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Thor Industries (NYSE: THO) announced today preliminary sales for the quarter and six months ended January 31, 2010. Sales in the quarter were $429 million, almost double the $227 million from last year. RV sales were $335 million, up 148% from $135 million last year. Bus sales were $94 million, up 2% versus $92 million last year.

Sales in the 6 months were $932 million, up 40% from $665 million last year. RV sales were $726 million, up 56% from $465 million last year. Bus sales were $206 million, up 3% from $200 million last year.

Backlog on January 31, 2010 was a record $711 million, up 81% from $392 million last year. RV backlog was $449 million, up 157% from $175 million last year. Bus backlog was $262 million, up 21% from $217 million last year. Cash, cash equivalents and investments on January 31, 2010 were $155 million.

"Thor's record backlog is indicative of improving RV market conditions and continuing strength in bus," said Peter B. Orthwein, Thor Chairman, President & CEO. "RV retail shows have been much improved so far this season which leads us to anticipate continued performance gains throughout 2010," he added.