Gloomy April for coach and bus sales…

Bus and coach registrations fell 18.4 per cent to 622 units in April, meaning a decline of 17.6 per cent in the first four months of 2013 to 2,559 units. Purpose-built bus and coach registrations dropped 28.9 per cent to 302 units in the month. Converted bus registrations also fell in April, by 5 per cent to 320 units.

Full-size coaches had a relatively good month, registering 106 units, benefiting from an early Easter. 

“The bus and coach sector continues to decline with April registrations dropping 18.4 per cent to 622 units. This is not an unexpected slide and based on year-to-date registrations we anticipate the remainder of 2013 to be challenging,” said Wendy Williamson, SMMT Bus and Coach Manager. “The sector saw a boost last year but it is widely expected to stabilise in 2013.”