Q1 2020 Bus & Coach Registrations

Monday 18 May, 2020

UK new bus and coach registrations rose 15.8% in the first quarter of 2020, with demand growing to 1,403 units, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). In spite of lockdown measures introduced nationwide in response to the pandemic, the start of the year saw an uptick in demand for the first time since 2016, albeit after a particularly low volume year in 2019, when only 1,212 buses and coaches registered.

Growth in the first quarter was driven by minibus registrations, which were up 106.8% to 941 units, while the market for single-deck and double-deck buses was down -21.3% and -61.2% respectively during the period.

Demand for buses and coaches fell significantly in Scotland, down -44.7% to 146 units, whereas England saw a boost of 29.3% to 1,146 vehicles, where the South East (which includes Greater London) remains the most popular region in the UK for bus and coach registrations, with 422 units registered, up 10.5% on last year.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,

Amidst the unprecedented circumstances we now find ourselves in, a healthy first quarter to the year after such prolonged decline, albeit after a particularly low volume year in 2019, is good news for the bus and coach market. Bus operators are currently working tirelessly to provide essential transport services for those on the frontline of the pandemic, and we hope to see this vital sector grow as the nation prepares for a restart.

Notes to Editors
1. Q1 2016 – up 2.0%