985, when Spartan Motors had $10 million in sales, and has been instrumental in its growth, evolution and diversification    Prior to joining the Company Mr. Sztykiel was employed in various capacities by Burroughs Corporation (now Unisys) and Eaton Corporation.  Mr. Sztykiel serves on the Board of Directors of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, the Public Relations Committee of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, the Michigan State University Athletic Director Advisory Council and was past president of the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) Board.  As the current President and CEO of the Company, Mr. Sztykiel's participation on the Board is critical in terms of the Board's oversight of the Company's operations and strategic direction.

Kenneth Kaczmarek (age 72) has been a Director since 2003.  Mr. Kaczmarek brings nearly four decades of automotive and heavy-truck industry experience to the Board of Directors.  Prior to joining the Board of Directors, Mr. Kaczmarek was an independent consultant to the automotive industry from 1996 to 2000.  From 1994 to 1996, Mr. Kaczmarek had various executive responsibilities, including service as President of Volvo Truck Finance during its start-up phase.  From 1981 to 1994, he was the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Finance of Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corporation.  Mr. Kaczmarek's vast experience within the automotive industry, and the heavy truck industry in particular, is valuable to his participation on the Board of Directors.

Directors with Terms Expiring in 2014

Richard R. Current (age 67) has been a Director since 2008. From November 1999 to December 2010, Mr. Current, a CPA, served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Neogen Corporation.  Prior to joining Neogen, Mr. Current served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Integral Vision, Inc. from 1994 to 1999 and as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Shane Group, Inc., a privately held company, from 1991 to 1994. Prior to this, Mr. Current practiced with the public accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP for 24 years.  He served as Managing Partner from 1986 to 1991 at its Lansing, Michigan office.  Mr. Current's 19 years experience as a Chief Financial Officer of two separate public companies and one private company, in addition to his 24 years as an auditor, allows him to provide valuable insight and expertise to the Board.  This is particularly true with respect to the Board's oversight of financial reporting, internal controls, and similar issues.  Mr. Current currently serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board.

Hugh W. Sloan, Jr. (age 71) has been a Director since 2007 and has served as Chairman of the Board since 2010.  From 1998 to 2008, Mr. Sloan served as the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Woodbridge Foam Corporation, a leading supplier of urethane technologies to the automotive industry.  For more than 20 years, Mr. Sloan held various management positions with Woodbridge, including President of the company's automotive group.  Mr. Sloan is also a Director of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading Canadian-based financial services group whose stock trades on the New York, Toronto, and Pacific Stock Exchanges. Mr. Sloan is also a Director of Wescast Industries, an automotive supplier whose stock trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.  Mr. Sloan's current and previous roles with companies within the automotive industry, including publicly-held companies, allow him to provide valuable insight and experience to the Board.

Andrew Rooke (age 54) was appointed to the Board of Directors in February of 2012. Mr. Rooke currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of Manitex International, Inc., a manufacturer of engineered lifting equipment, a position he has held since 2007.  From 2002 until 2006 Mr. Rooke served as Vice President of Finance for GKN Sinter Metals, a Tier 1 supplier of components to the auto industry, and, from 1999 until 2002, as Finance Director of various GKN off highway and auto components divisions.  Mr. Rooke holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of York, England, and is a Chartered Accountant.  Mr. Rooke’s experience and knowledge in finance, international business, manufacturing, and the automotive industry will allow him to provide valuable insight and experience to the Board.

-7-

 
 
Directors with Terms Expiring in 2013

Ronald Harbour (age 55) has been a Director since 2009.  Mr. Harbour serves as Managing Partner, North American Automotive Practice for Oliver Wyman, a global management consulting firm.  He was the President of Harbour Consulting prior to its acquisition by Oliver Wyman in 2007.  Over his 30 years of experience as a management consultant, Mr. Harbour has gained a deep and broad knowledge of the automotive industry and particular expertise in the various unique management and operational issues facing participants in the industry.

Richard F. Dauch (age 51) has been a Director since 2010.  In 2011, Mr. Dauch became President and CEO of Accuride Corporation, a manufacturer and supplier of commercial vehicle components.  Prior to that, Mr. Dauch served as President and CEO of global mechanical fastener supplier, Acument Global Technologies, Inc.  He held prior leadership roles during a 13-year career at American Axle & Manufacturing, a global supplier of driveline, drive train and chassis systems, as well as at United Technologies Carrier Corporation, after concluding an 11-year career in the United States Army.  Mr. Dauch is a member of the board of directors of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, the Michigan Manufacturers Association, and the St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Foundation.  He also serves on the board of directors and is president of the West Point Army Football Club.  Mr. Dauch is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the MIT "Leaders For Manufacturing" program. Mr. Dauch's 27 years of cumulative leadership experience in a broad range of disciplines allow him to provide valuable insight and experience to the Board.

Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

Thomas W. Gorman (age 60) joined the Company as Chief Operating Officer in June of 2009.  When he joined Spartan Motors, Mr. Gorman had over 26 years of experience in management, operations, and manufacturing in the automotive systems industry, most recently serving as President of Business Development and Engineering with Fluid Routing Solutions in Southfield, Michigan.  He previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer of North American operations for Northville based ZF Lemforder Corporation.  Prior to that, Mr. Gorman was employed by automotive and systems component maker Dana Corporation, for over 17 years.

Joseph M. Nowicki (age 50) joined the Company in June of 2009 as its Chief Financial Officer.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Nowicki worked in various capacities with the Michigan-based furniture manufacturer, Herman Miller, Inc., for 17 years.  During that time, Mr. Nowicki gained experience in financial management and operations in his positions as Vice President of International Finance, Vice President within North American Finance and Treasurer. Before joining Herman Miller, Mr.  Nowicki held several operations and finance positions, including working for IBM and General Motors and spending several years in public accounting. Mr. Nowicki is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and also serves as the Treasurer and Chief/Corporate Compliance Officer of Spartan Motors, Inc.

Thomas T. Kivell (age 59) joined the Company as Vice President and General Counsel in November of 2008.  Mr. Kivell joined Spartan from GE Aviation, where he served as general counsel to its Digital Systems business unit, and its predecessor, Smiths Aerospace, since 1996.  During his tenure there, he was the senior legal staff member responsible for the Electronic Systems unit of Smiths Aerospace, and served as the sole attorney for Smiths Aerospace in the United States over a four-year period.  In 2002, he was a founder of a new legal and compliance department for Smiths Aerospace, unifying several other legal and compliance departments.  Prior to his position with GE Aviation and Smiths Aerospace, he was co-owner and CEO of a general design and contracting firm. Mr. Kivell also founded and managed a private law practice. In his career, he has also served in legal counsel and contract management positions for Armored Vehicle Technologies Associated, a joint venture between General Dynamics Land Systems and FMC Corporation, and with General Dynamics Land Systems.  Before beginning his legal career, Mr. Kivell was a project engineer for tracked military vehicle programs.  Mr. Kivell also serves as a Vice President and as Secretary of Spartan Motors, Inc.

William F. Foster (age 70) was a director of Spartan Motors, Inc. from 1978 to 2011.  Mr. Foster, a firefighter for approximately 30 years, is a founder of Spartan Motors and has served as its Vice President since 1976.  From 1965 to 1975, Mr. Foster served as a designer draftsman for Diamond Reo Trucks, Inc.

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Board Meetings, Annual Meeting, and Committees

Spartan Motors' Board of Directors held 9 meetings during 2011.  Each director who served as a director during the full 2011 fiscal year attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (1) the total number of Board of Directors meetings and (2) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board of Directors on which he served (held during the periods that he served on such committees).   Spartan Motors does not have a policy regarding director attendance at annual shareholder meetings.  Typically, all or most of the directors of Spartan Motors attend the annual shareholder meeting.  All of the directors of Spartan Motors who were directors at that time attended the annual meeting of shareholders in 2011.  Independent directors also meet regularly in executive sessions without the presence of management.

The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Current, Kaczmarek, Sloan, Harbour, Dauch, and Rooke are "independent," as that term is defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules.

The Board of Directors has three standing committees: the Audit Committee the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.  Information regarding each of the committees as of the mailing date of this Proxy Statement is as follows:

Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee has been established in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Its primary purpose is to provide assistance to the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to:  Spartan Motors' financial statements and the accounting and financial reporting process; Spartan Motors' systems of internal accounting and financial controls; the qualification and independence of its independent registered public accounting firm; the annual independent audit of Spartan Motors' financial statements; legal and regulatory compliance; and ethics issues.  Among other things, the Audit Committee oversees the integrated audit of the financial statements and internal control over financial reporting and is directly responsible for the selection, appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm engaged by Spartan Motors, and exercises direct oversight of the Company’s Manager of Business Risk.  The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors that is available for viewing at the Company's website, www.spartanmotors.com.

The Audit Committee has a Pre-Approval Policy related to the audit and non-audit services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm.  All services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm engaged by the Company are within general pre-approval limits; or, up to a certain dollar amount, approved by the Chairman of the Audit Committee, who must communicate the approval to the full Audit Committee; or, above a certain dollar amount, approved by the full Audit Committee.  The general pre-approval limits are detailed as to each particular service and are limited by a specific dollar amount for each type of service.

The Audit Committee meets the definitions of an "audit committee" under applicable Nasdaq and SEC rules.  Each member of the Audit Committee satisfies the applicable Nasdaq and SEC independence standards for such committee members.  Messrs. Current (Chairman), Sloan, Kaczmarek, Dauch, Harbour, and Rooke are members of the Audit Committee.  The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Current and Kaczmarek are audit committee "financial experts" as the term is defined in rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and all five are Independent Directors as defined by Nasdaq.  The Audit Committee met in person four times during 2011 and conducted five conference call meetings.

Human Resources & Compensation Committee.  The responsibilities of the Human Resources & Compensation Committee include exercising oversight over the development of competitive compensation plans that ensure the attraction, retention and motivation of key associates, as well as recommending the cash and other incentive compensation, if any, to be paid to Spartan Motors’ executive officers.  In addition, the Human Resources & Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding stock incentives awarded under Spartan Motors’ stock incentive plans, reviewing all material proposed stock incentive plan changes and determining the employees to whom stock incentives will be granted, the number of shares covered by stock incentive, and the terms and other matters associated with equity-based compensation awards.

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee also determines the employees to whom stock incentives will be granted, the number of shares covered by stock incentive, and the terms and other matters associated with equity-based compensation awards.

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The Human Resources and Compensation Committee operates pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee charter is available on our website, www.spartanmotors.com.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee does not delegate to other persons the duties with which it is charged under the charter. For specific information regarding the processes and procedures of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, see the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section of this Proxy Statement.

Messrs. Kaczmarek (Chairman), Sloan, Harbour, Current, Dauch, and Rooke are members of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.  Each member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee satisfies the applicable Nasdaq and SEC independence standards for such committee members. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee met five times during 2011.

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee has reviewed all components of the Chief Executive Officer's compensation and the compensation of the other executive officers who are named in the Summary Compensation Table set forth later in this Proxy Statement, including salary, bonuses, equity and other incentive compensation, accumulated realized and unrealized stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock gains, the dollar value to the executive and the cost to Spartan Motors of all perquisites and other personal benefits.

Based on its review described above, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee found Mr. Sztykiel's and the named executive officers' total compensation in the aggregate to be appropriate and not excessive.  All recommendations of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee with respect to 2011 compensation were unanimous and were approved and adopted by the Board of Directors without modification.  For more information, see the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section of this Proxy Statement.

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.  The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee develops and recommends to Spartan Motors' Board of Directors criteria for the selection of candidates for director, seeks out and receives suggestions concerning possible candidates, reviews and evaluates the qualifications of possible candidates, and recommends to the Board of Directors candidates for vacancies occurring from time to time and for the slate of directors to be proposed on behalf of the Board of Directors at each annual meeting of shareholders.  In addition to its responsibilities regarding director nominations, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility to the shareholders and in complying with applicable rules and regulations relating to corporate governance.  Specifically, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee develops and recommends corporate governance principles that address Board independence and leadership, Board size and composition, meetings and committee structure, and other governance matters.  In addition, the Committee reviews the Company's adherence to established corporate governance principles and provides reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors.

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee operates pursuant to a written charter that is available for viewing at the Company's website, www.spartanmotors.com.

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider candidates who display high character and integrity; are free of any conflict of interest that would violate any applicable law or regulation or interfere with the proper performance of the responsibilities of a director; possess substantial and significant experience that would be of particular importance to Spartan Motors in the performance of the duties of a director; have sufficient time available to devote to the affairs of Spartan Motors in order to carry out the responsibilities of a director; and have the capacity and desire to represent the balanced, best interests of the shareholders as a whole.

The Committee believes the foregoing qualities are the most important qualifications for any director or director nominee; however, in identifying candidates for directors, the Board considers other attributes that may make a person a strong director.  One such attribute that is considered is the potential diversity of viewpoint that a potential candidate would likely bring to the Board of Directors, which could be the result of the person's background, current occupation, career history, and other factors.

As the need to make changes or additions to the Board arises, the Committee gives consideration to the Board size, experiences, and needs.  The Committee may use outside resources, including consultants retained by the Committee, to assist in the process of establishing the criteria for director candidates, establish a process to identify potential candidates, and assist in the introduction of potential candidates to the Committee.  Regardless of how they are identified, candidates must understand, accept, and value the culture and history of Spartan Motors, Inc.

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Nominations of candidates for election to the Board of Directors of Spartan Motors at any annual meeting of shareholders or at any special meeting of shareholders called for election of directors may be made by the Board of Directors or, pursuant to the process described below, by a shareholder of record of shares of a class entitled to vote at such annual or special meeting of shareholders.  The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee applies the same standards and qualification requirements to all director nominees, regardless of the party making the director nomination.

Each member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee satisfies the applicable Nasdaq and SEC independence standards for such committee members.  Messrs. Sloan (Chairman), Kaczmarek, and Current are the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.  The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee met four times during 2011.

Shareholder Nominations of Directors. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider nominees for election to the Board of Directors submitted by shareholders.  Spartan Motors' bylaws provide that any shareholder entitled to vote generally in the election of directors may nominate one or more persons for election as directors at a meeting only if written notice of the shareholder's intent to make a nomination or nominations has been given to Spartan Motors' Secretary at least 120 days before the one-year anniversary date of the notice of the previous year's annual meeting if the meeting is an annual meeting, and not more than seven days following the date of notice of the meeting if the meeting is a special meeting at which directors will be elected.

Each such notice to the Secretary must include:

 	·	the name, age, business address and residence of each nominee proposed in the notice;	
 	 	 	
 	·	the principal occupation or employment of each nominee;	
 	 	 	
 	·	the number of shares of capital stock of Spartan Motors that each nominee beneficially owns;	
 	 	 	
 	·	a statement that each nominee is willing to be nominated; and	
 	 	 	
 	·	such other information concerning each nominee as would be required under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of such nominees.	

Board Leadership Structure; Role in Risk Oversight

The Company believes the leadership structure of its Board of Directors is appropriate in light of the size of the Company, its organizational structure, its strategies, and similar factors.  Although Mr. Sztykiel, our President and CEO, serves as a director, the Board of Directors is chaired by Mr. Hugh Sloan, a non-employee director who meets Nasdaq standards for being an independent director.  The Company believes this separation of responsibility is appropriate in order to provide independent Board oversight of and direction for the Company's executive management team, led by Mr. Sztykiel.  The Company has maintained this leadership structure (i.e., with separate individuals serving as the President/CEO and Chairman of the Board) since 2002.

The Company believes the Board plays an appropriate role in the risk oversight of the Company and its business.  The Board's risk oversight function is largely carried out through the Board's independent oversight of the executive management team and, in particular, its oversight of the various operational, industries, economic, and other risk factors faced by the Company.  The Board is an active Board that meets regularly with consistent input from all directors.  All directors but Mr. Sztykiel have been determined to meet the independence standards of applicable Nasdaq rules.  In addition, the Company believes that the strength and experience of its directors is important to their independent oversight of the executive management team.   Those members of the executive management team who have particular risk management responsibilities, including the CEO, the CFO, General Counsel, and the Manager of Business Risk report directly to the Board of Directors on a regular basis.  In addition, the Board regularly hold sessions of the independent directors only, without the presence of any employee directors or other executives of the Company.

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In addition to the foregoing, the Board of Directors of the Company conducts certain risk oversight activities through its committees with direct oversight over specific functional areas.  These functional areas are described in more detail on the preceding pages for each Committee's responsibilities.

Finally, the Board works to ensure that management is properly focused on the appropriate strategic risks and initiatives to grow the business through acquisitions, organic growth and alliances by, among other things, reviewing and discussing the performance of executive management and conducting succession planning for key leadership positions.

