Third month of growth

Bus and coach registrations saw the third consecutive month of growth, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) October registration figures. SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes, said, ‘The bus and coach market saw registrations rise 13.2% in October, the third consecutive month of growth. This recent market strength follows a slow start to the year, with registrations lower than 2012 given the Olympics boost to last year’s figures. While registrations for 2013 are still down 11% overall, we are encouraged by the recovery rate and the ongoing uptake of cleaner and more efficient vehicles.’

There were 550 buses and coaches registered in October, which is 13.2% up from the same month last year. This has lead to a rolling year total of 7,303, which is down 11.8% compared to the same period in 2012. Registrations for purpose built buses were 218, up 9.5%, making for a rolling year total of 2,786, which is down 11.6%. There were 49 purpose built coaches registered, up 25.6%, leading to a rolling year figure of 802, a 13.6% increase. Converted bus registrations totalled 283, up 14.1%, making for a rolling year total of 3,715, down 16%.

Registrations by marque, with October 2012’s figures in brackets, are: ADL 98 (90), Volvo Bus 58 (68), Wrightbus 70 (12), Scania 5 (20), Optare 15 (16), VDL (excluding Bova) 7 (6), Iris Bus 3 (2), Van Hool 4 (11), Mercedes-Benz (excluding Setra) 2 (9), Neoplan 0 (4), Setra 3 (0), MAN (excluding Neoplan) 0 (0), Irizar 0 (0), King Long 0 (0), other imports 2 (0) and Bova 0 (0).