New coach and bus registrations in the UK declined in the first quarter of 2017, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Data shows that across the country demand fell by 4.2% in the first three months of the year, with 1,877 new coaches and buses registered.
Despite the overall decline, double-deckers continued to enjoy the same strong growth seen in 2016 with an uplift of 42.4% in the quarter to 487 units.
This contrasted with decreases of 16.7% and 9.7% for minibuses and single-deckers respectively.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The uplift in double-decker demand is significant as they are used in our towns and cities so fleet renewal here will help improve air quality in urban areas. Following the strong market performance of 2016, some levelling off in the market overall was to be expected this year, as many operators have now invested heavily in their fleets.”
