The latest Australian bus and coach deliveries data showcases an influx of bus handovers occurring across the country to cap off a stellar first quarter of 2026. Following 155 deliveries in January and 147 in February, March saw 199 deliveries made according to ABC’s deliveries data.
It’s a mega jump from this time last year where 123 units were delivered for March 2025, and brings the total buses and coaches delivered in the first quarter to 501 vehicles – well above 446 units recorded at the same point last year.
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A change at the top was seen in the March chassis sector, with Yutong recording a stellar month through 60 deliveries (48 heavy bus, 12 light). Perennial leader Volvo had to settle for second with 38 deliveries, with Scania (34) breathing closely down its neck in third. BCI claimed fourth with 14, just ahead of I-Bus with 13 (12 light bus, one heavy), while Zhongtong jumped to 11 units in March. Custom Denning and BYD couldn’t be split with eight deliveries apiece, the same occurred with Nexport and MAN with four deliveries apiece, while King Long (three) stayed ahead of BLK (two).
A similar change was seen in the bodies game, with Yutong’s combo of 48 heavy bus and 12 light seeing it claim top spot in the sector ahead of Volgren with 45 deliveries. BCI claimed third with 19 deliveries ahead of Irizar (16), I-Bus (12 light bus, one heavy) and Zhongtong (11). Custom Denning stood clear of a mega pack with eight deliveries, as did Scania Higer with seven, while the remaining 20 deliveries was spread across nine brands in an ultra-even finish.
While Yutong had great success in the other markets, it couldn’t catch McConnell in the seating sector as the latter continued its dominance with 65 deliveries in March. Yutong had to settle for second with 45 units, with Sege (28) claiming third by the barest of margins over StyleRide (27). APM shot to fifth with 13, Zhongtong recorded the 11 units and Leadcom (seven) came back to lead King Long with three.
Yutong’s dominance, however, did extend to air-conditioning as Cling-Yutong claimed top honours with 60 March deliveries. Coachair took second spot comfortably with 32 deliveries, while Hispacold finished third with 20. Thermo King (16) stayed clear of a pack consisting of Spheros (13), I-Bus (13), Tongsun (11) and Denso (10), while Konvekta and BCC couldn’t be split on seven units each. In the final few deliveries, Songz (four) finished narrowly ahead of Valeo and King Long (three apiece).
The deliveries boom saw New South Wales extend its lead in the state-based battle, usurping its stellar February efforts with a further 73 deliveries in March. Western Australia continued its terrific year to date with 56 units, ahead of Queensland (31) and Victoria (25). Outside of the big four, only South Australia recorded units delivered in March with 14 registered.
The zero-emissions swing continued to occur in March, with the alternative energy buses accounting for 59 of the 199 deliveries made last month. In that market, Yutong (15) led the way ahead of Volvo (11), Custom Denning (eight), BYD (eight), BCI (seven), Scania (six) and Nexport (four). Out of the 139 diesel deliveries made, Yutong also led with 45 ahead of Volvo (27) and Scania (27), with the latter also recording a sole diesel hybrid unit.
Click here to see all ABC bus and coach deliveries data.
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