Double-decker coaches and buses driving industry growth

The new bus and coach market grew 14.2% in the third quarter of 2016, with more than 2,300 new vehicles registered, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Demand for double-decks coaches and buses drove the growth, with an increase of 31.9%, while minibus and single-decker vehicles registrations also grew by 14% and 4.2% respectively.
Year-to-date figures painted a similar picture, with double-decker demand rising 21.6% in the first nine months of 2016. Minibus registrations were also ahead, up 11% on the same period in 2015, while demand for single-decks remained level, down -0.8%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Following significant growth in the coach and bus market last year, it’s good to see demand grow again in the third quarter.”