- UK bus and coach market rises 26.9% in Q2 2016, with 2,486 new vehicles registered.
- Increased demand for double-deck buses fuels growth, up 57.9% compared with Q2 2015.
- Steady year-to-date performances as registrations increase 6.5% to 4,174 units.
The UK bus and coach market enjoyed healthy growth in the second quarter of 2016, according to data released today by SMMT. New bus and coach registrations rose by more than a quarter, with nearly 2,500 vehicles registered. Mini-buses, single-decks and double-decks all experienced notable growth, up 17.5%, 24.9% and 57.9% respectively.
Increased investment in new vehicle stock in Scotland and England drove the overall market in the second quarter, led by operators in the West Midlands where demand tripled, followed by those in the North West where purchases rose by 58.2%. Year-to-date figures show the market remains in growth – up 6.5% against the same period last year.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Resurgent demand for buses and coaches in the second quarter is good news following slower growth earlier in the year, and today’s figures demonstrate continued business confidence of UK operators to invest in their fleets. However, for the market to remain steady, operators, manufacturers and local authorities now need more clarity surrounding the details of the devolution of bus franchising to local authorities via the Bus Services Bill.”