Communicating with the Board

Shareholders and interested parties may communicate with members of Spartan Motors' Board of Directors by sending correspondence addressed to the Board as a whole, a specific committee, or a specific Board member c/o Thomas T. Kivell, Secretary, Spartan Motors, Inc., 1541 Reynolds Road, Charlotte, Michigan 48813.  All such communications are forwarded to the appropriate recipient(s).

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Executive Compensation	
 
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee's executive compensation philosophy is to provide competitive levels of compensation and incentives to achieve strong financial performance.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee's policies are designed to achieve the following five primary objectives:

 	·	Attract and retain qualified management;	
 	 	 	
 	·	Align the interests of management with those of shareholders to encourage achievement of continuing increases in shareholder value;	
 	 	 	
 	·	Align management’s compensation with the achievement of Spartan Motors’ annual and long-term performance goals;	
 	 	 	
 	·	Reward excellent corporate performance; and	
 	 	 	
 	·	Recognize individual and team initiatives and achievements.	

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee sets management compensation at levels that the Compensation Committee believes are competitive with other companies in Spartan Motors' industry.

The advisory vote on executive compensation was conducted at our annual meeting of shareholders in 2011, based on the disclosure of our executive compensation in the proxy statement for that meeting   Of the shares of common stock represented at that meeting in person or by proxy, approximately 96% of the shares voted to approve the resolution, 1% voted against the resolution, and 3% abstained.  Our Board considered the results of this vote to be generally supportive of the Company's compensation policies and programs and did not make any changes to such policies and programs as a result of such vote.

Elements of Compensation

Executive compensation consists of both cash and equity and is comprised of the following elements, each of which is described below:

 	·	Base salary;	
 	 	 	
 	·	Cash bonuses pursuant to the Spartan Motors, Inc. Executive Leadership Team Incentive Compensation Framework (the “ELT Plan”); and	
 	 	 	
 	·	Ownership/Equity compensation such as stock grants, restricted stock, stock options, and stock appreciation rights.	

Each component of executive compensation is designed to accomplish one or more of the five compensation objectives described above.  The total compensation for executives is structured so that a majority of the total earnings potential is derived from performance-based incentives to encourage management to adopt an ownership mentality and take appropriate risks.  The elements of the executive compensation program are described in detail below.

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee believes that the percentage of an executive's total compensation that is "at risk" should increase as the executive's responsibilities and ability to influence profits increase. For this reason, the percentage of executive officers' potential compensation that is based upon bonuses and stock plan awards is larger relative to other employees.

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Base Salary

Base salary is a fundamental component of the Company's compensation system, and competitive salary levels are necessary to attract and retain well-qualified executives.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee determines recommended base salaries for executive officers by evaluating the responsibilities of the position, the experience of the individual, the performance of Spartan Motors, the performance of the individual, the competitive marketplace for similar management talent, and other relevant factors.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee does not give specific weight to any particular factor.  Using these same factors, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee may recommend base salary adjustments on a periodic basis to maintain the desired levels of base salaries for Spartan Motors' executives.  As stated above, total compensation for executives is structured so that a majority of the total earnings potential is derived from performance-based incentives to encourage management to adopt an ownership mentality.

Aon Hewitt was engaged in 2010 to benchmark the salaries of the executive officers of Spartan Motors. Details regarding the benchmarking process appear below under the heading "Human Resources and Compensation Committee Processes and Procedures; Participation of Management; Benchmarking Process."  This benchmarking process was completed in 2011.  Based upon the results of such benchmarking process, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee believes that the executive officers' 2011 base salaries continued to be below the median salary levels for comparable companies.   In February of 2012, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee approved an adjustment in base salary for Messrs. Sztykiel, Gorman, Nowicki and Kivell to $404,928, $330,010, $300,000 and $170,100, respectively.

Cash Incentive Bonuses

In 2011, the Board of Directors adopted the Spartan Motors, Inc. Executive Leadership Team Incentive Compensation Framework (the “ELT Plan”) for the Company’s executive management team, including each of the named executive officers shown in the tables below.  The ELT Plan is based on an economic value-added (“EVA”) model, along with other pre-determined management objectives and, beginning in 2012, revenue goals.  The ELT Plan is intended to provide management with incentives to choose strategies and investments that maximize shareholder value, utilize a financial measurement consistent with the market's evaluation of Spartan Motors' performance, and communicate Spartan Motors' financial objectives in a clear and quantifiable manner.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee is responsible for annually reviewing the provisions of the ELT Plan, setting the management objectives and revenue goals, and approving all payouts under the plan.

Each participant's annual bonus is determined by multiplying (1) his or her target bonus percentage (which is determined separately for different categories of employees and detailed below for the named executive officers) by (2) the Bonus Multiplier (described below) by (3) the participant's annual salary.

The Bonus Multiplier is determined based on three bonus multiplier metrics:  an EVA goal, operational objectives (MBOs), and, beginning in 2012, a targeted sales goal.

EVA Metric:  On an annual basis, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee will set a target EVA for the Company.  The Company defines EVA as net operating profit after tax, less a capital charge based on the assets employed in the business.  The EVA multiple is a fraction or multiple of the target EVA, based on the actual EVA results for the particular year.  For example, if the net operating profit after tax for a given year, less the capital charge, was exactly 150 percent of the target EVA, then the EVA multiple would be 1.5 for that year, and this multiple would be expressed as "1.5X".    The floor for the EVA multiple (0X) will be set at the prior year's actual EVA, with expected improvement targets built from that starting point.  The EVA multiple will have a ceiling of 2X (200 percent of the target EVA).  For the year ended December 31, 2011, the EVA floor (0X) was $-19,140,000 and the goal (1X) was $-12,134,000.  The achieved multiplier was 0.2X.

MBO Metric:  On an annual basis, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee will establish the MBOs the officers are expected to accomplish for the year.  Unless specifically weighted differently by the Board at the start of the year, each of the MBOs will be equally weighted.  The MBO multiple will have a floor of 0X (0 percent achievement of the objectives) and a ceiling of 1X (100 percent achievement of all of the objectives).  For the year ended December 31, 2011 the achieved MBO multipliers for the named executive officers ranged from 0.75X to 0.87X.

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Sales Metric:  Beginning in 2012, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee will also establish an annual sales target.  The floor for the sales multiple (0X) will be set at the prior year's actual sales, with expected growth built from that starting point.  The sales multiple will have a ceiling of 2X (200 percent of the target sales level).
 
For 2012, the final Bonus Multiplier is expected to be calculated by taking an average of the three metrics described above, with each of the resulting multiples receiving an equal weighting.  Despite the foregoing, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee retains the right to change the weighting of the three metrics for any plan year.  The target bonus percentage is a percentage of the participant's salary, and is expected to be between 40 and 55 percent for each of the named executive officers.

For 2011, each named executive officer's target bonus percentage, Bonus Multiplier, and actual bonus earned were as follows:

 	 	2011 Target Bonus Percentage	 	 	2011 Bonus Multiplier (1)	 	 	2011 Bonus Earned	 	
John E. Sztykiel	 	 	45	%	 	 	31.5	%	 	$	48,479	 	
Thomas G. Gorman	 	 	45	%	 	 	30.5	%	 	 	41,866	 	
Joseph M. Nowicki	 	 	45	%	 	 	30.5	%	 	 	34,315	 	
Thomas T. Kivell	 	 	40	%	 	 	36.5	%	 	 	21,903	 	
William F. Foster	 	 	30	%	 	 	46.7	%	 	 	18,534	 	

 	(1)	For 2011, the bonus multipliers for Messrs. Sztykiel, Gorman, and Nowicki were determined using a weighting of 80% for the EVA metric and 20% for their respective MBO metrics.  The bonus multiplier for Mr. Kivell was determined using a weighting of 70% for the EVA metric and 30% for his MBO metrics and the bonus multiplier for Mr. Foster was determined using a weighting of 60% for the EVA metric and 40% for his MBO metrics.	

For 2012 the Human Resources and Compensation Committee has set the target bonus percentage at 55% for Messrs. Sztykiel, Gorman and Nowicki, and 40% for the remaining named executive officers.

            The ELT Plan generally requires that a portion of the amount that would otherwise be payable to a participant for a given year be deferred or "banked."  Each of the named executive officers was required to defer 25% of the bonus amounts earned in 2011 (and paid in 2012).  The amounts that are banked accrue interest and may be paid in future years, but they are subject to forfeiture in accordance with the terms of the ELT Plan.  For more details regarding these deferral features of the ELT Plan, see the "Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation" table on page 23 and accompanying narrative.

At the discretion of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, any ELT bonus may be paid in the form of the Company's common stock.  For fiscal year 2011, all ELT Plan bonuses, as described above, were paid in cash.

Other Bonuses in 2011

           In March 2011, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee recommended and the Board awarded each of Messrs. Sztykiel, Gorman, and Nowicki a one-time discretionary bonus consisting of a cash payment of $45,000, $30,000, and $30,000, respectively, and 5,555, 3,968, and 3,968 shares of restricted stock, respectively.  These discretionary awards were made in recognition of the leadership of these executives in implementing the various strategic initiatives that had been pursued by the Company at that time, including the acquisitions of Utilimaster and Classic Fire, the divestiture of Road Rescue, and the realignment of the Company's cost structure and balance sheet.  At the same time, the Board approved payment to Mr. Gorman and Mr. Nowicki of $30,000 and $20,000, respectively, for the guaranteed bonuses previously awarded in connection with each of their hires in 2009.

Long Term Incentives

Spartan Motors' equity compensation plans are designed to encourage long-term investment in Spartan Motors by participating executives and employees, more closely align executive and shareholder interests, and reward executive officers and other employees for building shareholder value.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee believes stock ownership by management and other employees is beneficial to all Spartan Motors, Inc. stakeholders.

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Spartan Motors currently has the ability to grant equity-based compensation to its named executive officers under the Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 2003, the Stock Incentive Plan of 2005, and the Stock Incentive Plan of 2007.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee administers all aspects of the plans and reviews, modifies (to the extent appropriate), and approves management's recommendations for awards.

Until 2005, absent unusual circumstances, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee had historically granted stock options on an annual basis to officers, employees, and directors who were employees of Spartan Motors and on a biannual basis to non-employee directors of Spartan Motors.  In 2005, Spartan Motors began the practice of granting shares of restricted stock and stock appreciation rights to officers, key employees and non-employee directors, instead of stock options.

In 2008, the Company discontinued the granting of stock appreciation rights in lieu of restricted stock that vests over time.  This was considered a better method to retain key personnel while rewarding them with equity awards that are aligned with longer term shareholder returns.  In addition, restricted stock awards can be more effective at retaining key personnel in a volatile or depressed stock market. The Company believes that restricted stock helps the executives focus on creating shareholder value, while the time-based vesting feature provides a strong incentive for the executives to commit themselves to the Company for the long-term.  Restricted stock awards also encourage executive officers to manage the Company from the perspective of an owner.

In 2011, the Company granted shares of restricted stock to each of the named executive officers, as shown in the compensation tables below.  In general, the restricted stock awards granted on March 21, 2011 vest at a rate of 20% per year for a period of five years (as long as the executive remains employed with the Company) and those granted on August 10, 2011 vest at a rate of 25% per year for a period of four years (again, as long as the executive remains employed with the Company).  However, for all named executives, unvested restricted stock awards become immediately and fully vested on the date the executive becomes eligible for retirement if he is still employed with the Company at that time.  Mr. Foster was retirement-eligible at the time his stock was granted and therefore received fully-vested stock instead of restricted stock.  Under terms of their respective grants and the Company's equity compensation plans, Mr. Gorman becomes retirement-eligible on February 18, 2014, and Mr. Kivell becomes retirement-eligible on February 7, 2015.  In 2011 the grant date for the 2012 (and subsequent) equity awards was moved to the first quarter, from the third quarter grant date used in 2011 and 2010.  Accordingly, the shares granted in 2011 represent approximately 50% of an expected full year award.

Quantity and Mix of Awards

Through 2011, in determining the number of shares of stock and other share-based awards to be granted to an officer or employee, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee took into consideration the levels of responsibility and compensation of the individual.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee also considered the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer (other than for awards to the Chief Executive Officer), the individual performance of the officer or employee, and the number of shares or other compensation awarded to officers or employees in similar positions at other companies.  Generally, both the number of shares or share-based awards granted and their proportion relative to total compensation increased corresponding to the level of a participant's responsibility.  Although the Human Resources and Compensation Committee also may have taken into consideration the number of options and shares already held by an officer or employee, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee did not consider this factor to be particularly important in determining the size or type of awards.

Beginning in 2012 (for awards to be granted in 2013), stock-based compensation for the Company’s named executive officers will be determined considering Long Term Incentive Compensation (“LTIC”) targets and multiples.  The amount of long term incentive compensation to be awarded to an executive each year (the “Annual LTIC Amount”) is to be determined considering (1) his or her target long term compensation rate ("LTIC Rate") (which is determined separately for different categories of executives and detailed below for the named executive officers), multiplied by (2) the long term compensation multiple ("LTIC Multiple") (described below) and by (3) the executive's annual salary.

The LTIC Rate is determined by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and is expected to be 60 to 65 percent of base pay for the Company’s CEO, CFO and COO, and 30 percent of base pay for the Company’s other named executive officers.

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The LTIC Multiple is determined considering the performance of two metrics:  a shareholder return metric and a strategic objective metric.

Shareholder Return Metric: A portion of the Annual LTIC Amount will be based on performance relative to a shareholder return metric to be established annually by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.   The shareholder return metric may consist of a return on invested capital (ROIC) target, a comparison of Spartan Motors’ total shareholder return to a peer group of companies in similar industries, or other shareholder return metrics as the Human Resources and Compensation Committee deems appropriate.

Strategic objective Metric:  On an annual basis, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee will establish the strategic objectives the officers are expected to accomplish for the year.

The final LTIC Multiplier will be determined considering an average of the two metrics described above, with each of the resulting multiples receiving an equal weighting.  Despite the foregoing the Human Resources and Compensation Committee retains the right to change the weightings of the above metrics for any plan year.

  The Equity-Based Compensation Payment may be made in a combination of restricted-stock grants and options at the discretion of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.    The number of shares to be granted for restricted share grants will be determined by dividing the Annual LTIC Amount for the proportion of the award that is to be in the form of restricted stock by the average stock price over the preceding three years.  The number of stock options granted will be determined by dividing the Annual LTIC Amount for the proportion of the award that is to be in the form of stock options by the calculated Black-Scholes valuation of the options at the grant date.  For example, if one half of the grant is to be in the form of restricted shares and one half is to be in the form of stock options, the number of restricted shares to be granted will be determined by dividing half of the Annual LTIC amount by the average stock price over the preceding three years, and the number of stock options to be issued will be determined by dividing half of the Annual LTIC amount by the calculated Black-Scholes valuation of the options at the grant date.

Chief Executive Officer

The Chief Executive Officer's compensation is based on the policies and objectives outlined above for all executive officers.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee believes that incentive compensation, designed to reward performance, should represent a significant percentage of Mr. Sztykiel's potential compensation.   

Human Resources and Compensation Committee Processes and Procedures; Participation of Management; Benchmarking Process

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors develops and recommends to the Board of Directors Spartan Motors' executive compensation policies.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee also administers Spartan Motors' executive compensation program and recommends for approval to the Board of Directors the compensation to be paid to the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee consists of six directors, none of whom is a current or former employee of Spartan Motors.

Other than Mr. Sztykiel and Mr. Nowicki, none of the Company's named executive officers participate in the discussions with the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.  Mr. Sztykiel and Mr. Nowicki participate only to assist in the process of determining the compensation for executives other than themselves, and to provide information to the Human Resources and Compensation Committee regarding Company performance, operations, strategies, and other information requested by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee's written charter provides that the Committee will review and make recommendations regarding the compensation of executive officers.  Executive compensation decisions must be approved by a majority of the independent members of the Board of Directors.    

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee periodically engages independent third party consultants to provide data and analysis regarding the compensation of executives at our peer group companies and at companies against whom we must compete for talent.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee uses this data to design and implement competitive compensation programs.  Independent consultants engaged by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee do not answer to management.  In 2010, the Committee engaged Aon Hewitt to benchmark officer salaries and other compensation incentives.  This engagement was completed in 2011 and resulted in the base salary adjustments for 2012 described above.

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To perform compensation benchmarking, Aon Hewitt conducted a Total Compensation Measurement study against a custom group of companies.  In determining appropriate peer companies to use as a basis for comparison, Aon Hewitt worked with management under the direction of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and selected 22 specialty manufacturing and automotive organizations.  All market data comparisons were size adjusted using revenue-based regression analysis to represent 50 th  percentile pay levels.  Additional raw statistics were also included in the analysis.  The list of identified peer companies in this survey include:  Alamo Group, Inc.; American Superconductor Corporation; Ameron International Corporation; Brady Corporation; Dorman Products, Inc.; Drew Industries Incorporated; ESCO Technologies, Inc.; Federal Signal Corporation; GenCorp, Inc.; Graco, Inc.; Herman Miller, Inc.; JB Poindexter & Co., Inc.; Kaydon Corporation; Methode Electronics, Inc.; Sauer-Danfoss, Inc.; Standard Motor Products; Stoneridge, Inc.; Supreme Industries, Inc.; Thor Industries, Inc.; TriMas Corporation; United Components, Inc.; and Woodward Governor Company.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee used this information in making its decision for the officers' compensation.

