Bus and coach sales stall after 17-year high
UK registrations of new buses, coaches and minibuses fell 37.7% to 1,578 units in the first three months of the year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
After last year’s 17-year high, this represents the third consecutive quarter of falling demand.
Decline was driven by a 56% drop in minibus registrations, from 1,299 units to 572, while single-decker registrations fell 15.5% to 584 units and double-deckers were down 22.1% to 422 units.
Meanwhile, zero emission bus volumes fell 20.4% to 588 units, making up 37.3% of new buses.
Inevitable decline
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “After the bus market’s boost over the past two years, a decline was always inevitable as the market stabilises. With zero emission buses taking such a high market share, however, all signs point to a market that is eagerly transitioning.
“Manufacturers have made massive investments in zero-emission buses and public funding schemes have helped drive adoption. With more local commitments to ZEV bus procurement, the market can grow, and the UK can get ever closer to a nationwide zero emission bus network.”
