Positive 2009 for big buses, but tougher in 2010
• Big buses fall 26% at three months to December 2009 on year earlier.
• End to big drop in coach demand as registrations stabilise above 650 units.
• Big bus registrations down by over 26% in the final quarter of 2009.
“Recent months saw a big drop in big bus registrations, after a very positive growth trend earlier in 2009. The sector wasn’t expected to escape the recession that swept across all other vehicle sectors and despite strong demand in 2009, the outlook for 2010 is not encouraging. 2010 will be a tough year,” said Paul Everitt SMMT chief executive. “Demand for coaches has stabilised, but recent growth is from a very, very low base and far from secure. It is essential that government helps sustain economic recovery by encouraging capital investment and affordable finance.”