Pricing Equity Awards; Disclosure of Information

Spartan Motors has long observed a policy of setting the exercise price for stock options, stock appreciation rights, and other share-based awards equal to the closing market price on the date of the grant (or most recent closing price if the date of the grant is not a trading day).  Stock options and stock appreciation rights are not repriced.  We do not "backdate" stock options or any other share based payments.  As described above, the price used to determine the number of restricted shares to be granted is the average stock price over the preceding three years and the value used to determine the number of options to be granted is the Black-Scholes valuation of the options at the grant date.

The Board of Directors is committed to maintaining the integrity of the compensation philosophy and programs.  As part of this commitment, Spartan Motors believes that the disclosure of material nonpublic information should never be manipulated for the purpose of enriching compensation awards.  We do not time the release of public information to affect the value of share based awards, and we do not time the grant of share based awards to take advantage of the disclosure of information.

Personal Benefits; Perquisites

We believe that compensation in the form of perquisites and personal benefits do not provide transparency for shareholders or serve our compensation philosophy.  Consequently, such benefits play a very minor role in the compensation program.

Tax Deductibility of Executive Compensation

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code provides that publicly held corporations may not deduct compensation paid to the named executive officers in excess of $1 million annually, with some exceptions.  We have examined the executive compensation policies in light of Section 162(m) and the regulations under that section.  We do not expect that any portion of Spartan Motors' deduction for employee remuneration will be disallowed in 2012 or in future years by reasons of awards granted in 2011.

Other Information

We do not provide a defined benefit pension to our named executive officers.  We have not entered into any formal employment agreements with our executive officers; however, in some cases, we have committed to provide certain benefits to these executives.  Those commitments are described in this Proxy Statement.

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Compensation Summary

The following table shows certain information concerning the compensation earned by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel, and one other executive officer who served as Vice President.  The individuals identified in the table may be referred to as the "named executive officers" in this Proxy Statement.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Name and
Principal Position	 	Year	 	Salary
($)	 	 	Bonus (1)
($)	 	 	Stock
Awards (2)
($)	 	 	Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compen-
sation (3)
($)	 	 	All Other
Compen-
sation (4)
($)	 	 	Total
($)	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
John E. Sztykiel,	 	2011	 	$	342,004	 	 	$	45,000	 	 	$	137,633	 	 	$	48,992	 	 	$	22,751	 	 	$	551,380	 	
  President, CEO, and	 	2010	 	 	318,977	 	 	 	 --	 	 	 	215,000	 	 	 	40,275	 	 	 	23,145	 	 	 	597,397	 	
   Director	 	2009	 	 	338,058	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	679,800	 	 	 	88,799	 	 	 	38,231	 	 	 	1,144,888	 	
Joseph M. Nowicki, (5)	 	2011	 	 	250,016	 	 	 	50,000	 	 	 	95,689	 	 	 	34,689	 	 	 	8,150	 	 	 	438,545	 	
  CFO	 	2010	 	 	237,183	 	 	 	 --	 	 	 	137,600	 	 	 	27,452	 	 	 	5,256	 	 	 	407,491	 	
 	 	2009	 	 	112,507	 	 	 	15,000	 	 	 	169,950	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	2,648	 	 	 	300,105	 	
Thomas W. Gorman, (6)	 	2011	 	 	305,032	 	 	 	60,000	 	 	 	108,199	 	 	 	42,323	 	 	 	9,371	 	 	 	524,925	 	
  COO	 	2010	 	 	287,079	 	 	 	 --	 	 	 	172,000	 	 	 	33,493	 	 	 	6,640	 	 	 	499,212	 	
 	 	2009	 	 	137,264	 	 	 	20,000	 	 	 	226,600	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	3,318	 	 	 	387,182	 	
Thomas T. Kivell,	 	2011	 	 	150,020	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	16,680	 	 	 	22,103	 	 	 	4,080	 	 	 	192,883	 	
  VP and General Counsel	 	2010	 	 	143,535	 	 	 	 --	 	 	 	51,600	 	 	 	14,642	 	 	 	1,947	 	 	 	211,724	 	
 	 	2009	 	 	148,289	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	90,640	 	 	 	1,848	 	 	 	2,269	 	 	 	243,046	 	
William F. Foster,	 	2011	 	 	132,288	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	10,425	 	 	 	18,669	 	 	 	1,964	 	 	 	163,346	 	
  VP and Director	 	2010	 	 	131,779	 	 	 	 --	 	 	 	58,695	 	 	 	10,596	 	 	 	3,912	 	 	 	204,982	 	
 	 	2009	 	 	130,762	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	308,629	 	 	 	20,655	 	 	 	5,171	 	 	 	465,218	 	

(1)	Amounts in this column reflect one-time cash bonuses earned and expensed by the Company in the respective year.	
 	 	
(2)	Amounts shown in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards.  The fair values were determined in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 718, "Stock Compensation."  For information regarding valuation assumptions, see  Note 12 – Stock Based Compensation  to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2011.	
 	 	
(3)	Consists of performance-based non-equity (cash) compensation earned under the ELT Plan (or its predecessor) for the respective year and earnings on awards deferred from prior years.  Please see the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section above and the narrative discussion following this table for details.  Earnings on ELT Plan awards for 2011 for each named executive officer are detailed in the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation table on page 23.	
 	 	
(4)	The 2011 amounts reported in this column consist of (i) the Company's matching contribution to the named executive officer's qualified 401(k) retirement plan as follows:  $4,022 for Mr. Sztykiel, $2,983 for Mr. Nowicki, $2,984 for Mr. Gorman, $2,240 for Mr. Kivell, and $1,964 for Mr. Foster; (ii) dividends paid on restricted stock as follows:  $12,129 for Mr. Sztykiel, $5,167 for Mr. Nowicki, $6,387 for Mr. Gorman, $1,840 for Mr. Kivell, and $0 for Mr. Foster; and (iii) amounts paid for country club dues of $6,600 for Mr. Sztykiel.	
 	 	
(5)	Mr. Nowicki joined the Company on June 30, 2009.  Accordingly, the information presented for 2009 is for a partial year.	
 	 	
(6)	Mr. Gorman joined the Company on June 30, 2009.  Accordingly, the information presented for 2009 is for a partial year.	

 
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Grants of Plan-Based Awards During 2011

The following table provides information concerning each grant of an award made to the named executive officers in the last completed fiscal year.

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

 	 	 	 	Date the Compensation	 	Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1)	 	Estimated Possible Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2)	 	All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units
(#)(3)	 	Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards(4)	
Name	 	Grant Date	 	Committee Took Action	 	Threshold
($)	 	Target
($)	 	Maximum
($)	 	Threshold
(#)	 	Target
(#)	 	Maxi mum
(#)	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
John E. Sztykiel	 	N/A	 	N/A	 	$	0	 	$	153,902	 	$	230,853	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	$	--	
 	 	8/10/11	 	7/20/11	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	24,400	 	 	101,748	
 	 	3/21/11	 	3/4/11	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	5,555	 	 	35,885	
Joseph M. Nowicki	 	N/A	 	N/A	 	 	0	 	 	112,507	 	 	168,761	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	
 	 	8/10/11	 	7/20/11	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	16,800	 	 	70,056	
 	 	3/21/11	 	3/4/11	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	3,968	 	 	25,633	
Thomas G. Gorman	 	N/A	 	N/A	 	 	0	 	 	137,264	 	 	205,897	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	
 	 	8/10/11	 	7/20/11	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	19,800	 	 	82,566	
 	 	3/21/11	 	3/4/11	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	3,968	 	 	25,633	
Thomas T. Kivell	 	N/A	 	N/A	 	 	0	 	 	60,008	 	 	90,012	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	
 	 	8/10/11	 	7/20/11	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	4,000	 	 	16,680	
William F. Foster	 	N/A	 	N/A	 	 	0	 	 	39,686	 	 	59,530	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	
 	 	8/10/11	 	7/20/11	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	--	 	 	1,714	 	 	7,147	

(1)	The amounts reported in these columns are not actual awards.  They represent the possible threshold, target, and maximum awards that could have been earned by each named executive officer for fiscal year 2011 under the ELT Plan described under "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" above.  The actual amount earned by each named executive officer under the ELT Plan for fiscal year 2011 is reported in the Summary Compensation Table above.  The threshold amounts represent the minimum bonus payable to the named executive officer under the ELT Plan.  Generally, there is no guarantee of any minimum bonus under the ELT Plan.  The target amounts represent the target cash award for each named executive officer for 2011 performance.  Each target amount assumes a Bonus Multiple of 1.0X.  Each maximum amount represents the maximum annual bonus payable to the named executive officer under the ELT Plan and is calculated based on a Bonus Multiple of 1.5X.  For details regarding how awards under the ELT Plan are determined, see the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section above.	

 
-20-

 
(2)	These columns typically represent possible awards of common stock under the Company's ELT Plan.  Under the terms of the ELT Plan, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, may pay all or any portion of an annual cash bonus under the ELT Plan in the form of Spartan Motors common stock.   For 2011, it was expected that the Human Resources and Compensation Committee would elect to pay all awards earned under the ELT Plan in cash; therefore, no target amounts are reported in these columns.	
 	 	
(3)	For Mr. Sztykiel, Mr. Nowicki, Mr. Gorman, and Mr. Kivell, the amount reported in this column reflects the number of shares of common stock issued to the named executive during 2011.  Shares granted on March 21, 2011 are subject to 5-year vesting schedules (20% per year beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date).  Shares granted on August 10, 2011 are subject to 4-year vesting schedules (25% per year beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date).  Because Mr. Foster was retirement-eligible at the time his shares were granted, the shares were fully vested on the date of grant.  Dividends are paid on shares of restricted stock at the rate dividends are paid on common stock.  All restricted stock have voting rights and are subject to cancellation in the event of termination from employment for reasons other than death, disability, or retirement.	
 	 	
(4)	Amounts reported equal the aggregate grant date fair value determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, "Stock Compensation," and do not represent cash payments to or amounts realized by the named executive officers. For valuation assumptions, see  Note 12 – Stock Based Compensation  to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2011.	

The Company paid the compensation set forth in the Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of Plan Based Awards table pursuant to the philosophy, procedures, and practices set forth in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section above.

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2011

The following table provides information concerning unexercised options, SARs, and restricted stock that had not vested for each named executive officer outstanding as of December 31, 2011.

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

 	OPTION AWARDS	 	STOCK AWARDS	

 

 
Name	 	Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable(1)
(#)	 	Option
Exercise
Price(2)
($)	 	Option
Expiration
Date	 	Number of Shares or Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested(3)
(#)	 	Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested(4)
($)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
John E. Sztykiel	 	44,998
45,000
44,999
11,250
28,125
23,000	 	$	5.06
4.49
5.30
4.57
10.12
7.64	 	12/31/2012
12/31/2013
12/31/2014
12/31/2015
12/29/2016
12/31/2017	 	114,730	 	$	551,851	
Joseph M. Nowicki	 	--	 	 	--	 	--	 	55,368	 	 	266,320	
Thomas W. Gorman	 	--	 	 	--	 	--	 	67,768	 	 	325,964	
Thomas T. Kivell	 	--	 	 	--	 	--	 	18,400	 	 	88,504	
William F. Foster	 	28,123
28,125
28,124
7,030
15,000
14,000	 	 	5.06
4.49
5.30
4.57
10.12
7.64	 	12/31/2012
12/31/2013
12/31/2014
12/31/2015
12/29/2016
12/31/2017	 	--	 	 	--	

(1)	All of the options and SARs reported in this table are fully exercisable.	
 	 	
(2)	The exercise price for any option or SARs is set pursuant to the related Company stock incentive plan under which it was issued.  Incentive stock options granted under the 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan or the Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 1998 must have an exercise price equal to at least 100% of the fair market value of Spartan Motors stock on the grant date.  All stock options granted under the Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 2003, the Stock Incentive Plan of 2005, or the Stock Incentive Plan of 2007 must have an exercise price equal to at least 100% of the fair market value of Spartan Motors stock on the grant date.  Refer to  Note 12 – Stock Based Compensation  to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further information.	
 	 	
(3)	The vesting dates for shares of restricted stock that have not vested as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:

 
-21-

 
Named
Executive Officer	 	 
Vesting Dates	
 	 	 	
John E. Sztykiel	 	8,775 shares on 7/3/12
12,000 shares on each of 6/30/12, 6/30/13, and 6/30/14
1,111 shares on each of 3/21/12, 3/21/13, 3/21/14, 3/21/15, and 3/21/16
16,100 shares on each of 8/10/12, 8/10/13, 8/10/14, and 8/10/15	
 	 	 	
Joseph M. Nowicki	 	3,000 shares on each of 6/30/12, 6/30/13, and 6/30/14
793.6 shares on each of 3/21/12, 3/21/13, 3/21/14, 3/21/15, and 3/21/16
10,600 shares on each of 8/10/12, 8/10/13, 8/10/14, and 8/10/15	
 	 	 	
Thomas W. Gorman	 	4,000 shares on each of 6/30/12 and 6/30/13
793.6 shares on each of 3/21/12 and 3/21/13
12,950 shares on each of 8/10/12 and 8/10/13
32,281 shares on 2/18/14	
 	 	 	
Thomas T. Kivell	 	1,600 shares on each of 6/30/12, 6/30/13 and 6/30/14
3,400 shares on each of 8/10/12, 8/10/13, 8/10/14 and 2/7/15	
 	 	 	
William F. Foster	 	N/A	

(4)	The market value of the unvested restricted stock is determined by multiplying the closing market price of the Spartan Motors' common stock as of December 31, 2011 ($4.81) by the number of shares of stock.	

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2011

The following table provides information concerning the vesting of restricted stock during 2011 for each of the named executive officers on an aggregated basis and all stock option exercises by named executive officers during 2011.

STOCK VESTED

 	 	Option Awards	 	 	Stock Awards	 	
Name	 	Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#)	 	 	Value
Realized on Exercise (1) ($)	 	 	Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)	 	 	Value Realized on Vesting(2) ($)	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
John E. Sztykiel	 	 	--	 	 	$	--	 	 	 	37,525	 	 	$	191,037	 	
Joseph M. Nowicki	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	9,400	 	 	 	42,888	 	
Thomas W. Gorman	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	12,000	 	 	 	54,960	 	
Thomas T. Kivell	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	4,000	 	 	 	18,648	 	
William F. Foster	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	

-22-

 
(1)	The amounts in this column are determined by multiplying (a) the number of shares of stock acquired upon exercise of the options by (b) the difference between the market price of the underlying shares on the exercise date and the exercise price of the options.	
(2)	The amounts in this column are determined by multiplying the number of shares of stock vesting by the market value of the underlying shares on the vesting date (or, if the vesting date is not a trading day, the  trading day immediately preceding the vesting date).	

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

The following table provides information concerning non-qualified deferred compensation for 2011.  This table should be read in conjunction with the narrative discussion that follows the table.
 
NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
 
Name	 	Plan(1)	 	Executive
Contributions
In Last
FY(2)
($)	 	 	Registrant
Contributions
In Last
FY(3)
($)	 	 	Aggregate
Earnings
In Last
FY(4)
($)	 	 	Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
In Last FY
($)	 	 	Aggregate
Balance
At Last
FYE
($)	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
John E. Sztykiel	 	ELT Plan	 	$	12,120	 	 	$	--	 	 	$	513	 	 	$	9,901	 	 	$	12,120	 	
 	 	SERP	 	 	37,211	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	(3,744	)	 	 	--	 	 	 	181,439	 	
 	 	Total	 	 	49,331	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	(3,231	)	 	 	9,901	 	 	 	193,559	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Joseph M. Nowicki	 	ELT Plan	 	 	8,579	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	375	 	 	 	7,238	 	 	 	8,579	 	
 	 	SERP	 	 	10,207	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	733	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	20,946	 	
 	 	Total	 	 	18,786	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	1,108	 	 	 	7,238	 	 	 	29,525	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Thomas W. Gorman	 	ELT Plan	 	 	10,466	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	457	 	 	 	8,830	 	 	 	10,466	 	
 	 	SERP	 	 	49,489	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	3,251	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	81,290	 	
 	 	Total	 	 	59,955	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	3,708	 	 	 	8,830	 	 	 	91,756	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Thomas T. Kivell	 	ELT Plan	 	 	5,476	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	200	 	 	 	3,860	 	 	 	5,476	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
William F. Foster	 	ELT Plan	 	 	4,633	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	135	 	 	 	2,616	 	 	 	4,633	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	Total	 	 	138,181	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	1,920	 	 	 	32,445	 	 	 	324,949	 	

(1)	Messrs. Sztykiel, Nowicki, and Gorman were the only named executive officer who participated in the SERP in 2010.  Please see the narrative discussion following this table for more information.	
 	 	
