Big bus registrations continue to dive; coaches drop again
• Big buses fall 32% at three months to January 2010 versus last January.
• Drop in big coach registrations stabilising; caution on revival in recent months.
• Bleak outlook for 2010 registrations as recession grips the sector.
“January registrations for big buses were nearly 50% below the levels seen in the same period in 2009,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “Whilst the economy has technically escaped the recession, this has not yet lifted demand in the bus sector and the immediate outlook remains very difficult. Coach registrations have now stabilised, but at a much reduced level. It is extremely important that government uses the next Budget to encourage new investment in capital goods and help re-build business confidence.”
