Registrations grow 231%, but still depressed

According to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT’s) figures released today, the UK’s new bus and coach market grew by 231.1% in the second quarter of 2021. The upswing follows last year’s near standstill due to the affects of the pandemic.

There were 1,086 vehicles registered in the second quarter of 2021. This figure is 24.2% lower than that of the equivalent period in 2019.

There were 1,668 vehicles registered in the first six months of 2021, less than half the pre-pandemic average. The second-quarter average between 2015 and 2019 is 3,806 registrations.

“The bus and coach sector is still experiencing the effects of the pandemic with passenger numbers remaining low, undermining operator willingness to place new orders” – Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Though any improvement on last year’s decimated figures is welcome, the growth in quarter two still belies a first half market which is down on a Covid-riven 2020. The bus and coach sector is still experiencing the effects of the pandemic with passenger numbers remaining low, undermining operator willingness to place new orders. The government’s ‘Bus Back Better’ strategy, published in March, is yet to deliver the promised investment which is essential to the future of this sector. Almost two years ago the government pledged to invest in 4,000 new zero-emission buses. Manufacturers are ready, willing and able to build these here in the UK, but need to see that funding flow through to operators, orders placed and a return to the ridership numbers seen prior to the pandemic.”