(2)	The amounts reported in this column consist of mandatory and voluntary deferrals under the ELT Plan (and its predecessor plan), and for Messrs. Sztykiel, Nowicki, and Gorman only, deferrals of compensation under the SERP.  All ELT Plan and SERP employee deferrals in previous fiscal years were disclosed in the applicable year's Summary Compensation Table.	
 	 	
(3)	Spartan Motors does not make matching contributions on behalf of participants in the ELT Plan.  Participant contributions to the SERP are matched by the Company at the discretion of the Board of Directors and included in the "All Other Compensation" column in the Summary Compensation Table above.	
 	 	
(4)	Participants in the ELT Plan earn interest on any deferred balances at an annual rate equal to the lower of: (a) the highest rate the Company pays at the time of the deferral on its debt capital, or (b) 10%.  For 2011, the interest rate on deferred balances was 5.46%.   Interest continues to be credited at this rate until the deferrals and the related accrued interest are paid or reset in the following year based on the parameters above. Earnings on the SERP are determined by investment choices made by the SERP participants from options determined by the Company.  The investment choices consist of specified mutual funds (primarily those offered by Fidelity Investments).  Only the amounts earned related to the ELT Plan are reported as non-equity incentive plan compensation in the Summary Compensation Table above.	

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Spartan Motors maintains two non-qualified deferred compensation plans:  the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") and the Spartan Motors, Inc. Executive Leadership Team Incentive Compensation Plan (the "ELT Plan").

The SERP

The SERP is a non-qualified defined contribution plan administered by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee that allows eligible participants to defer compensation and incentive amounts and provides for discretionary matching and profit-sharing type contributions by the Company.  The SERP is operated much like the Company's 401(k) plan, but participation is limited to a select group of employees determined by the Board of Directors.  The SERP is a funded plan, however, the participants are merely general creditors of the Company.  The SERP's assets are subject to other creditors of the Company in some circumstances.  In 2011, Messrs. Sztykiel, Nowicki, and Gorman were the only named executive officers who participated in the SERP.

The SERP allows participants to defer up to 25% of their base salary and up to 50% of their cash bonuses each year.  At the beginning of each plan year, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee may elect to match all or a specified portion of each participant's contribution for that year.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee will generally provide that each participant will receive a matching contribution equal to the matching contribution that the participant would have received under the Company's 401(k) plan but for limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code.  In addition, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, make an additional matching contribution and/or a profit-sharing type contribution to the SERP each year.

Contributions to the SERP are transferred to an irrevocable rabbi trust where each participant has a bookkeeping account in his name.  Earnings on each participant's SERP balance are determined by the investment election of the participants.  The investment options available to participants consist primarily of mutual funds offered by Fidelity Investments.

All participants are always fully vested in their elective deferrals, and such deferrals will be distributed upon termination of employment, death, disability, or a change in control of the Company.  Amounts are also distributable upon an unforeseeable emergency.  Matching and profit-sharing contributions contributed by the Company will vest at a rate of 20% per year over a five-year period and may be distributed upon the later of attainment of age 60 and termination of employment, or upon earlier death, disability, or change in control of the Company.  Any unvested matching or profit-sharing contributions will become fully vested if a participant retires upon reaching age 60, dies, or becomes disabled.  Matching contributions and profit-sharing contributions may be forfeited if the participant enters into competition with the Company, divulges confidential information about the Company, or induces Company employees to leave their employment to compete with the Company.

Distributions from the SERP may be made in a lump sum or in an installment plan not to exceed 10 years (at the election of the participant).

The ELT Plan

Deferred compensation is only a secondary feature of the ELT Plan; the primary purpose of the plan is to provide an incentive for the executives and certain other key associates to earn a bonus based on specified measures of operating performance.  The calculation of awards under the ELT Plan is described in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section above.  The deferral features of the plan are described here.

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Mandatory Deferral. Each participant in the ELT Plan is required to defer a portion of the current year's annual incentive bonus earned.  Each of the named executive officers was required to defer 25% of his bonus earned for 2011, to be paid at the time the 2012 ELT bonus (if any) is paid in 2013.

Interest on Mandatory Deferrals.  Interest is credited on any deferred balances at an annual rate equal to the lower of:  (a) the highest rate the Company pays at the time of the deferral on its debt capital, or (b) 10%.  Interest continues to be credited at this rate until the deferrals and the related accrued interest are paid or the rate is reset in the following year based on the parameters above.

Annual Incentive Bonus Cash Payout.  Payments on annual incentive bonuses to all participants in the ELT Plan employed by the Company on the last day of the performance year are calculated and paid no later than March 15 of the year following the end of the performance year.  The amount of the annual payout is equal to the sum of:

 	·	100% of any unpaid carryover balance (mandatory deferred balance) from prior years; plus	
 	 	 	
 	·	the annual incentive bonus earned for the current performance year; less	
 	 	 	
 	·	the deferred amount for the current performance year.	

Termination of Employment; Change of Control; Death, Disability, and Retirement.  Subject to certain exceptions, if a participant's employment voluntarily or involuntarily terminates for any reason other than death, disability, or retirement during any performance year, the participant will not earn an annual incentive bonus for that year.  The participant will receive 50% of his or her mandatory deferred balance.  See footnote two to the Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control table below for further details.

If a participant dies, becomes disabled, retires, is no longer eligible to participate in the plan, or if there is a change in control (all as defined in the ELT Plan), then the participant receives a prorated annual incentive bonus for the year in which the event occurs and all of the participant's mandatory deferred balances.

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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control	

The following table summarizes the potential payments and benefits payable to the Company's named executive officers upon termination of employment in connection with each of the triggering events set forth in the table below, assuming, in each situation, that the triggering event took place on December 31, 2011.  The closing market price of Spartan Motors common stock was $4.81 as of December 31, 2011.

TRIGGERING EVENT AND PAYMENTS/BENEFITS

 	 	John E.
Sztykiel	 	 	Joseph M.
Nowicki	 	 	Thomas W.
Gorman	 	 	Thomas T.
Kivell	 	 	William F.
Foster	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Change in Control	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
  Early Vesting of Restricted Stock (1)	 	$	551,851	 	 	$	266,320	 	 	$	325,964	 	 	$	88,504	 	 	$	--	 	
  EVA Plan (2)	 	 	12,120	 	 	 	8,579	 	 	 	10,466	 	 	 	5,476	 	 	 	4,633	 	
  SERP Plan (3)	 	 	181,439	 	 	 	20,946	 	 	 	81,290	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Death	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
  Early Vesting of Restricted Stock (1)	 	 	551,851	 	 	 	266,320	 	 	 	325,964	 	 	 	88,504	 	 	 	--	 	
  EVA Plan (2)	 	 	12,120	 	 	 	8,579	 	 	 	10,466	 	 	 	5,476	 	 	 	4,633	 	
  SERP Plan (3)	 	 	181,439	 	 	 	20,946	 	 	 	81,290	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Disability	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
  Early Vesting of Restricted Stock (1)	 	 	551,851	 	 	 	266,320	 	 	 	325,964	 	 	 	88,504	 	 	 	--	 	
  EVA Plan (2)	 	 	12,120	 	 	 	8,579	 	 	 	10,466	 	 	 	5,476	 	 	 	4,633	 	
  SERP Plan (3)	 	 	181,439	 	 	 	20,946	 	 	 	81,290	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Retirement	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
  Early Vesting of Restricted Stock (1)	 	 	551,851	 	 	 	266,320	 	 	 	325,964	 	 	 	88,504	 	 	 	--	 	
  EVA Plan (2)	 	 	12,120	 	 	 	8,579	 	 	 	10,466	 	 	 	5,476	 	 	 	4,633	 	
  SERP Plan (3)	 	 	181,439	 	 	 	20,946	 	 	 	81,290	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Other	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
  Termination Without Cause (4)	 	 	--	 	 	 	250,000	 	 	 	305,000	 	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	

(1)	Under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2007, the Stock Incentive Plan of 2005, and the Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 2003, upon a change in control of the Company, all of the named executive officers' unvested stock options and stock appreciation rights become immediately exercisable in full and will remain exercisable during their remaining terms.  All other outstanding incentive awards of the named executive officers become immediately and fully vested and nonforfeitable upon a change in control of the Company.  The Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 1998 allows the Human Resources and Compensation Committee to include provisions in incentive awards that accelerate the vesting or elimination of restrictions on incentive awards upon a change in control of the Company.  The 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan allows a participant to exercise his or her wholly or partially unexercised options for a limited period of time prior to the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or upon a merger or consolidation of the Company in which the Company is not the surviving corporation.	
 	 	
 	The Human Resources and Compensation Committee approved on October 23, 2006 that a participant's shares of restricted stock under all existing stock incentive plans will become immediately vested upon death, disability, or the participant becoming retirement-eligible.  Under the stock incentive plans of 2003, 2005 and 2007, the only plans under which restricted shares have been granted, all restricted stock will become fully vested upon change in control of the Company.	

 
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(2)	In the event a participant in the ELT Plan dies, becomes disabled, or retires or in the event of a change in control of the Company (defined as the acquisition by a purchaser of more than 50% of the Company's stock or substantially all the assets of the Company), 100% of the sum of the mandatory deferred balances is payable to the participant within 30 days after the triggering event.  For terminations other than death, disability, retirement, or change in control prior to the end of the performance year, 50% of the sum of mandatory deferred  balances is payable to the participant within 30 days after separation from service, but not in a later taxable year.	
 	 	
(3)	Amount reflects accumulated balance, earnings to date on the balance, and registrant contributions for the SERP plan.	
 	 	
(4)	Amounts reported in this row reflect severance payments the Company is obligated to make to the named executive officer upon any termination of employment without cause.	

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Compensation of Directors	

Compensation for the Board of Directors is established by the full Board based on input from external compensation experts.  The following table provides information concerning the compensation of directors for Spartan's last completed fiscal year.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 
 
Name(1)(2)(3)	 	Fees Earned
or Paid
in Cash
($)	 	 	Stock
Awards (4)
($)	 	 	 
Total
($)	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Hugh W. Sloan, Jr.	 	$	83,000	 	 	$	43,160	 	 	$	126,160	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Richard F. Dauch	 	 	41,500	 	 	 	21,580	 	 	 	63,080	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Ronald Harbour	 	 	41,500	 	 	 	21,580	 	 	 	63,080	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Kenneth Kaczmarek	 	 	46,375	 	 	 	21,580	 	 	 	67,995	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Richard R. Current	 	 	46,375	 	 	 	21,580	 	 	 	67,995	 	
______________________
(1)	Named executive officers who served as directors during 2011 (John Sztykiel and William Foster) received no additional compensation for their service as directors.  All compensation paid to Mr. Sztykiel and Mr. Foster is reported in the Summary Compensation Table above.  Mr. Foster retired from the Board of Directors as of the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders.	
 	 	
(2)	Mr. Rooke did not join the Board until February of 2012 and is therefore not included in the table above.	
 	 	
(3)	As of December 31, 2011, each director had outstanding the following aggregate number of (a) unvested stock awards and (b) options to purchase or SAR awards (all of which are vested) with respect to the following number of shares:	

 
 
Name	 	Outstanding
Stock
Awards
- # of shares	 	 	Outstanding
Option/SAR
Awards
- # of shares	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Hugh W. Sloan, Jr.	 	 	20,470	 	 	 	3,900	 	
Richard F. Dauch	 	 	9,415	 	 	 	--	 	
Ronald Harbour	 	 	11,535	 	 	 	--	 	
Kenneth Kaczmarek	 	 	11,535	 	 	 	19,649	 	
Richard R. Current	 	 	11,535	 	 	 	--	 	

 	 	
(4)	Amounts shown in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock awards granted during 2011.  The fair values were determined in accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 718, "Stock Compensation."  For information regarding valuation assumptions, see  Note 12 – Stock Based Compensation  to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2011.	

Each non-employee director received a $10,000 quarterly retainer fee for the first three quarters of 2011 and a $11,500 retainer fee for the fourth quarter of 2011, except for the Chairman of the Board, who received a $20,000 quarterly retainer fee for the first three quarters of 2011 and a $23,000 retainer fee for the fourth quarter of 2011.

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Committee chairs received an additional quarterly fee in 2011 as follows:

 	 	 	First through
Third Quarter	Fourth Quarter	
 	·	Audit Committee Chairman	$1,000	$1,875	
 	 	 	 	 	
 	·	Human Resources and Compensation Committee Chairman	$1,000	$1,875	
 
In 2011, each non-employee director other than the Chairman of the Board received a grant of 5,175 shares of restricted stock on August 10, 2011.  The Chairman of the Board received a grant of 10,350 shares of restricted stock on August 10, 2011.  Such grants were made under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.  The restricted stock has a vesting period of three years.  When a non-employee director retires (as described below), all restricted stock granted under the Plan shall vest in accordance with their terms and their ownership of the restricted stock will not be affected.

Retirement occurs when a director completes a term for which he or she was elected and either (i) the director is not re-elected by shareholders for a subsequent term, or (ii) the director declines to stand for re-election and such director is 62 years of age or 60 years of age with at least 10 years of service with the Company.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee has sole discretion in applying an appropriate age or other factors as may be set forth in the Incentive Award agreement or other grant document with respect to a director, participant, or a particular incentive award.

Directors are also eligible to participate in the Spartan Motors, Inc. Directors' Stock Purchase Plan.  This plan provides that non-employee directors of Spartan Motors may elect to receive at least 25% and up to 100% of their "director's fees" in the form of Spartan Motors common stock.  The term "director's fees" means the amount of income payable to a non-employee director for his or her service as a director of Spartan Motors, including payments for attendance at meetings of Spartan Motors' Board of Directors or meetings of committees of the Board, and any retainer fee paid to such persons as members of the Board.  A non-employee director who elects to receive Spartan Motors common stock in lieu of some or all of his or her director's fees will, on or shortly after each "applicable date," receive a number of shares of common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) determined by dividing (1) the dollar amount of the director's fees payable to him or her on the applicable date that he or she has elected to receive in common stock by (2) the market value of common stock on the applicable date.  The term "applicable date" means any date on which a director's fee is payable to the participant .   To date, no shares have been issued under this plan.

Human Resources and Compensation Committee Report	

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the information provided under the heading "Compensation Discussion and Analysis."  Based on this review and discussion, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in Spartan's annual report on Form 10-K and in this Proxy Statement.

Respectfully submitted,

Kenneth Kaczmarek, Chairman
Hugh W. Sloan, Jr.
Ronald Harbour
Richard R. Current
Richard F. Dauch
Andrew Rooke

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Human Resources and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation	

Messrs. Kaczmarek (Chair), Sloan, Harbour, Current, and Dauch served as members of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee during 2011.  None of these members of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee were, during 2011, an officer or employee of Spartan Motors or formerly an officer of Spartan Motors. None of Spartan's executive officers served as a member of a Compensation Committee (or Board committee performing a similar function) for another entity.

Transactions with Related Persons	

The Code of Ethics and Compliance, available for viewing at the Company's website at www.spartanmotors.com, requires all officers and employees who may have a potential or apparent conflict of interest to immediately notify the Compliance Officer and requires all directors who may have a potential or apparent conflict of interest to immediately notify the remaining members of the Board of Directors.  The Company expects its directors, officers and employees to act and make decisions that are in the Company's best interests and encourage them to avoid situations which present a conflict between the Company's interests and their own personal interests. The directors, officers and employees are prohibited from taking any action that makes it difficult to perform his or her Company work objectively and effectively, or that cloud or interfere with that person's judgment in the course of his or her job for the Company.

Additionally, it is the Company's unwritten policy that the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviews all material transactions with any related person as identified by management.  Generally speaking, a "related" person is a director, executive officer, or affiliate of the Company, or a family member of a director, executive officer, or affiliate of the Company.  To identify related person transactions, each year the Company requires its directors and executive officers to complete questionnaires identifying any transactions with the Company in which the officer or director or their family members have an interest. Additionally, material undertakings by the Company are reviewed by management, with a view, in part, to identify if a related person is involved. A "related person transaction" is any transaction involving more than $120,000 in which the Company participates and a "related" person has a direct or indirect material interest.  The Audit Committee intends to approve only those related person transactions that are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders (or not inconsistent with the best interests of the Company or its shareholders).

Since January 1, 2011, the Company did not engage in any transactions, nor are any such transactions currently proposed, in which a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest and which involves an amount exceeding $120,000.

