Bus and coach registrations up in January

Date: 8/2/2012

January saw an increase in the number of registrations in the bus and coach sector, figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have revealed.

Last month, there were 484 registrations - an increase of 15.8 per cent compared with the previous month.

However, the total for the rolling year declined by 11.7 per cent.

In the purpose-built buses and coaches sector, registrations were up 40.6 per cent in January, although there was a dip of 58.2 per cent for the rolling year.

SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt explained that "converted buses saw slower uptake, dropping 9.7 per cent."

However, overall he suggested the results are encouraging given "ongoing concern over the stability of the market and the wider economy."

Last month, the organisation revealed demand for new cars was higher than expected in 2011, reaching 1,941,253 units last year, compared with an predicted total of 1.92 million.

Despite this, the total was down on 2010's figure.

Posted by Mary Treen