Trends for buses are downward except for minibuses
Big buses registrations have fallen 31% May 2010 versus last year with a sharp fall for double decks. Big coaches registrations are down 31% at May 2010 on a year earlier. However, there was a 7.2% rise in 3.5t to 8.5t buses at May and 18.4 per cent year to date.
“Trends for buses are generally downward, except for minibuses,” said Robin Dickeson, manager, commercial vehicle affairs at the SMMT. “Coaches, though down in May are rising on the more reliable rolling year comparison. For the bus and coach sector, it vital that the emergency budget helps keep the recovery moving.”
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad.
The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy with £51bn turnover and £10bn value added. With over 800,000 jobs dependent on the industry, it accounts for 10% of total UK exports and invests £1bn each year in R&D.
In the last ten years, huge strides have been made to reduce the environmental impact of its products throughout the life cycle. Improvements in production processes mean energy used to produce cars is down 24%, water use is down 45% and 57% less waste enters landfill sites. Average car tailpipe CO2 emissions have also been slashed and are down 20% compared to 1999 levels.
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Related categories: Bus coach and minibus