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Proposal:  Approval of Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2012	
 
The Board of Directors believes that the long-term interests of Spartan Motors are advanced by aligning the interests of its directors, officers, and employees with the interests of its shareholders. Therefore, to attract, retain, and motivate directors, officers, and key employees of exceptional abilities, and to recognize the significant contributions these individuals have made to the long-term performance and growth of Spartan Motors and its subsidiaries, on February 23, 2012, the Board of Directors adopted and approved, subject to shareholder approval, the Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 (the "Plan"). The Plan is intended to supplement and continue the compensation policies and practices of our other equity compensation plans, which we have used for several years, including our 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan, our Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 1998, our Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 2003, our Stock Incentive Plan of 2005, and our Stock Incentive Plan of 2007. Because there are a limited number of shares available for issuance under previously authorized plans (approximately 40,000 shares in total as of March 26, 2012), the Board of Directors believes that approval of the Plan is advisable to make additional shares available for awards.
 
We intend to use the Plan to grant equity-based incentives to eligible participants. Like our Stock Incentive Plan of 2007, the Plan would permit the grant of several forms of long-term incentive compensation, if determined to be desirable to advance the purposes of the Plan. These forms of long-term incentive compensation include incentive stock options (within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code), non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, restricted stock, and stock awards (together with incentive stock options, collectively referred to as "incentive awards"). By combining in a single plan many types of incentives commonly used in long-term incentive compensation programs, the Plan is intended to provide Spartan Motors with a great deal of flexibility in designing specific long-term incentives to best promote the objectives of the Plan and in turn promote the interests of our shareholders.
 
If shareholders approve the Plan, then incentive awards could be granted to eligible participants. No incentive awards would be granted under the Plan on a date that is more than 10 years after the Plan's effective date. The effective date of the Plan will be the date of the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders, if the shareholders approve the Plan. Incentive awards would be granted under the Plan to participants for no cash consideration or for such minimum consideration as determined by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee. The Plan would not be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and would not be subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Plan is drafted to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, which imposes specific rules on timing and payment of deferred compensation.
 
The following is a summary of the principal features of the Plan; however, it is not complete and, therefore, you should not rely solely on it for a detailed description of every aspect of the Plan. The summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms of the Plan, a copy of which is attached as  Appendix A  to this proxy statement. Included in the summary is information regarding the effect of U.S. federal tax laws upon participants and Spartan Motors. This information is not a complete summary of such tax laws and does not discuss the income tax laws of any state or foreign country in which a participant may reside, and is subject to change. Participants in the Plan should consult their own tax advisors regarding the specific tax consequences to them of participating in and receiving incentive awards under the Plan.
 
Authorized Shares
 
Subject to certain anti-dilution and other adjustments, 2,000,000 shares of Spartan Motors common stock would be available for incentive awards under the Plan. Shares of common stock authorized under the Plan could be either unissued shares, shares issued and repurchased by Spartan Motors (including shares purchased on the open market), shares issued and otherwise reacquired by Spartan Motors, or shares otherwise held by Spartan Motors. Shares subject to incentive awards that are canceled, surrendered, modified, exchanged for substitute incentive awards, or that expire or terminate would remain available under the Plan. On March 26, 2012, the closing price of Spartan Motors common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market was $5.30 per share. The Plan would limit the number of shares authorized under the Plan to be issued as stock awards, restricted stock, or restricted stock units to no more than 67% (1,340,000 shares) of the total number of shares authorized by the Plan. The Plan would not allow any participant to receive, in any calendar year, incentive awards issued under the Plan with respect to more than 125,000 shares of Spartan Motors common stock. Upon the occurrence of certain corporate events (e.g., merger, stock dividend), the Human Resources and Compensation Committee would adjust the incentive awards appropriately.

-31-

 
Eligible Participants
 
We anticipate that the persons who will receive incentive awards under the Plan will be directors of Spartan Motors (currently seven persons) and executive officers (currently five persons, one of whom is also a director) and other employees (currently approximately 24 additional persons) of Spartan Motors and its subsidiaries. Additional individuals may become directors, officers, or employees in the future and could participate in the Plan. Directors, nominees for director, officers, and employees of Spartan Motors and its subsidiaries may be considered to have an interest in the Plan because they may in the future receive incentive awards under it.
 
The Plan applies to both employees of Spartan Motors and non-employee directors. No incentive awards have yet been made under the Plan. As such, the benefits to be received by our directors, executive officers, and other employees are not presently determinable, and the benefits that would have been received had the Plan been in effect for the most recent fiscal year are similarly not determinable because Spartan Motors already has other restricted stock and option plans that are in effect and under which restricted shares and options may still be awarded.
 
Administration of the Plan
 
The Plan would be administered by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee would determine, subject to the terms of the Plan, the persons to receive incentive awards, the nature and amount of incentive awards to be granted to each person (subject to the limits specified in the Plan), the time of each grant, the terms and duration of each grant, and all other determinations necessary or advisable for administration of the Plan. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee could amend the terms of incentive awards granted under the Plan from time to time in any manner, subject to the limitations specified in the Plan.
 
Stock Options
 
The Plan would permit Spartan Motors to grant to participants options to purchase shares of Spartan Motors common stock at stated prices for specific periods of time. Certain stock options that could be granted to employees under the Plan may qualify as incentive stock options, as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan also allows for the grant of stock options to employees and to non-employee directors that are not intended to qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code. Incentive stock options would be available only for employees. They would not be available for directors who are not employees. Unless the Plan is terminated earlier by the Board of Directors, stock options could be granted at any time before May 22, 2022, when the Plan will terminate according to its terms. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee could award options for any amount of consideration or no consideration, as the Human Resources and Compensation Committee determines.
 
The Human Resources and Compensation Committee would establish the terms of individual stock option grants in stock option agreements or certificates of award, or both. These documents would contain terms, conditions, and restrictions that the Human Resources and Compensation Committee determines to be appropriate. These restrictions could include vesting requirements to encourage long-term ownership of shares.
 
The exercise price of a stock option would be determined by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, but must be at least 100% of the market value of Spartan Motors common stock on the date of grant. No stock option could be repriced, replaced, regranted through cancellation, or modified without shareholder approval if the effect of such repricing, replacement, regrant, or modification would be to reduce the exercise price of such stock options to the same participant, and no repricing, replacement, regrant, or modification will be permitted to reduce the exercise price below market value on the date of the grant.
 
When exercising all or a portion of a stock option, a participant could pay the exercise price with cash or, if permitted by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, shares of Spartan Motors common stock that the participant has held for at least six months, or other consideration substantially equal to cash. In addition, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee may implement a program for broker-assisted cashless exercises of stock options.
 
Although the term of each stock option would be determined by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, no stock option would be exercisable under the Plan after 10 years from the date it was granted. Stock options generally would be exercisable if an option holder dies or becomes disabled, or for limited periods of time if an option holder is terminated without cause or voluntarily leaves his or her employment or directorship before retirement (as defined in the Plan). If an option holder is terminated for cause (as determined by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee or officers designated by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee), the option holder would forfeit all rights to exercise any outstanding stock options. Subject to the other terms of the Plan, if an option holder retires (as specified in the Plan), he or she could exercise options for the remainder of their terms, unless the terms of the option agreement or award provide otherwise.

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Without Human Resources and Compensation Committee approval, stock options granted under the Plan generally could not be transferred, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, unless transfer is permitted by the terms of the grant or the applicable stock option agreement. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee could impose other restrictions on shares of common stock acquired through a stock option exercise.
 
Federal Tax Consequences of Stock Options
 
Incentive Stock Options. Under current federal income tax laws, an option holder would not recognize income and Spartan Motors would not receive a deduction at the time an incentive stock option is granted or at the time the incentive stock option is exercised. However, the difference between the market value of the common stock subject to the incentive stock option and the exercise price would be a tax preference item for purposes of calculating alternative minimum tax. Upon the sale or other disposition of the common stock acquired pursuant to an incentive stock option, as long as (i) the option holder held the stock for at least one year after the exercise of the stock option and at least two years after the grant of the stock option, and (ii) the stock option is exercised not later than three months after termination of employment (one year in the event of disability), the option holder's basis would equal the exercise price and the option holder would pay tax on the difference between the sale proceeds and the exercise price as capital gain. Spartan Motors would receive no deduction for federal income tax purposes under these circumstances. Special rules apply when an option holder dies.
 
If an option holder fails to meet any of the conditions described above relating to holding periods and exercises following termination of employment, he or she generally would recognize compensation taxed as ordinary income equal to the difference between (1) the lesser of (a) the fair market value of the common stock acquired pursuant to the stock option at the time of exercise or (b) the amount realized on the sale or disposition and (2) the exercise price paid for the stock. Spartan Motors would then receive a corresponding deduction for federal income tax purposes, except to the extent that the deduction limits of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code apply. Additional gains, if any, recognized by the option holder would result in the recognition of short- or long-term capital gain.
 
Nonqualified Stock Options. Federal income tax laws provide different rules for nonqualified stock options - those options that do not meet the Internal Revenue Code's definition of an incentive stock option. Under current federal income tax laws, an option holder would not recognize any income and Spartan Motors would not receive a deduction when a nonqualified stock option is granted. If a nonqualified option is exercised, the option holder would recognize compensation income equal to the difference between the exercise price paid and the market value of the stock acquired upon exercise (on the date of exercise). Spartan Motors would receive a corresponding deduction for federal income tax purposes, except to the extent that the deduction limits of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code apply. The option holder's tax basis in the shares acquired would be the exercise price paid plus the amount of compensation income recognized. Sale of the stock after exercise would result in recognition of short-term or long-term capital gain (or loss).
 
Stock Appreciation Rights
 
The Plan would also permit the Human Resources and Compensation Committee to grant stock appreciation rights. A stock appreciation right permits the holder to receive the difference between the market value of the shares of common stock subject to the stock appreciation right on the exercise date of the stock appreciation right and a "base" price set by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee. Under the Plan, the per-share base price for exercise or settlement of stock appreciation rights must be equal to or greater than the market value of such shares on the date the stock appreciation rights are granted. Stock appreciation rights would be exercisable on dates determined by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee at the time of grant. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee could award stock appreciation rights for any amount of consideration or no consideration, as the Human Resources and Compensation Committee determines.
 
No stock appreciation rights could be repriced, replaced, regranted through cancellation or modified without shareholder approval if the effect of such repricing, replacement, regrant or modification would be to reduce the base price of such stock appreciation rights to the same participants, and no repricing, replacement, regrant or modification will be permitted to reduce the exercise price below market value on the date of the grant.

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Stock appreciation rights would be subject to terms and conditions determined by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee. A stock appreciation right could relate to a particular stock option and could be granted simultaneously with or subsequent to the stock option to which it related. Except to the extent otherwise modified in the grant, (i) stock appreciation rights not related to a stock option would be subject to the same terms and conditions applicable to stock options under the Plan, and (ii) all stock appreciation rights related to stock options granted under the Plan would be granted subject to the same restrictions and conditions and would have the same vesting, exercisability, forfeiture and termination provisions as the stock options to which they related and could be subject to additional restrictions and conditions. Unless the Human Resources and Compensation Committee determines otherwise, stock appreciation rights could be settled only in shares of common stock or cash.
 
Federal Tax Consequences of Stock Appreciation Rights
 
The treatment of stock appreciation rights that are payable solely in the form of Spartan Motors common stock under federal income tax laws is similar to the treatment of nonqualified stock options as described above. Under current federal income tax laws, a participant would not recognize any income and Spartan Motors would not receive a deduction at the time such a stock appreciation right is granted. If a stock appreciation right is exercised, the participant would recognize compensation income in the year of exercise in an amount equal to the difference between the base or settlement price and the market value of the stock acquired upon exercise (on the date of exercise). Spartan Motors would receive a corresponding deduction for federal income tax purposes. The participant's tax basis in the shares acquired would be increased over the exercise price by the amount of compensation income recognized. Sale of the stock after exercise would result in recognition of short- or long-term capital gain or loss.
 
Federal income tax laws provide different rules for stock appreciation rights that are payable in cash than for those that are payable solely in the form of Spartan Motors common stock. Under current federal income tax laws, a participant would not recognize any income and Spartan Motors would not receive a deduction at the time such a stock appreciation right is granted. Spartan Motors would receive a corresponding deduction in any year in which the participant recognizes taxable income.
 
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
 
The Plan would also permit the Human Resources and Compensation Committee to award restricted stock and restricted stock units, subject to the terms and conditions set by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee that are consistent with the Plan. Shares of restricted stock are shares of common stock the retention, vesting and/or transferability of which is subject, for specified periods of time, to such terms and conditions as the Human Resources and Compensation Committee deems appropriate. Restricted stock units are incentive awards denominated in units of common stock under which the issuance of shares of common stock is subject to such terms and conditions as the Human Resources and Compensation Committee deems appropriate. For purposes of determining the number of shares available under the Plan, each restricted stock unit would count as the number of shares of common stock subject to the restricted stock unit. Unless determined otherwise by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, each restricted stock unit would be equal to one share of common stock and would entitle a Participant to either shares of common stock or an amount of cash determined with reference to the value of shares of common stock. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee could award restricted stock or restricted stock units for any amount of consideration or no consideration, as the Human Resources and Compensation Committee determines.
 
As with stock option grants, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee would establish the terms of individual awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units in award agreements or certificates of award. Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted to a participant would "vest" (i.e., the restrictions on them would lapse) in the manner and at the times that the Human Resources and Compensation Committee determines. Issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units will be made within two and a half months after the end of the year in which they vest.
 
Unless the Human Resources and Compensation Committee otherwise consents or permits or unless the terms of a restricted stock agreement or award provide otherwise, if a participant's employment or directorship is terminated during the restricted period (i.e., the period of time during which restricted stock is subject to restrictions) for any reason other than death, disability, retirement or for cause, each restricted stock and restricted stock unit award of the participant still subject in full or in part to restrictions at the date of such termination would be forfeited and returned to Spartan Motors. Subject to the terms of the Plan, if and when a participant becomes retirement eligible (as defined in the Plan) during the restricted period, the restrictions on the participant's shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units would lapse and such shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units would immediately become vested. If the participant's employment or directorship is terminated during the restricted period because of death or disability, the participant's restricted stock and restricted stock units would vest in accordance with their terms and the participant's ownership (or that of his or her successor-in-interest) of such restricted stock and restricted stock units would not be affected by the disability or death. If the participant's employment or directorship is terminated for cause, the participant would have no further right to exercise or receive any restricted stock or restricted stock units and all restricted stock and restricted stock units still subject to restrictions at the date of such termination would be forfeited and returned to Spartan Motors.

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Without Human Resources and Compensation Committee authorization, until restricted stock or restricted stock units vest, the recipient of the restricted stock or restricted stock units would not be allowed to sell, exchange, transfer, pledge, assign or otherwise dispose of restricted stock or restricted stock units other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. All rights with respect to restricted stock would only be exercisable during a participant's lifetime by the participant or his or her guardian or legal representative. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee could impose additional restrictions on shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units. Except for restrictions on transferability, holders of restricted stock would enjoy all other rights of a shareholder with respect to restricted stock, including dividend and liquidation rights and full voting rights. Holders of restricted stock units would enjoy dividend and liquidation rights with respect to shares of common stock subject to unvested restricted stock units, but would not enjoy voting rights with respect to such shares. Unless the Human Resources and Compensation Committee determines otherwise, any noncash dividends or distributions paid with respect to shares of unvested restricted stock and shares of common stock subject to unvested restricted stock units would be subject to the same restrictions and vesting schedule as the shares to which such dividends or distributions relate.
 
Federal Tax Consequences of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
 
Generally, under current federal income tax laws a participant would not recognize income upon the award of restricted stock or restricted stock units. However, a participant would be required to recognize compensation income at the time the award vests (when the restrictions lapse) equal to the difference between the fair market value of the stock at vesting and the amount paid for the stock (if any). At the time the participant recognizes compensation income, Spartan Motors would be entitled to a corresponding deduction for federal income tax purposes, except to the extent that the deduction limits of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code apply. If restricted stock or restricted stock units are forfeited by a participant, the participant would not recognize income with respect to the forfeited award and Spartan Motors would not receive a corresponding deduction. Prior to the vesting and lapse of restrictions, dividends paid on shares subject to awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units would be reported as compensation income to the participant and Spartan Motors would receive a corresponding deduction, except to the extent that the deduction limits of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code apply.
 
A participant could, within 30 days after the date of an award of restricted stock (but not an award of restricted stock units), elect to report compensation income for the tax year in which the restricted stock is awarded. If the participant makes this election, the amount of compensation income would be equal to the difference between the fair market value of the restricted stock at the time of the award and the amount paid for the stock (if any). Any later appreciation in the value of the restricted stock would be treated as capital gain and recognized only upon the sale of the stock subject to the award of restricted stock. Dividends received after such an election would be taxable as dividends and not treated as additional compensation income. If, however, restricted stock is forfeited after the participant makes such an election, the participant would not be allowed any deduction for the amount that he or she earlier reported as income. Upon the sale of shares subject to the restricted stock award, a participant would recognize capital gain (or loss) in the amount of the difference between the sale price and the participant's basis in the stock.
 
