Mega-dealer Rush Enterprises reported a 2.6% drop in revenues for the first quarter, but net income was down almost 82%.

Total sales for the company, including trucks and construction equipment, was $204.6 million versus $210 million in first quarter 2000. Net income was $200,000, compared to $1.1 million a year earlier.
Rush’s heavy duty truck segment, which claims to be the largest Peterbilt network in North America, recorded revenues of $172.8 million compared to $177.2 million last year. The company delivered 1,387 new trucks and 514 used trucks. During the same period in 2000 it delivered 1,339 new trucks and 592 used trucks. Parts, service and body shop sales increased 14.7%, from $38.2 million to $43.8 million.
Rush, based in San Antonio, also operates John Deere construction equipment dealerships in Texas and Michigan. First quarter revenues from the construction segment were $20.3 million, down from $25.9 million in first quarter 2000.
“We hope to see the market tick up in the second half of the year,” said Chairman and CEO Marvin Rush. “Although industry conditions remain weak, I am satisfied with growth in the back-ends of our business and the progress we are making in terms of servicing the niche markets, such as the oil and gas, refuse, and construction industries.”