More brands getting in on the action brings hope for a better 2021, exclusive ABC data reveals.
It’s not yet a repeat of the months we used to see with 100+ deliveries pre-Covid, but December’s bus and coach numbers show glimpses of optimism for a return to form in 2021.
The final tally of 80 is 10 more than November, and includes a more diverse range of OEMs and body building brands than in previous months.
The most interesting development in the chassis sector is regular market leader Volvo easing to third with its lowest monthly tally for the year (13). Fellow Swede Scania instead took top spot with 26 deliveries. Mercedes-Benz had a good showing, moving up to second with its second-best figure for the year of 19, just below July’s 22 and well aboveg November’s eight.
Volgren held a firm grip at the top of the body building sector with 29 deliveries, maintaining a steady recent trend of around 30 (including two involving subsidiary Supportrans). Gemilang, seldom mentioned in this section, had its best month of the year with eight, benefiting from Mercedes-Benz’s busy month. A long list of builders followed with five or fewer.
Thermo King usually leads the air-conditioning sector and this month was no exception, occupying a whopping 62.5 per cent of the market. Its 50 reported deliveries is reminiscent of pre-Covid days. The only other brand to hit double figures here was Hispacold.
Victoria continues to be, by far, the busiest state, with 37 per cent of deliveries recorded there. WA was next on 16 per cent, while NSW continues to lag behind on 15 per cent. Queensland follows on 13 per cent, while it’s worth mentioning Tasmania and SA had busier months than usual, with 10 and 9 per cent, respectively.
Click here for comprehensive bus and coach delivery information for December. Please note all data is as supplied from manufacturers, at their discretion.