Low demand in 2009 drags bus and coach registrations down
• Big buses fall 40% at three months to February 2010 on year earlier.
• Big coach registrations up 22%; but industry wary on early revival.
• Big bus demand to remain very weak in 2010.
“Demand for buses and coaches has remained low for many months and this shows in February’s registration data,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “We don’t expect to see a sustainable recovery in registration data for many months. This means durable growth in business investment and confidence is vital to protect the sector. The government’s 2010 Budget needs to deliver clear, supportive and dependable policies, including better access to business credit to encourage a recovery in demand for buses and coaches.”
