* Growth trend for big buses holds as double-decker registrations soar.
* Big coaches take a big fall – down 42% six months to October.
* Structural shifts in the up to 5t gvw sector, with rise of 3.5 – 5t buses.
“October’s registrations confirmed the main trends of recent months,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “The big growth trend in double-deck buses continued and medium mini buses, 3.5 to 5t, gained over light models up to 3.5t. Coach registrations dropped sharply. Big bus numbers are holding up well but won’t escape the recession in the short term. For the medium to longer term, more bus use means a positive outlook for this market”.
