Rush Enterprises, Inc., operator of the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships in North America, has reported record annual revenues and net income in 2012. Included in the report is that the company realized a 30% increase in medium-duty truck sales and a 21% rise in parts, service and body shop revenues.
Now expanded, the Rush Truck Centers network includes 78 dealership locations while service technicians account for more than 36% of its 4,400 employees. The company continues to invest in training, certification and diagnostic equipment and has expanded its fleet of mobile service units, which now number approximately 200 units, and has added 100 technicians supporting customers at their shops or at job sites.
Substantial investments at six Rush Truck Center locations now enable technicians to perform certified CNG and LNG service, and plans are in place to bring additional facilities online as needed in key markets. Approximately 85 Rush technicians have been factory-certified to service natural gas fuel systems.
Rush’s Custom Vehicle Solutions (CVS) business continued to expand in 2012 with the addition of a second CVS location in Houston and expanding component, body and specialty up-fitting capabilities. Also implemented are dedicated pre-delivery inspection services in Yuma, Ariz. for Peterbilt Model 320s built in nearby Mexicali, Mexico.
In 2012, Rush’s Class 8 retail sales increased by 10% over 2011, and accounted for 5.0% of the total U.S. Class 8 retail truck sales market. U.S. Class 4-7 medium-duty truck sales by the dealership were up 30% last year, and accounted for 4.3% of the U.S. Class 4-7 market. Light-duty unit sales were up 35% over the previous year at Rush’s Ford franchises.
In 2012, Rush expanded its Navistar Division by acquiring the assets of Ohio-based MVI Group, which operated International, IC Bus, Isuzu and Idealease franchises at locations in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Findlay and Lima, Ohio. The division now consists of 23 full service locations and two collision centers in six states.
The company also added a new location in Columbus, Ga. providing truck sales and service for Isuzu and service support for IC Bus customers. In Phoenix, by relocating to a new facility, Rush tripled its service capacity. It will also relocate to a newly constructed location in Ardmore, Okla. this spring and plans for new facilities in Corpus Christi and San Antonio, Texas are underway.
For its bus business, Rush has added Blue Bird and Elkhart bus sales and service locations in Houston and Dallas and expanded IC Bus capabilities as part of Ohio acquisition. Rush Truck Leasing now operates 36 PacLease and 9 IdeaLease franchises and has increased its lease fleet by 19% over 2011.