March has proven the most prosperous month for bus and coach deliveries so far in 2018, exclusive ABC data reveals.
Deliveries soared in March 2018, with 109 brand-new buses delivered throughout Australia. This is a big step up compared to February and January, when 91 and 65 deliveries were reported, marking strong month-on-month increases in 2018. Encouragingly, this number also nearly doubles the tally of 55 recorded at the same time last year.
Volvo once more remains atop of the chassis manufacturer pile, marking 33 deliveries, its best result of the year (29 previously). Scania maintained second spot, but also had a bumper month of 30, beating its previous best of 19. Likewise BCI, which has jumped from four in January to 16 and 17 in February and March respectively. The chasing pack had less than nine each.
Volgren again led the way for body builders, recording 18, though that was less than February’s figure of 24. BCI followed on 12, which was also a small drop on last month. Gemilang and Irizar achieved strong months, both posting double figures.
Thermo King’s grip on the air-con market tightens, recording 57 deliveries, its best for the year (previously 50). Hispacold was next on 11, with the rest under double figures as per OEM-provided data.
Once again Victoria and NSW were the busiest states taking 35 and 31 per cent of the pie, respectively. Queensland and SA followed on 17 and 13 per cent, with WA the only other state or territory listed for sales – it had 4 per cent.
For Australia’s most comprehensive new bus market industry intelligence update, click here.