UK new bus sales continue post-pandemic resurgence

The new coach, minibus and bus sales sector spiked by 61.7% in the second quarter of 2024, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

It reported that 1,826 units were sold in the UK between April and June, completing five consecutive quarters of growth after a period of decline during the pandemic.

Growth in the quarter was driven by a doubling in demand for new minibuses, up 97.2% to 903 units, while deliveries of new double decker buses increased by 100.5% to 387 units and new single deck bus uptake rose by a more modest 12.1%.

More operators also made the switch to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) with new registrations of the latest, greenest buses up by a third (36.3%) to 424 units during the three-month period.

Bus sales

As a result, the UK remains at the very front of the European green bus transition as the largest ZEV bus market by volume in Europe, followed by Italy, Germany and France. Net zero commitments from government have been crucial, including England’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area funding and the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund – helping almost a quarter (23.2%) of all new vehicle purchases to decarbonise in the first half of 2024.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said:

“A boost in uptake of new buses which provide mass mobility across the nation is also a boost for our economy and society, given the vital role these vehicles play – from commuting and staycations to transport for schools, charities and health and social care. At the same time, fleets continue to go green in rising numbers and, with suitably ambitious incentives and infrastructure is in place, buses and the communities which depend on them could be the UK’s first to reach net zero.”