Stock Awards
 
The Plan would also permit the Human Resources and Compensation Committee to make stock awards. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee could make stock awards for any amount of consideration, or no consideration, as the Human Resources and Compensation Committee determines. A stock award of common stock would be subject to terms and conditions set by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee at the time of the award. Stock award recipients would generally have all voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights with respect to awarded shares of common stock. However, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee could impose restrictions on the assignment or transfer of common stock awarded under the Plan.

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Federal Tax Consequences of Stock Awards
 
The recipient of a stock award generally would recognize compensation income equal to the difference between the fair market value of the stock when it is awarded and the amount paid for the stock (if any). The recipient's tax basis in the stock would equal the amount of compensation income recognized on the award plus the amount paid by the recipient for the stock (if any). Spartan Motors would be entitled to a corresponding deduction equal to the amount of compensation income recognized by the recipient, except to the extent that the deduction limits of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code apply. Upon a subsequent sale of the stock, the recipient would recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale and his or her basis in the stock. Different rules may apply where the stock is transferred subject to a "substantial risk of forfeiture."
 
Effects of a Change in Control of Spartan Motors
 
Upon the occurrence of a "change in control" of Spartan Motors (as defined in the Plan), all outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights would become immediately exercisable in full and would remain exercisable in accordance with their terms. All other outstanding incentive awards under the Plan would immediately become fully vested, exercisable and nonforfeitable. In addition, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, without the consent of any affected participant, could determine that some or all participants holding outstanding stock options and/or stock appreciation rights would receive, in lieu of some or all of such awards, cash in an amount equal to the greater of the excess of (1) the highest sale price of the shares on The Nasdaq Stock Market (or on whatever quotation system or stock exchange Spartan Motors common stock is listed at the time) on the day before the effective date of the change in control or (2) the highest price per share actually paid in connection with the change in control, over the exercise price of the stock options and/or the base price per share of the stock appreciation rights.
 
Tax Withholding
 
If incentive awards are made under the Plan, Spartan Motors could withhold from any cash otherwise payable to a participant or require a participant to remit to Spartan Motors amounts necessary to satisfy applicable withholding and employment-related taxes. Unless the Human Resources and Compensation Committee determines otherwise, minimum required tax withholding obligations could also be satisfied by withholding Spartan Motors common stock to be received upon exercise of or vesting of an incentive award or by delivering to Spartan Motors previously owned shares of common stock.
 
Termination and Amendment of the Plan or Awards
 
The Board of Directors could terminate the Plan at any time and could from time to time amend the Plan as it considers proper and in the best interests of Spartan Motors, provided that no amendment could impair any outstanding incentive award without the consent of the participant, except according to the terms of the Plan or the incentive award. In addition, no such amendment could be made without the approval of shareholders of Spartan Motors if it would (i) reduce the exercise price of outstanding stock options or the base price of outstanding stock appreciation rights, (ii) increase the individual annual maximum award limit, or (iii) otherwise amend the Plan in any manner requiring shareholder approval by law or under Nasdaq listing requirements or rules.
 
Subject to certain limitations, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee could amend or modify the terms of any outstanding incentive award in any manner not prohibited by the Plan. However, incentive awards issued under the Plan could not be repriced, replaced, regranted through cancellation or modified without shareholder approval if the effect would be to reduce the exercise price or base price of such incentive awards to the same participants. Spartan Motors could also suspend a participant's rights under the Plan for a period of up to 60 days while a participant's termination for cause is considered.

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Effective Date of the Plan
 
Subject to shareholder approval, the Plan would take effect on May 23, 2012, and, unless terminated earlier by the Board of Directors, no awards could be made under the Plan after May 22, 2022.
 
If the Plan is not approved by the shareholders, no incentive awards will be made under the Plan to any director, officer or employee.
 
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code
 
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, limits to $1,000,000 the annual income tax deduction that a publicly-held corporation may claim for compensation paid to its chief executive officer and to its four most highly compensated officers other than the chief executive officer. Qualified "performance-based" compensation is exempt from the $1,000,000 limit and may be deducted even if other compensation exceeds $1,000,000. The proposed Plan is intended to provide for the ability to grant awards that qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) to permit compensation associated with stock options awarded under the Plan to be tax deductible to Spartan Motors while allowing, as nearly as practicable, the continuation of Spartan Motors' pre-existing practices with respect to the award of stock options. No participant in the Plan may be granted, in any calendar year, awards representing more than 125,000 shares of Spartan Motors common stock available for awards under the Plan.
 
Registration of Shares
 
Spartan Motors intends to register shares covered by the Plan under the Securities Act of 1933 before any stock options or stock appreciation rights could be exercised and before any restricted stock, restricted stock units or stock awards are granted.
 
          Your Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR approval of the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012.

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Proposal:  Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation	

 Our "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" above describes, among other things, our executive compensation policies and practices.  A federal law passed in 2010 requires that our shareholders be given the opportunity to express their approval of the compensation of our executives, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. Under the federal legislation that requires this vote, the shareholder vote is not binding on our Board of Directors or the Company and may not be construed as overruling any decision made by our Board or the Company or as creating or implying any change in the fiduciary duties owed by our Board. However, our Board of Directors values the views of shareholders and intends to take the outcome of this shareholder advisory vote into consideration when making future executive compensation decisions.
 
Therefore, at the annual meeting of shareholders, our shareholders will be given the opportunity to vote, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement under "Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis," the compensation tables, and the narrative discussion following the compensation tables.  This vote proposal is commonly known as a "say-on-pay" proposal and gives our shareholders the opportunity to endorse or not endorse our executive pay program.  This vote is not intended to address any specific item of our executive compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the policies and practices described in this Proxy Statement. You are encouraged to read the full details of our executive compensation program, including our primary objectives in setting executive pay, under "Executive Compensation" above.

The Company evaluates the compensation of its executives at least once each year to assess whether our compensation policies and programs are achieving their primary objectives and are competitive with other companies in our industry.  Based on its most recent evaluation, our Board of Directors believes our executive compensation programs achieve these objectives, including aligning the interests of our management with those of our shareholders, and are therefore worthy of shareholder support. In determining how to vote on this proposal, we believe shareholders should consider the following:

 	·	Independent Compensation Committee.   Six of our seven directors are deemed independent pursuant to applicable Nasdaq standards.  All six of these independent directors serve on our Human Resources and Compensation Committee.  Meetings of this Committee include executive sessions in which management is not present.	
 	 	 	
 	·	Base Salaries Below Median Levels.   Our Human Resources and Compensation Committee believes that our executive officers' base salaries are currently below the median salary levels for comparable companies.  Total compensation for executives is structured so that a majority of the total earnings potential is derived from performance-based incentives.	
 	 	 	
 	·	Restricted Stock Grants.   A significant percentage of our executives' compensation is paid in the form of restricted stock that vests over a five-year period or a four-year period.  We believe these stock awards help align the executives' interests with longer term shareholder returns and also serve to help retain the services of executives.	
 	 	 	
 	·	Limited Severance Payments.   With the exception of Tom Gorman (our COO) and Joe Nowicki (our CFO), who are each entitled to a severance payment equal to their annual base salaries if their employment is terminated without cause, our executives are not entitled to "golden parachute" or other severance payments upon termination of their employment.	
 
For these reasons, our Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the adoption of the following resolution:

"RESOLVED, that the shareholders of Spartan Motors, Inc. approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company's named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in cluding the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables, and the related narrative discussion set forth in the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders."

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Audit Committee Report	

The Audit Committee reviews and supervises on behalf of the Board of Directors Spartan Motors' procedures for recording and reporting the financial results of its operations.  Spartan Motors' management has primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the systems of internal controls. As part of its supervisory duties, the Audit Committee has reviewed Spartan Motors' audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, and has discussed those financial statements with Spartan Motors' management.

The Audit Committee has also discussed with Spartan Motors' independent registered public accounting firm, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those financial statements with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, the judgments of the independent registered public accounting firm concerning the quality, not just the acceptability, of Spartan Motors' accounting principles and such other matters that are required under applicable rules, regulations, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Standards Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB).

In addition, the Audit Committee has received from the independent registered public accounting firm the written disclosures required by the PCAOB and has discussed their independence from Spartan Motors and Spartan Motors' management with them, including a consideration of the compatibility of non-audit services with their independence.

After and in reliance upon the reviews and discussions described above, the Audit Committee recommended to Spartan Motors' Board of Directors that the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 be included in Spartan Motors' annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard R. Current, Chairman
Kenneth Kaczmarek
Hugh W. Sloan, Jr.
Richard F. Dauch
Ronald Harbour
Andrew Rooke

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Proposal:  Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors	

Proposal to Ratify Appointment of BDO USA, LLP as Spartan Motors' Independent Auditors for the Current Fiscal Year
 
Subject to the ratification of shareholders, Spartan Motors' Audit Committee has appointed BDO USA, LLP as its independent registered public accounting firm for its 2012 fiscal year.  Representatives of BDO USA, LLP are expected to be present at the annual meeting of shareholders, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.

Your Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP.

BDO USA, LLP's Fees

All fees paid to BDO USA, LLP for services performed in 2011 and 2010, were approved pursuant to Spartan Motors' Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy described above under "Audit Committee" on page 9.  A summary of the fees billed by BDO USA, LLP for each of the last two calendar years follows.

 	 	2011	 	 	2010	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Audit Fees(1)	 	$	400,000	 	 	$	470,000	 	
Audit-Related Fees(2)	 	 	50,736	 	 	 	42,027	 	
Tax Fees(3)	 	 	82,774	 	 	 	199,661	 	
All Other Fees(4)	 	 	--	 	 	 	--	 	

(1)	Represents the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Company's annual financial statements, including a recent acquisition, and review of financial statements included in the Company's Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.	
 	 	
(2)	Represents the aggregate fees billed by the principal accountant for completion of the employee benefit plan audit, due diligence work performed related to an acquisition and general accounting consultations and services that are reasonably related to the annual audit.	
 	 	
(3)	Represents the aggregate fees for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance.	
 	 	
(4)	BDO USA, LLP did not bill Spartan Motors for any services other than those described above.	

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Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance	

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Spartan Motors' directors, executive officers, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of shares of common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Based solely on the Company's review of such reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and written representations from certain reporting persons that no reports on Form 5 were required for those persons for the 2011 fiscal year, the Company believes that its directors and executive officers complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements during 2011, with one exception.  It has come to the Company's attention that certain prior gifts of shares of the Company's common stock made by its CEO, John Sztykiel, to his family members were not timely reported.  This filing discrepancy was inadvertent and immaterial and has been corrected in subsequent filings made pursuant to Section 16(a).  Additionally, shares surrendered by the Company’s CEO, John Sztykiel and the Company’s COO, Thomas Gorman, for tax withholding upon the vesting of restricted stock on March 21, 2012 were not reported until March 30, 2012.

Shareholder Proposals	

Shareholder proposals intended to be presented at the annual meeting of shareholders in the year 2013 and that a shareholder would like to have included in the Proxy Statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting must be received by Spartan Motors for consideration not later than December 20, 2012 to be considered for inclusion in the Proxy Statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting.  Such proposals of shareholders should be made in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  All other proposals of shareholders that are intended to be presented at the annual meeting in the year 2013 must be received by Spartan Motors not later than December 20, 2012 or they will be considered untimely.

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Solicitation of Proxies	

We will initially solicit proxies by mail.  In addition, directors, officers, and employees of Spartan Motors and its subsidiaries may solicit proxies by telephone or facsimile or in person without additional compensation.  Proxies may be solicited by nominees and other fiduciaries that may mail materials to or otherwise communicate with the beneficial owners of shares held by them.  Spartan Motors will bear all costs of the preparation and solicitation of proxies, including the charges and expenses of brokerage firms, banks, trustees, or other nominees for forwarding proxy material to beneficial owners.

Important Notice Regarding Delivery of Shareholder Documents.

As permitted by Securities and Exchange Commission rules, only one copy of this Proxy Statement and the 2011 annual report to shareholders is being delivered to multiple shareholders sharing the same address unless Spartan Motors has received contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders who share the same address.  We will deliver on a one-time basis, promptly upon written or oral request from a shareholder at a shared address, a separate copy of the Proxy Statement and the 2011 annual report to shareholders.

Any shareholder sharing an address may request to receive and instruct us to send separate copies of the Proxy Statement and annual report to shareholders on an ongoing basis by written or oral request.  Requests in writing should be addressed to Spartan Motors, Inc., Attn:  Thomas T. Kivell, Secretary, 1541 Reynolds Road, Charlotte, Michigan 48813.  Requests may be made by calling the Company at (517) 543-6400.   We will begin sending separate copies of such documents within thirty days of receipt of such instructions.

Shareholders sharing an address who are currently receiving multiple copies of the Proxy Statement and annual report to shareholders may instruct us to deliver a single copy of such documents on an ongoing basis.  Such instructions must be in writing and must be signed by each shareholder who is currently receiving a separate copy of the documents.  This request with appropriate signatures, must be addressed to Mr. Kivell at the address above and will continue in effect unless and until we receive contrary instructions as provided above.

Form 10-K Report Available.

Spartan Motors' annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K, including financial statements and financial statement schedules, will be provided to you without charge upon written request.  Please direct your requests to Mr. Kivell at the address above.  In addition, Spartan Motors' annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K is available on Spartan Motors' website at  www.spartanmotors.com  in the "Shareholders" section.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Thomas T. Kivell
Secretary

Charlotte, Michigan
April 20, 2012

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APPENDIX A

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.
STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN OF 2012

Effective May 23, 2012

SECTION 1

Establishment of Plan; Purpose of Plan

1.1           Establishment of Plan. The Company hereby establishes the STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN OF 2012 (the “Plan”) for its directors, corporate, divisional and Subsidiary officers and other key employees. The Plan permits the grant and award of Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Stock Awards.

1.2           Purpose of Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to provide directors, officers and other key employees of the Company, its divisions and its Subsidiaries with an increased incentive to contribute to the long-term performance and growth of the Company and its Subsidiaries, to join the interests of directors, officers and other key employees with the interests of the Company’s shareholders through the opportunity for increased stock ownership and to attract and retain directors, officers and other key employees. The Plan is further intended to provide flexibility to the Company in structuring long-term incentive compensation to best promote the foregoing objectives. Within that context, it is intended that most awards of Stock Options under the Plan are to provide performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code and the Plan shall be interpreted, administered and amended if necessary to achieve that purpose.

SECTION 2

Definitions

The following words have the following meanings unless a different meaning plainly is required by the context:

2.1           “Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

2.2           “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

2.3           “Change in Control,” unless otherwise defined in an Incentive Award, means (a) the failure of the Continuing Directors at any time to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board; (b) the acquisition by any Person other than an Excluded Holder of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 issued under the Act) of 35% or more of the outstanding Common Stock or the combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; (c) the approval by the shareholders of the Company of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, unless with or into a Permitted Successor; or (d) the approval by the shareholders of the Company of the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company other than to a Permitted Successor.

2.4           “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

2.5           “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee as the Board may designate from time to time. The Committee shall consist of at least 2 members of the Board and all of its members shall be Non-Employee Directors and “outside directors” as defined in the regulations issued under Section 162(m) of the Code.

2.6           “Common Stock” means the Common Stock, $.01 par value, of the Company.

2.7           “Company” means Spartan Motors, Inc., a Michigan corporation, and its successors and assigns.

 

 
2.8           “Competition” means participation, directly or indirectly, in the ownership, management, financing or control of any business that is the same as or similar to the present or future businesses of the Company or any Subsidiary.  Such participation may be by way of employment, consulting services, directorship or officership.  Ownership of less than 3% of the shares of any corporation whose shares are traded publicly on any national or regional stock exchange or over the counter shall not be deemed Competition.

2.9           “Continuing Directors” mean the individuals constituting the Board as of the date this Plan was adopted and any subsequent directors whose election or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved by a vote of three-quarters (3/4) of the individuals who are then Continuing Directors, but specifically excluding any individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened solicitation subject to Rule 14a-12(c) of Regulation 14A issued under the Act or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board.

2.10           “Disability” means: (a) a Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; or (b) a Participant is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of Company.

2.11           “Employee Benefit Plan” means any plan or program established by the Company or a Subsidiary for the compensation or benefit of employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

2.12           “Excluded Holder” means (a) any Person who at the time this Plan was adopted was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the outstanding Common Stock; or (b) the Company, a Subsidiary or any Employee Benefit Plan of the Company or a Subsidiary or any trust holding Common Stock or other securities pursuant to the terms of an Employee Benefit Plan.

2.13           “Incentive Award” means the award or grant of a Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit or Stock Award to a Participant pursuant to the Plan.

2.14           “Market Value” shall equal the closing price of Common Stock reported on Nasdaq on the date of grant, exercise or vesting, as applicable, or if Nasdaq is closed on that date, the last preceding date on which Nasdaq was open for trading and on which shares of Common Stock were traded. If the Common Stock is not listed on Nasdaq, the Market Value shall be determined by any means deemed fair and reasonable by the Committee, which determination shall be final and binding on all parties.

