Rush Enterprises Announces Third Quarter Performance is On Track

    SAN ANTONIO--Sept. 11, 2002--Rush Enterprises Inc. , which operates the largest network of Peterbilt heavy-duty truck dealerships in North America, John Deere construction equipment dealerships in Texas and Michigan, and three of the largest farm and ranch superstores (D&D) in America, today announced that it is on track to exceed analysts' earnings forecasts for the third quarter.
    Analysts' estimates range from 15 cents to 16 cents for the third quarter. The Company, which reported 8 cents a share during the third quarter of 2001, expects to report earnings ranging from 18 to 20 cents per diluted share for the third quarter of 2002. The increase in earnings is attributable to higher new truck sales volumes and a stronger used truck market resulting from the upcoming change in emission guidelines. The Company expects to see a decline in new truck demand subsequent to the October 1, 2002 effective date of the new emission guidelines. The effect that the declining new truck demand will have on the Company's future earnings cannot be determined at this time.