Rush Enterprises, which operates the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships in North America, reported the highest quarterly pre-tax income in the company’s history. Income from continuing operations for the quarter was $16.0 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, compared with income from continuing operations of $8.0 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, in the quarter ended September 30, 2010.

“We believe these record results validate our efforts to build an organization with a diversified earnings base that is less dependent on the highly cyclical Class 8 truck sales market. For 15 years, we have worked to position the company as the premier service solutions provider to the commercial vehicle industry – not simply a retailer of Class 8 trucks,” said W. M. “Rusty” Rush, president and chief executive officer of Rush Enterprises. “The company’s third quarter results are evidence that our efforts are paying off. These efforts include focusing on expanding our capabilities in less cyclical aftermarket operations, broadening the depth of our commercial vehicle product offerings and expanding our network of Rush Truck Centers.”

Once primarily focused on Class 8 truck sales, the company has now expanded its commercial vehicle product line to include medium-duty and light-duty trucks, buses and vocational specialty vehicles such as refuse trucks, tow trucks and truck-mounted cranes. “We have developed relationships with a more diverse customer base across a wide range of market segments, resulting in our ability to offer a complete range of solutions from sales of new vehicles to aftermarket support for vehicles in operation,” Rusty Rush added.

To read Rush’s full Q3/11 earnings news release click here.