2.15           “Mature Shares” means shares of Common Stock that a Participant has owned for at least six months and that meet any other holding requirements established by the Committee for the shares to be used for attestation.

2.16           “Nasdaq” means The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or if the Common Stock is not listed for trading on the on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC on the date in question, then such other United States-based stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock may be traded or quoted on the date in question.

2.17           “Non-Employee Directors” shall mean individuals who qualify as such within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act (or any successor definition thereto).

2.18           “Participant” means a director, corporate officer, divisional officer or any key employee of the Company, its divisions or its Subsidiaries who the Committee determines is eligible to participate in the Plan and who is designated to be granted an Incentive Award under the Plan.

2.19           “Permitted Successor” means a company that, immediately following the consummation of a transaction specified in clauses (c) and (d) of the definition of “Change in Control” above, satisfies each of the following criteria: (a) 50% or more of the outstanding common stock of the company and the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of the company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (in each case determined immediately following the consummation of the applicable transaction) is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the Persons who were the beneficial owners of the outstanding Common Stock and outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (respectively) immediately prior to the applicable transaction; (b) no Person other than an Excluded Holder beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the outstanding common stock of the company or the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of the company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (for these purposes the term Excluded Holder shall include the company, any subsidiary of the company and any employee benefit plan of the company or any such subsidiary or any trust holding common stock or other securities of the company pursuant to the terms of any such employee benefit plan); and (c) at least a majority of the board of directors of the company is comprised of Continuing Directors.

 

 
2.20           “Person” has the same meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Act.

2.21           “Restricted Period” means the period of time during which Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units awarded under the Plan are subject to the risk of forfeiture, restrictions on transfer and other restrictions and/or conditions pursuant to Section 7.  The Restricted Period may differ among Participants and may have different expiration dates with respect to shares of Common Stock covered by the same Incentive Award.

2.22           “Restricted Stock” means Common Stock awarded to a Participant pursuant to Section 7 of the Plan.

2.23           “Restricted Stock Unit” means the right, as described in Section 7, to receive an amount, payable in either cash or shares of Common Stock, equal to the value of a specified number of shares of Common Stock.

2.24           “Retirement” means any of the following: (a) the voluntary termination by a Participant of all employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries, (b) the fulfillment of the term for which a director of the Company was elected followed by that director standing for re-election at a meeting of the Company’s shareholders and failing to be re-elected, or (c) the fulfillment of the term for which a director of the Company was elected followed by that director not standing for re-election, in each case (as applicable) after the Participant has attained either (i) 62 years of age or (ii) age 60 with at least 10 years of continuous service with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or such other age as shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion or as otherwise may be set forth in the Incentive Award agreement or other grant document with respect to a Participant and a particular Incentive Award.

2.25           “Retirement Eligible” means the attainment by a Participant that is currently employed by or a director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of either (i) 62 years of age or (ii) age 60 with at least 10 years of continuous service with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

2.26           “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a right awarded to a Participant pursuant to Section 6 of the Plan, which shall entitle the Participant to receive cash, Common Stock, other property or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee, having a value on the date the SAR is exercised equal to the excess of (a) the Market Value of a share of Common Stock at the time of exercise over (b) the base price of the right, as established by the Committee on the date the award is granted (provided that such base price is not lower than the Market Value as of the date of grant).

2.27           “Stock Award” means an award of Common Stock awarded to a Participant pursuant to Section 8 of the Plan.

2.28           “Stock Option” means the right to purchase Common Stock at a stated price for a specified period of time. For purposes of the Plan, a Stock Option may be either an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code or a nonqualified stock option.

2.29           “Subsidiary” means any corporation or other entity of which 50% or more of the outstanding voting stock or voting ownership interest is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by the Company or by one or more Subsidiaries of the Company.

SECTION 3

Administration

3.1           Power and Authority.  The Committee shall administer the Plan. The Committee may delegate record keeping, calculation, payment and other ministerial administrative functions to individuals designated by the Committee, who may be officers or employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries. Except as limited in this Plan or as may be necessary to ensure that this Plan provides performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee shall have all of the express and implied powers and duties set forth in the Bylaws of the Company and this Plan, shall have full power and authority to interpret the provisions of the Plan and Incentive Awards granted under the Plan and shall have full power and authority to supervise the administration of the Plan and Incentive Awards granted under the Plan and to make all other determinations and do all things considered necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. All determinations, interpretations and selections made by the Committee regarding the Plan shall be final and conclusive. The Committee shall hold its meetings at such times and places as it considers advisable. Action may be taken by a written instrument signed by all of the members of the Committee and any action so taken shall be fully as effective as if it had been taken at a meeting duly called and held. The Committee shall make such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it considers advisable.

 

 
3.2           Grants or Awards to Participants.  In accordance with and subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to determine all provisions of Incentive Awards as the Committee may consider necessary or desirable and as are consistent with the terms of the Plan, including, without limitation, the following: (a) the persons who shall be selected as Participants; (b) the nature and, subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Plan, extent of the Incentive Awards to be made to each Participant (including the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to each Incentive Award, any exercise or purchase price, the manner in which an Incentive Award will vest or become exercisable and the form of payment for the Incentive Award); (c) the time or times when Incentive Awards will be granted; (d) the duration of each Incentive Award; and (e) the restrictions and other conditions to which payment or vesting of Incentive Awards may be subject.

3.3           Amendments or Modifications of Awards.  Subject to Section 11, the Committee shall have the authority to amend or modify the terms of any outstanding Incentive Award in any manner, provided that the amended or modified terms are not prohibited by the Plan as then in effect, including, without limitation, the authority to: (a) modify the number of shares or other terms and conditions of an Incentive Award, provided that any increase in the number of shares of an Incentive Award other than pursuant to Section 4.3 shall be considered to be a new grant with respect to such additional shares for purposes of Code section 409A and such new grant shall be made at Market Value on the date of the grant; (b) extend the term of an Incentive Award to a date that is no later than the earlier of the latest date upon which the Incentive Award could have expired by its terms under any circumstances or the 10 th  anniversary of the date of grant (for purposes of clarity, as permitted under Section 409A of the Code, if the term of a Stock Option is extended at a time when the Stock Option exercise price equals or exceeds the Market Value, it will not be an extension of the term of the Stock Option, but instead will be treated as a modification of the Stock Option and a new Stock Option will be treated as having been granted); (c) accelerate the exercisability or vesting or otherwise terminate, waive or modify any restrictions relating to an Incentive Award; (d) accept the surrender of any outstanding Incentive Award; and (e) to the extent not previously exercised or vested, authorize the grant of new Incentive Awards in substitution for surrendered Incentive Awards, provided, however, that such grant of new Incentive Awards shall be considered a new grant for purposes of Code section 409A and such new grant shall be made at Market Value on the date of the grant;  provided,  that Incentive Awards issued under the Plan may not be repriced, replaced, regranted through cancellation or modified without shareholder approval if the effect of such repricing, replacement, regrant or modification would be to reduce the exercise price or base price of such Incentive Awards to the same Participants;  further provided , that no amendment or modification will alter the Plan in such a way as to cause it to be governed by Code section 409A.

3.4           Indemnification of Committee Members.  Neither any member or former member of the Committee nor any individual to whom authority is or has been delegated shall be personally responsible or liable for any act or omission in connection with the performance of powers or duties or the exercise of discretion or judgment in the administration and implementation of the Plan. Each person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from and against any cost, liability or expense imposed or incurred in connection with such person’s or the Committee’s taking or failing to take any action under the Plan. Each such person shall be justified in relying on information furnished in connection with the Plan’s administration by any appropriate person or persons.

SECTION 4

Shares Subject to the Plan

4.1           Number of Shares.  Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.3 of the Plan,  the total number of shares of Common Stock available for Incentive Awards under the Plan shall be two million (2,000,000) shares of Common Stock; plus shares subject to Incentive Awards that are canceled, surrendered, modified, exchanged for substitute Incentive Awards or expire or terminate prior to the exercise or vesting of the Incentive Award in full and shares that are surrendered to the Company in connection with the exercise or vesting of an Incentive Award, whether previously owned or otherwise subject to such Incentive Award;  provided , that not more than 67% of the shares authorized for issuance under the Plan pursuant to this Section 4.1 may be issued as Stock Awards, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.  Such shares shall be authorized and may be either unissued shares, shares issued and repurchased by the Company (including shares purchased on the open market), shares issued and otherwise reacquired by the Company and shares otherwise held by the Company.

 

 
4.2           Limitation Upon Incentive Awards.  No Participant shall be granted, during any calendar year, Incentive Awards with respect to more than 125,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.3 of the Plan, but only to the extent that such adjustment will not affect the status of any Incentive Award theretofore issued or that may thereafter be issued as “performance based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.  A purpose of this Section 4.2 is to ensure that the Plan may provide performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code and this Section 4.2 shall be interpreted, administered and amended if necessary to achieve that purpose.

 	4.3	Adjustments.	

(a)           Stock Dividends and Distributions.  If the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding changes by reason of a stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or other general distribution of Common Stock or other securities to holders of Common Stock, the Committee shall provide that the number and kind of securities subject to Incentive Awards and reserved for issuance under the Plan and the limitation provided in Section 4.2, together with applicable exercise prices and base prices, as well as the number and kind of securities available for issuance under the Plan, shall be adjusted in an equitable manner.  No fractional shares shall be issued pursuant to the Plan and any fractional shares resulting from such adjustments shall be eliminated from the respective Incentive Awards.

(b)           Other Actions Affecting Common Stock.  If there occurs, other than as described in the preceding subsection, any merger, business combination, recapitalization, reclassification, subdivision or combination approved by the Board that would result in the Persons who were shareholders of the Company immediately prior to the effective time of any such transaction owning or holding, in lieu of or in addition to shares of Common Stock, other securities, money and/or property (or the right to receive other securities, money and/or property) immediately after the effective time of such transaction, then the outstanding Incentive Awards (including exercise prices and base prices) and reserves for Incentive Awards under this Plan shall be adjusted in such manner as the Committee determines shall be appropriate under the circumstances.  It is intended that in the event of any such transaction, Incentive Awards under this Plan shall entitle the holder of each Incentive Award to receive (upon exercise in the case of Stock Options and SARs), in lieu of or in addition to shares of Common Stock, any other securities, money and/or property receivable upon consummation of any such transaction by holders of Common Stock with respect to each share of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of such transaction; upon any such adjustment, holders of Incentive Awards under this Plan shall have only the right to receive in lieu of or in addition to shares of Common Stock such other securities, money and/or other property as provided by the adjustment.  If the agreement, resolution or other document approved by the Board to effect any such transaction provides for the adjustment of Incentive Awards under the Plan in connection with such transaction, then the adjustment provisions contained in such agreement, resolution or other document shall be final and conclusive, so long as they are in compliance with Code section 409A.

SECTION 5

Stock Options

5.1           Grant.  A Participant may be granted one or more Stock Options under the Plan. No Participant shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to any shares of stock subject to Stock Options granted hereunder until said shares have been issued.  Stock Options shall be subject to such terms and conditions, consistent with the other provisions of the Plan, as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. In addition, the Committee may vary, among Participants and among Stock Options granted to the same Participant, any and all of the terms and conditions of the Stock Options granted under the Plan.  Subject to the limitation imposed by Section 4.2 of the Plan, the Committee shall have complete discretion in determining the number of Stock Options granted to each Participant.  The Committee may designate whether or not a Stock Option is to be considered an incentive stock option as defined in Section 422(b) of the Code;  provided , that the number of shares of Common Stock that may be designated as subject to incentive stock options for any given Participant shall be limited to that number of shares that become exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and its Subsidiaries) and have an aggregate Market Value less than or equal to $100,000 (or such other amount as may be set forth in the Code) and all shares subject to an Incentive Award that have a Market Value in excess of such aggregate amount shall automatically be subject to Stock Options that are not incentive stock options.  Stock Options granted to directors who are not employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries shall not be treated as incentive stock options under Section 422(b) of the Code.

 

 
5.2           Stock Option Agreements.  Stock Options shall be evidenced by stock option agreements and/or certificates of award containing the terms and conditions applicable to such Stock Options.  To the extent not covered by the stock option agreement, the terms and conditions of this Section 5 shall govern.

5.3           Stock Option Price.  The per share Stock Option exercise price shall be determined by the Committee, but shall be a price that is equal to or greater than 100% of the Market Value on the date of grant. The date of grant of a Stock Option shall be the date the Stock Option is authorized by the Committee or a future date specified by the Committee as the date for issuing the Stock Option.

5.4           Medium and Time of Payment.  The exercise price for each share purchased pursuant to a Stock Option granted under the Plan shall be payable in cash or, if the Committee consents or provides in the applicable stock option agreement or grant, in Mature Shares or other consideration substantially equivalent to cash.  To the extent any such amendment would not cause a Stock Option to become subject to Code section 409A, the time and terms of payment may be amended with the consent of a Participant before or after exercise of a Stock Option.  The Committee may implement a program for the broker-assisted cashless exercise of Stock Options.

5.5           Stock Options Granted to 10% Shareholders.  No Stock Option granted to any Participant who at the time of such grant owns, together with stock attributed to such Participant under Section 424(d) of the Code, more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may be designated as an incentive stock option, unless such Stock Option provides an exercise price equal to at least 110% of the Market Value on the date of grant and the exercise of the Stock Option after the expiration of five years from the date of grant of the Stock Option is prohibited by its terms.

5.6           Limits on Exercisability. Except as set forth in Section 5.5, Stock Options shall be exercisable for such periods, not to exceed 10 years from the date of grant, as may be fixed by the Committee. At the time of exercise of a Stock Option, the holder of the Stock Option, if requested by the Committee, must represent to the Company that the shares are being acquired for investment and not with a view to the distribution thereof. The Committee may in its discretion require a Participant to continue the Participant’s service with the Company and its Subsidiaries for a certain length of time prior to a Stock Option becoming exercisable and may eliminate such delayed vesting provisions.

5.7           Restrictions on Transferability.

(a)           General.  Unless the Committee otherwise consents or permits (before or after the option grant) or unless the stock option agreement or grant provides otherwise, Stock Options granted under the Plan may not be sold, exchanged, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and, as a condition to any transfer permitted by the Committee or the terms of the stock option agreement or grant, the transferee must execute a written agreement permitting the Company to withhold from the shares subject to the Stock Option a number of shares having a Market Value at least equal to the amount of any federal, state or local withholding or other taxes associated with or resulting from the exercise of a Stock Option. All provisions of a Stock Option that are determined with reference to the Participant, including without limitation those that refer to the Participant’s employment with the Company or its Subsidiaries, shall continue to be determined with reference to the Participant after any transfer of a Stock Option.

(b)           Other Restrictions.  The Committee may impose other restrictions on any shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of a Stock Option under the Plan as the Committee deems advisable, including, without limitation, holding periods or further transfer restrictions, forfeiture or “claw-back” provisions, and restrictions under applicable federal or state securities laws.

5.8           Termination of Employment, Directorship or Officer Status. Unless the Committee otherwise consents or permits (before or after the option grant) or unless the stock option agreement or grant provides otherwise:

 

 
(a)           General.  If a Participant ceases to be a director of the Company or ceases to be employed by or an officer of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries for any reason other than the Participant’s death, Disability, Retirement or termination for cause (which are addressed below in Subsections 5.8(b), (c), (d) and (e), respectively), the Participant may exercise his or her Stock Options in accordance with their terms for a period of three months after such termination of employment, directorship or officer status, but only to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise the Stock Options on the date of termination unless the Committee otherwise consents or the terms of the stock option agreement provide otherwise, and not beyond the original terms of the Stock Options.  For purposes of the Plan, the following shall not be considered a termination of employment, or, where applicable, directorship or officer status: (i) a transfer of an employee from the Company to any Subsidiary; (ii) a leave of absence, duly authorized in writing by the Company, for military service or for any other purpose approved by the Company if the period of such leave does not exceed 90 days; (iii) a leave of absence in excess of 90 days, duly authorized in writing by the Company, provided that the employee’s right to re-employment is guaranteed by statute, contract or written policy of the Company; (iv) a termination of employment with continued service as an officer or director; or (v) a termination of a directorship with continued service as an employee or officer.  For purposes of the Plan, termination of employment shall be considered to occur on the date on which the employee is no longer obligated to perform services for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and the employee’s right to re-employment is not guaranteed by statute, contract or written policy of the Company, regardless of whether the employee continues to receive compensation from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries after such date.

(b)           Death.  If a Participant dies either while a director of the Company or an employee or officer of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or after the termination of employment or directorship other than for cause (termination for cause is addressed below in Subsection 5.8(e)), all of the Stock Options issued to such Participant shall become exercisable upon the Participant’s death in accordance with their terms by the personal representative of such Participant or other successor to the interest of the Participant.

