The second quarter of the year has seen a further rise in the overall number of deliveries, fuelled by strong minibus sales
New bus, coach and minibus deliveries were up 62.5% to 2,968 units in the second quarter of 2025, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Demand rises were seen in in every segment, the figures show, with volume growth driven by minibus uptake, which was up 99.7% to 1,803.
The figures represent the ninth consecutive quarter of growth as rising passenger levels give fleet operators confidence to invest. Deliveries of single-deck buses and coaches grew by 20.9% to 648, whilst demand for double-deckers also rose, up 33.6% to 517. England benefited from a 52.7% rise in uptake, with 2,377 vehicles registered, accounting for 80.1% of UK registrations. The second largest market, Scotland, saw the most dramatic growth, with volumes up 378.1% to 502 units, driven in part by investments supported by ScotZEB funding. Fleet renewal declined in Wales and Northern Ireland – down by 56.9% and 18.8% respectively, although the SMMT notes that these markets are volatile due to large growth last year, and due to the small volumes of just 50 and 39 registrations.
Zero-emission uptake rose by 45.3% in the second quarter of the year compared with the same period last year, with 616 registrations. In the first half of 2025, some 1,355 zero emission buses have joined UK roads – an 81.6% increase on the same period last year. Commenting on the figures, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: “Britain’s success in decarbonising the bus market is the result of huge industry investment to deliver new products – with more than 20 zero emission models currently available – as well as substantial government support for fleet renewal via Zero Emission Bus Regional Area funding. Many larger operators are better placed to invest than smaller and rural fleets, however, which face unique challenges including lower ridership and routes covering greater distances. A longer-term strategy to support their transition is needed, including a national plan for infrastructure at depot, shared hub and en-route locations, ensuring no community is left behind.
“Britain’s new bus, coach and minibus market continues to gain momentum with another quarter of growth making it nine months in a row – a welcome period of market recovery after 2020’s nadir. The growth has been underpinned by rising passenger levels and zero emission uptake as bus decarbonisation continues to be a real success story, cutting emissions, improving air quality and increasing access to affordable, mass green mobility across the country.”
