The Swedish giant Volvo is selling up a storm, while WMC is building a head of steam
February 9, 2010
Volvo has kicked off 2011 strongly with 44 deliveries, trouncing the opposition which made up the balance of 111 buses delivered in January.
Although sales are down slightly from this time last year, although only by 18 units, the big turnaround has been in the bus delivery league table.
Back in January 2010, BCI was edging out Volvo for top spot – just – with 31 buses compared to Volvo’s 30, but 12 months later, BCI has dropped to 20 units. Although that’s not a plummeting, it could be cause for concern.
The addition of a BCI Sydney dealership, to be launched in March, could be what the Western Australia-based distributor needs to edge into the lucrative NSW market, and strategically boost sales. BCI have not placed a vehicle into a NSW operation since October.
There has also been much comment about Higer around the industry, with astute long-term observers curious about WMC’s attempt to get a foothold into the bus and coach industry through the Chinese-built brand.
January saw one of WMC’s best months with Higer buses since entering their Australian distribution agreement a few years ago. Although 11 units delivered through WMC in January is not world-beating, it is promising.
Higer announced early in February their intention to start a joint venture with an Australian body builder, with expressions of interest currently being sought.
Having an Australian builder come to the party might be the tonic WMC needs to build confidence among local operators, still cautious of parting with their hard-earned for largely untested product on Australian roads. And before there are cries of Higer product already out there on mostly country roads earning its keep, two years under the Australian sun is not quite long enough to give operators that assuredness of longevity.
An Australian body builder by Higer’s side can only be viewed as a positive way forward.
To view January’s exclusive ABC magazine bus delivery data click here.