(c)           Disability. If a Participant ceases to be a director of the Company or ceases to be an employee or officer of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries due to the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise all of his or her Stock Options in accordance with their terms.

(d)           Participant Retirement. If a Participant Retires as a director of the Company or an employee or officer of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, Stock Options granted under the Plan may be exercised in accordance with their terms during the remaining terms of the Stock Options.

(e)           Termination for Cause. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.8, if a Participant is terminated for cause, the Participant shall have no further right to exercise any Stock Options previously granted.  For purposes of the Plan, the Committee or officers designated by the Committee shall have absolute discretion to determine whether a termination is for cause.

(f)           Additional Provisions in Stock Option Agreements.  The Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide by resolution or by including provisions in any stock option agreement entered into with a Participant that the Participant shall have no further right to exercise any Stock Options after termination of employment or directorship if the Committee determines the Participant has entered into Competition with the Company.

SECTION 6

Stock Appreciation Rights

6.1           Grant.  A Participant may be granted one or more Stock Appreciation Rights under the Plan and such SARs will be subject to such terms and conditions, consistent with the other provisions of the Plan, as will be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.  A SAR may relate to a particular Stock Option and may be granted simultaneously with or subsequent to the Stock Option to which it relates.  Except to the extent otherwise modified in the grant, (i) SARs not related to a Stock Option shall be granted subject to the same terms and conditions applicable to Stock Options as set forth in Section 5, and (ii) all SARs related to Stock Options granted under the Plan shall be granted subject to the same restrictions and conditions and shall have the same vesting, exercisability, forfeiture and termination provisions as the Stock Options to which they relate.  SARs may be subject to additional restrictions and conditions.  The per-share base price for exercise or settlement of SARs shall be determined by the Committee, but shall be a price that is equal to or greater than the Market Value of such shares on the date of the grant.

6.2           Exercise; Payment.  To the extent granted in tandem with a Stock Option, SARs may be exercised only when a related Stock Option could be exercised and only when the Market Value of the stock subject to the Stock Option exceeds the exercise price of the Stock Option.  Unless the Committee decides otherwise (in its sole discretion), SARs  will only be paid in cash or in shares of Common Stock.  Other than as adjusted pursuant to Section 4.3, the base price of SARs may not be reduced without shareholder approval (including canceling previously awarded SARs and regranting them with a lower base price).

 

 
 
SECTION 7

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
 
7.1           Grant.  Subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Plan, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units may be granted to Participants under the Plan. Shares of Restricted Stock are shares of Common Stock the retention, vesting and/or transferability of which is subject, during specified periods of time, to such conditions (including continued employment or performance conditions) and terms as the Committee deems appropriate. Restricted Stock Units are Incentive Awards denominated in units of Common Stock under which the issuance of shares of Common Stock is subject to such conditions (including continued employment or performance conditions) and terms as the Committee deems appropriate. For purposes of determining the number of shares available under the Plan, each Restricted Stock Unit shall count as the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Unit.  Unless determined otherwise by the Committee, each Restricted Stock Unit will be equal to one share of Common Stock and will entitle a Participant to either shares of Common Stock or an amount of cash determined with reference to the value of shares of Common Stock.  To the extent determined by the Committee, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units may be satisfied or settled in Common Stock, cash or a combination thereof.  Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to the Plan need not be identical but shall be consistent with the terms of the Plan.  Subject to the requirements of applicable law, the Committee shall determine the price, if any, at which awards of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, or shares of Common Stock issuable under Restricted Stock Unit awards, shall be sold or awarded to a Participant, which may vary from time to time and among Participants.

7.2           Restricted Stock Agreements. Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be evidenced by restricted stock or restricted stock unit agreements or certificates of award containing such terms and conditions, consistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall from time to time determine. Unless the restricted stock or restricted stock unit agreement or certificate provides otherwise, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit awards shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 7.

7.3           Vesting. The grant, issuance, retention, vesting and/or settlement of shares of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall occur at such time and in such installments as determined by the Committee or under criteria established by the Committee;  provided , that Restricted Stock Units will be settled within two and a half months following the end of the year in which such Restricted Stock Units vest.  The Committee shall have the right to make the timing of the grant, issuance, ability to retain, vesting and/or settlement of shares of Restricted Stock and shares of Common Stock under Restricted Stock Units subject to continued employment, passage of time and/or such performance criteria as deemed appropriate by the Committee.

7.4           Termination of Employment, Directorship or Officer Status. Unless the Committee otherwise consents or permits (before or after the grant of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units) or unless the restricted stock or restricted stock unit agreement or grant provides otherwise:

(a)           General.  In the event of termination of employment, directorship or officer status during the Restricted Period for any reason other than death, Disability, Retirement or termination for cause (which are addressed below in Subsections 7.4(b), (c), (d) and (e), respectively), each Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit award still subject in full or in part to restrictions at the date of such termination shall automatically be forfeited and returned to the Company.  For purposes of the Plan, the following shall not be considered a termination of employment, or, where applicable, directorship or officer status: (i) a transfer of an employee from the Company to any Subsidiary; (ii) a leave of absence, duly authorized in writing by the Company, for military service or for any other purpose approved by the Company if the period of such leave does not exceed 90 days; (iii) a leave of absence in excess of 90 days duly authorized in writing by the Company, provided that the employee’s right to re-employment is guaranteed by statute, contract or written policy of the Company; (iv) a termination of employment with continued service as an officer or director; or (v) a termination of a directorship with continued service as an employee or officer.  For purposes of the Plan, termination of employment shall be considered to occur on the date on which the employee is no longer obligated to perform services for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and the employee’s right to re-employment is not guaranteed by statute, contract or written policy of the Company, regardless of whether the employee continues to receive compensation from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries after such date.

 

 
(b)           Death.  If a Participant dies either while a director of the Company or an employee or officer of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or after the termination of employment or directorship other than for cause (termination for cause is addressed below in Subsection 7.4(e)) but during the time when the Participant holds Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units still subject in full or in part to restrictions at the date of death, the Participant’s Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units subject to a Restricted Period shall immediately become vested and the Participant’s ownership (or that of his successor in interest) of such Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall not be affected by the Participant’s death.

(c)           Disability. If a Participant ceases to be a director of the Company or ceases to be an employee or officer of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries due to the Participant’s Disability, the Participant’s Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units subject to a Restricted Period shall immediately become vested and the Participant’s ownership of such Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall not be affected by such Disability.

 (d)           Retirement Eligibility.  On the date a Participant becomes Retirement Eligible while serving as a director or an employee or officer of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units granted under the Plan subject to a Restricted Period shall immediately become vested and all risk of forfeiture, restrictions on transfer and other restrictions and/or conditions applicable to such Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall immediately lapse.

(e)           Termination for Cause.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7.4, if a Participant’s employment or directorship is terminated for cause, the Participant shall have no further right to receive any Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units and all Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units still subject to restrictions at the date of such termination shall automatically be forfeited and returned to the Company.  For purposes of the Plan, the Committee or officers designated by the Committee shall have absolute discretion to determine whether a termination is for cause.

7.5           Restrictions on Transferability.

(a)           General.  Unless the Committee otherwise consents or permits or unless the terms of the restricted stock or restricted stock unit agreement or grant provide otherwise: (i) shares of Restricted Stock and interests in Restricted Stock Units shall not be sold, exchanged, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated during the Restricted Period except by will or the laws of descent and distribution; and (ii) all rights with respect to Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units granted to a Participant under the Plan shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by such Participant, his or her guardian or legal representative.

(b)           Other Restrictions.  The Committee may impose other restrictions on any shares of Common Stock subject to Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit awards under the Plan as the Committee considers advisable, including, without limitation, holding periods or further transfer restrictions, forfeiture or “claw-back” provisions, and restrictions under applicable federal or state securities laws.

7.6           Legending of Restricted Stock.  In addition to any other legend that may be set forth on a Participant’s share certificate, any certificates evidencing shares of Restricted Stock awarded pursuant to the Plan shall bear the following legend:

The shares represented by this certificate were issued subject to certain restrictions under the Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 (the “Plan”).  This certificate is held subject to the terms and conditions contained in a restricted stock agreement that includes a prohibition against the sale or transfer of the stock represented by this certificate except in compliance with that agreement and that provides for forfeiture upon certain events.  Copies of the Plan and the restricted stock agreement are on file in the office of the Secretary of the Company.

The Committee may require that certificates representing shares of Restricted Stock be retained and held in escrow by a designated employee or agent of the Company or any Subsidiary until any restrictions applicable to shares of Restricted Stock so retained have been satisfied or lapsed.

 

 
7.7           Rights as a Shareholder.  A Participant shall have all dividend, liquidation and other rights with respect to Restricted Stock held by such Participant as if the Participant held unrestricted Common Stock;  provided,  that the unvested portion of any award of Restricted Stock shall be subject to any restrictions on transferability or risks of forfeiture imposed pursuant to this Section 7 and the terms and conditions set forth in the Participant’s restricted stock agreement.  Unless the Committee otherwise determines or unless the terms of the applicable restricted stock unit agreement or grant provide otherwise, a Participant shall have all dividend and liquidation rights with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to awards of Restricted Stock Units held by such Participant as if the Participant held unrestricted Common Stock.  Unless the Committee determines otherwise or unless the terms of the applicable restricted stock or restricted stock unit agreement or grant provide otherwise, any noncash dividends or distributions paid with respect to shares of unvested Restricted Stock and shares of Common Stock subject to unvested Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to the same restrictions and vesting schedule as the shares to which such dividends or distributions relate.  Any dividend payment with respect to Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be made no later than the end of the calendar year in which the dividends are paid to shareholders, or, if later, the 15 th  day of the third month following the date the dividends are paid to shareholders.

7.8           Voting Rights. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, Participants holding shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those shares during the Restricted Period. Participants shall have no voting rights with respect to shares of Common Stock underlying Restricted Stock Units unless and until such shares are reflected as issued and outstanding shares on the Company’s stock ledger.

SECTION 8

Stock Awards

8.1           Grant.  Subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Plan, a Participant may be granted one or more Stock Awards under the Plan.  Stock Awards shall be subject to such terms and conditions, consistent with the other provisions of the Plan, as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.  Notwithstanding the previous sentence, Stock Awards shall be settled no later than the 15 th  day of the third month after the awards vest.

8.2           Rights as a Shareholder.  A Participant shall have all voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights with respect to shares of Common Stock issued to the Participant as a Stock Award under this Section 8 upon the Participant becoming the holder of record of the Common Stock granted pursuant to such Stock Award;  provided , that the Committee may impose such restrictions on the assignment or transfer of Common Stock awarded pursuant to a Stock Award as it considers appropriate.  Any dividend payment with respect to a Stock Award shall be made no later than the end of the calendar year in which dividends are paid to shareholders, or, if later, the 15 th  day of the third month following the date the dividends are paid to shareholders.

SECTION 9

Change in Control

9.1           Acceleration of Vesting. If a Change in Control of the Company shall occur, then, unless the Committee or the Board otherwise determines with respect to one or more Incentive Awards, without action by the Committee or the Board: (a) all outstanding Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall become immediately exercisable in full and shall remain exercisable during the remaining terms thereof as set forth in Sections 5.6 and 6.1, regardless of whether the Participants to whom such Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights have been granted remain in the employ or service of the Company or any Subsidiary; and (b) all other outstanding Incentive Awards shall become immediately fully vested and exercisable and nonforfeitable.

9.2           Cash Payment for Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights.  If a Change in Control of the Company shall occur, then the Committee, in its sole discretion, without the consent of any Participant affected thereby, may determine that some or all Participants holding outstanding Stock Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights shall receive, with respect to some or all of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Stock Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights, as of the effective date of any such Change in Control of the Company, cash in an amount equal to the greater of the excess of (a) the highest sales price of the shares on Nasdaq on the date immediately prior to the effective date of such Change in Control of the Company or (b) the highest price per share actually paid in connection with any Change in Control of the Company over the exercise price per share of such Stock Options and/or the base price per share of such Stock Appreciation Rights.

 

 

SECTION 10

General Provisions

10.1           No Rights to Awards. No Participant or other person shall have any claim to be granted any Incentive Award under the Plan and there is no obligation of uniformity of treatment of Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Incentive Awards under the Plan. The terms and conditions of Incentive Awards of the same type and the determination of the Committee to grant a waiver or modification of any Incentive Award and the terms and conditions thereof need not be the same with respect to each Participant or the same Participant.

10.2           Withholding. The Company or a Subsidiary shall be entitled to: (a) withhold and deduct from future wages of a Participant (or from other amounts that may be due and owing to a Participant from the Company or a Subsidiary), or make other arrangements for the collection of, all legally required amounts necessary to satisfy any and all federal, state, local and foreign withholding and employment-related tax requirements attributable to an Incentive Award, including, without limitation, the grant, exercise or vesting of, or payment of dividends with respect to, an Incentive Award or a disqualifying disposition of Common Stock received upon exercise of an incentive stock option; or (b) require a Participant promptly to remit the amount of such withholding to the Company before taking any action with respect to an Incentive Award. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, withholding may be satisfied (but only to the extent required to satisfy the minimum amount required to be withheld by law or regulation) by withholding Common Stock to be received upon exercise or vesting of an Incentive Award or by delivery to the Company of previously owned Common Stock.  The Company may establish such rules and procedures concerning timing of any withholding election as it deems appropriate.

10.3           Compliance With Laws; Listing and Registration of Shares. All Incentive Awards granted under the Plan (and all issuances of Common Stock or other securities under the Plan) shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and to the requirement that if at any time the Committee shall determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares covered thereby upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the grant of such Incentive Award or the issuance or purchase of shares thereunder, such Incentive Award may not be exercised in whole or in part, or the restrictions on such Incentive Award shall not lapse, unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee.

10.4           No Limit on Other Compensation Arrangements. Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Company or any Subsidiary from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation arrangements, including the grant of stock options and other stock-based awards, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

10.5           No Right to Employment. The grant of an Incentive Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ or directorship of the Company or any Subsidiary. The Company or any Subsidiary may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment and a directorship may be terminated consistent with the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any written agreement with a Participant.

10.6           No Liability of Company.  The Company and any Subsidiary or affiliate which is in existence or hereafter comes into existence shall not be liable to a Participant or any other person as to: (a) the non-issuance or sale of Common Stock as to which the Company has been unable to obtain from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any shares hereunder; (b) any tax consequence to any Participant or other person due to the receipt, exercise or settlement of any Incentive Award granted hereunder; and (c) any provision of law or legal restriction that prohibits or restricts the transfer of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to any Incentive Award.

10.7           Suspension of Rights under Incentive Awards.  The Company, by written notice to a Participant, may suspend a Participant’s and any transferee’s rights under any Incentive Award for a period not to exceed 60 days while the termination for cause of that Participant’s employment or directorship with the Company and its Subsidiaries is under consideration; provided, however, that if such suspension causes an extension of the term of the Incentive Award, such extension shall comply with Section 3.3(b) of the Plan.

 

 
10.8           Governing Law. The validity, construction and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan and applicable federal law.

10.9           Severability. In the event any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions of the Plan and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included, unless such construction would cause the Plan to fail in its essential purposes.

SECTION 11

Termination and Amendment

11.1           The Board may terminate the Plan at any time or may from time to time amend or alter the Plan or any aspect of it as it considers proper and in the best interests of the Company, provided that no such amendment may be made, without the approval of shareholders of the Company, that would (i) reduce the exercise price at which Stock Options, or the base price at which Stock Appreciation Rights, may be granted below the prices provided for in Sections 5.3 and 6.1, respectively (ii) reduce the exercise price of outstanding Stock Options or the base price of outstanding Stock Appreciation Rights, (iii) increase the individual maximum limits in Section 4.2 or (iv) otherwise amend the Plan in any manner requiring shareholder approval by law or under Nasdaq listing requirements or other applicable Nasdaq rules.  The Committee may alter or amend an award agreement and/or Incentive Award previously granted under the Plan to the extent it determines that such action is appropriate.  In no event, however, may the exercise price of Stock Options or the base price of Stock Appreciation Rights be reduced below the Market Value on the date of the grant.
 
11.2           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 11.1, no such amendment or alteration to the Plan or to any previously granted award agreement or Incentive Award shall be made which would impair the rights of the holder of the Incentive Award, without such holder’s consent, provided that no such consent shall be required if the Committee determines in its sole discretion and prior to the date of any Change of Control that such amendment or alteration either is required or advisable in order for the Company, the Plan or the Incentive Award to satisfy any law or regulation or to meet the requirements of or avoid adverse financial accounting consequences under any accounting standard.

SECTION 12

Effective Date and Duration of the Plan

This Plan shall take effect May 23, 2012, subject to approval by the shareholders at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment thereof or at a Special Meeting of Shareholders. Unless earlier terminated by the Board of Directors, no Incentive Award shall be granted under the Plan after May 22, 2022.