In its latest figures, Daimler Buses has reported that its business in the fiscal year 2020 was largely determined by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, which saw global bus markets record a significant decline of almost 40% in 2020, with its own core markets seeing a 45% drop, and a total of 20,200 chassis and complete buses sold. Daimler reports that the coach segment in all core markets, including Europe, Brazil and Mexico was hardest hit due to the cessation of all tourist activities. In its core European market the coach market fell by almost 60% in 2020 compared to the prior year. The firm reports a downward trend in the city bus and intercity bus segments too.
Despite these difficult conditions, Daimler Buses said it was able to build on its market leadership in all of its core markets. In view of the continuing uncertainties, the company said it expects the market environment in the bus industry to remain tense in 2021.
Till Oberwörder, Head of Daimler Buses, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the entire bus industry in the past year and the situation in global bus markets will remain tense in 2021 as well. Our broad and worldwide positioning with a comprehensive product portfolio helps us in relation to the countermeasures we have taken, such as maintaining cost discipline. In fiscal year 2021 we will continue to ‘drive by sight’ and remain confident. When the pandemic is behind us people will want to travel again, which will normalise our business. We’re keeping a sharp eye on our future: We continue to invest in our strategic projects such as CO2-neutral mobility. Our goal is to shape the transformation in our industry and to put sustainable and efficient mobility solutions on the road.”
In addition to ongoing initiatives related to the pandemic and countermeasures such as cost reductions, Daimler Buses said it is keeping its long-term strategic goals well in sight, and in order to further improve the earning power and profitability of its business, a strategic goal is to maintain and build on market positions in the most important sales regions around the world.
