Big bus demand wary and uncertain; coaches stabilising
• Big buses down 22% at three months to October 2009 on Q3 2008.
• Drop in big coach registration may have stabilised at last, near 650 units.
• Order outlook is poor as buyers’ caution on uncertain operating context grows.
“ Demand for big buses has continued to deteriorate over recent months,” said Paul Everitt, chief executive at the SMMT. “The sector had lagged the more acute recessionary squeeze affecting other new vehicle markets in 2009, but into 2010 the outlook is not encouraging. Coaches are also suffering, with demand possibly stabilising at about 55% of recent peak annual registration volumes. Once again, it is extremely important that government continues with measures to sustain business confidence and strengthen the recovery."
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