Best Q1 registrations since 2008

The number of new buses, coaches and minibuses in the UK grew by half (49.8%) with 2,532 joining the road in the first three months of 2025, according to the latest figures published today (16 May 2025) by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The increase, compared with a particularly strong Q1 in 2024, is the eighth successive quarter of growth and represents the best start to a year since 2008.

Demand grew across all segments in the quarter, with minibuses bringing the most substantial volume growth, up 448 units or 52.6% to 1,299 units. Deliveries of new single-decker buses and coaches increased by 29.6% to 691 units. The largest percentage growth, however, was for double-deckers, surging by 77.1% to 542 units.

In England, demand in the first quarter of 2025 rose by 33.7% to 1,954 units – representing the lion’s share (77.2%) of the market – while deliveries in Scotland more than tripled, up 213.7% to 389 units. Wales and Northern Ireland, meanwhile, registered 148 and 40 units respectively – up 78.3% and 90.5% on the same period last year.

The UK remains Europe’s largest market for new zero-emission buses by volume – a position solidified by a more than doubling of demand in Q1, up 129.5% to 739 units. With single- and double-deckers representing the vast majority of zero-emission rollout, these now account for more than a quarter (29.2%) of the overall market. The SMMT says this makes the sector Britain’s most advanced for road transport decarbonisation.

A long-term strategy is needed to help smaller and rural operators make the switch to electric, according to the SMMT. Targeted funding and infrastructure rollout will be needed, it says, including a national plan for depot and shared hub infrastructure.