SMMT figures reveal UK new bus & coach market increased by 8 percent in 2016

New figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal the new bus and coach market grew by 8 percent in the UK during 2016.

The UK bus and coach market witnessed a second consecutive year of growth, increasing by 8 percent in 2016 compared to the previous year. Figures published by the SMMT reveal 8,779 new buses and coaches were registered last year. Furthermore, more than 2,000 registrations were made in the last quarter, equating to a 4.6 percent uplift on Q4 2015.

2,000 bus and coach registrations made in Q4 2016

Source: SMMT

According to the figures, double-decks continued to drive growth in 2016, with full year demand rising by more than a quarter (27.9 percent) to 1,927 units. Minibuses, which account for more than half of the market, also made strong gains, with registrations increasing 9.7 percent to 4,418, counteracting a -6.2 percent decline in single-deck vehicles.

Source: SMMT

Commenting on the findings, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said, “2016 proved to be another strong year for the British bus and coach market, with many operators investing in their fleets over the past 12 months. Getting the latest technology and low emission vehicles on to British roads is essential to help improve air quality in our cities, and 2016’s strong record of fleet renewal will aide that process.”