SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Nov. 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rush Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: RUSHA ) (Nasdaq: RUSHB ), which operates the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships in North America, today announced that Shelby Howard, Dealer Principal of Chicago International Trucks and Indy Truck Sales, will join the Rush organization as Regional General Manager. In this role, Howard will report to Rich Ryan, Rush Enterprises' Senior Vice President – Navistar Dealerships, and oversee the Company's Navistar Division's Midwest Region operations in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri. Howard will assume his new role upon completion of the Company's previously announced acquisition of the Chicago and Indianapolis-based dealer group in the first quarter of 2014.
"We are thrilled to have an experienced business owner, leader and entrepreneur like Shelby join the Rush organization," said W. M. "Rusty" Rush, Chairman, CEO and President of Rush Enterprises, Inc. "He is very well respected by customers and employees alike and has been a significant contributor and sought-after advisor within the Navistar dealer organization."
In addition to the pending acquisition, the Company recently acquired dealerships in St. Peters and St. Louis, Missouri; Kansas City, Kansas; and Champaign, Decatur, Bloomington, Quincy and Springfield, Illinois. "Once the acquisition of Chicago International Trucks and Indy Truck Sales is complete, the newly established Midwest Region will be the largest in the Company's Navistar Division and will provide us with significant presence in the Midwestern United States, where we had not operated until this year. Shelby's experienced leadership in this region will be critical to maintaining continuity and service excellence for customers who operate in this part of the country," added Rush.
"Rush Truck Centers is an outstanding organization, and we share similar values – a commitment to customer service, appreciation of our employees and a belief that investment in our business and facilities is key to continued success. I look forward to becoming part of the Rush team next year," said Howard.
About Rush Enterprises
Rush Enterprises, Inc. is the premier service provider to the commercial vehicle industry and owns and operates the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships in the United States, representing truck and bus manufacturers, including Peterbilt, International, Hino, Isuzu, Ford, IC Bus and Blue Bird. The Company's vehicle centers are strategically located in high traffic areas on or near major highways in 19 states throughout the United States. These one-stop centers offer an integrated approach to meeting customer needs — from sales of new and used vehicles to aftermarket parts, service and body shop operations plus a wide array of financial services, including financing, insurance, leasing and rental. Rush Enterprises' operations also provide vehicle up-fitting, chrome accessories and tires. For more information, please visit www.rushenterprises.com .
Certain statements contained herein, including those concerning acquisitions expected to take place in the future are "forward-looking" statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, competitive factors, general U.S. economic conditions, economic conditions in the new and used commercial vehicle markets, customer relations, relationships with vendors, the interest rate environment, governmental regulation and supervision, product introductions and acceptance, changes in industry practices, onetime events and other factors described herein and in filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Rush Enterprises, Inc., San Antonio Karen S. Konecny, 830-626-5102,
