The Australian bus and coach market takes a dip – but there’s scope for optimism, exclusive ABC data reveals.
After holding out for many months, the Australian bus and coach market sees the effects of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic finally reflected in delivery numbers, which eased to 80 in May.
That number follows expected trends and drops below the levels of the past two years, but remains well above some of the historical lows, such as 65 in February 2018 and multiple months in the 50s in 2017.
The chassis sector echoes the line-ups of most months, albeit on a smaller scale. Both Volvo and Scania continued their one-two lead in the chassis section, on 28 and 24, respectively. No other manufacturer reported more than 10, though an individual positive sees MAN with its highest monthly number.
The bodies sector sees a shift with Australian Bus Corporation’s three entities combining for 27 reported deliveries. Its Bustech brand sits atop alongside Volgren (including the latter’s Supportrans subsidiary) on 14, with Precision Buses following on 10 and Elphinstone on three.
Thermo King again leads the air-conditioning sector, though 42 is the first time its numbers have dropped below 50. Hispacold was the only other to post double figures.
The states were in a tight three-way race with NSW, WA and Victoria separated by just two deliveries.
Click here for comprehensive bus and coach delivery information for May. Please note all data is as supplied from manufacturers, with their involvement at their discretion.
Photography: Paul Aldridge