Bus and coach demand increases in February

Date: 7/3/2012

There was an increase in the number of coach and bus registrations in February, new figures show.

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed there were 519 registrations last month - an increase of 73.9 per cent on January's figure.

For the year to date, the sector as a whole is now up 39.9 per cent.

There was particular demand for purpose-built buses and coaches, as registrations for these vehicles were up 121.7 per cent in February, or 72.6 per cent during the first two months of 2012.

Chief Executive of the SMMT Paul Everitt said the improvements were "underpinned by sustained demand for heavy buses and coaches as buyers continue to put new, reliable and fuel-efficient models into operation."

This comes just after the organisation noted diesel car registration also increased in February, although sales volumes were generally fairly low ahead of the number plate change this month.

Posted by Mary Treen