The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has released figures showing a ‘welcome life’ for the bus and coach industry in February.
The figures show:
- the total bus and coach sector grew significantly in February to 519 registrations, up 73.6%, with the year-to-date up 39.9%;
- registrations of purpose built buses and coaches rose 121.7% in the month and 72.6% for the first two months of 2012; and
- converted bus registrations were up 32.3% in February, and 8.7% for the year-to-date.
Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: “Purpose-built bus and coach registrations more than doubled last month, underpinned by sustained demand for heavy buses and coaches as buyers continue to put new, reliable and fuel-efficient models into operation.
“The overall bus and coach sector also saw solid growth in February, growing almost 75% with the year-to-date up 40%. To maintain this momentum, it is vital the Chancellor uses this month’s Budget to shore-up business confidence by encouraging private sector investment.”
