Steady 2014 expected

There were 7,708 buses and coaches registered in 2013, down 4.9% on the year before, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Despite this, December saw the fifth consecutive month of growth, with registrations totalling 647, a 55.9% rise on the same month in 2012. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, ‘The bus and coach sector had a tough year in 2013 competing against the Olympics inflated registrations of 2012, so the market inevitably struggled. However, we have seen encouraging signs of growth over the last five months as operators look to invest in new fuel efficient, cleaner vehicles. Given the year end performance, we expect a steady 2014.’

There were 2,842 purpose built buses registered in 2013, down 8.6% on 2012’s figures. December’s registrations in this category totalled 221, up 7.3% on the same month last year. 843 purpose built coaches were built in the year, a 20.4% growth, with December’s figure at 45, representing a 73.1% rise. Converted buses totalled 4,023 in 2013, up 6.2%; whilst last month’s total was 381, up 108.2%.

Registrations in 2013 by marque (with 2012’s figures in brackets) are: ADL 1,243 (1,437), Volvo Bus 747 (953), Wrightbus 445 (171), Optare 317 (366), Scania 279 (279), Mercedes-Benz (excluding Setra) 118 (141), VDL (excluding Bova) 113 (112), Iris Bus 96 (113), Van Hool 85 (64), Neoplan 56 (88), MAN (excluding Neoplan) 44 (16), Setra 44 (10), Irizar 38 (0), King Long 30 (21), other imports 30 (19) and Bova 0 (21).