The Australian bus market’s rollercoaster ride in 2020 continues, exclusive ABC data reveals.
The usual end-of-financial year rush has seen Australian bus and coach deliveries jump a remarkable 83 per cent month-on-month to finish on 146 for June.
It’s the fifth consecutive month where deliveries have fluctuated between double and triple figures in a Covid-impacted 2020, marking the second-highest figure for the year – behind January’s 172 – though June traditionally represents a bump in the market.
In the chassis sector it was Scania reigning with 46 deliveries, the Swede’s yearly best, driven in particular by a significant Transdev order. Interestingly, regular market leader Volvo’s 28 matched last month as its equal lowest for the year. Better news for Mercedes-Benz breaking the 20-delivery barrier and setting a yearly high of 22. Australian Bus Corporation’s (ABC’s) Bustech brand also broke new ground in 2020 with 15 deliveries. BCI returned to double figures for the first time since February, and Hino’s seven deliveries also made June its busiest month of the year.
A few yearly highs also followed for the bodies sector, including Volgren’s 48, incorporating two from subsidiary Supportrans. ABC’s figure of 34 included peaks of 20 from Bustech and 11 from Precision Buses.
Thermo King is used to being the market leader for air-conditioner deliveries, but its 88 represented more than a doubling on last month’s tally, and 21 more than its previous best for the year. In fact, it occupied more than 60 per cent of the sector, with MCC the next best and the only other brand to exceed double figures.
A surprise in the state chart as one of the main players, New South Wales, only occupied 10 per cent of the market, well behind Victoria (33 per cent), Western Australia (24 per cent) and Queensland (19 per cent).
Click here for comprehensive bus and coach delivery information for June. Please note all data is as supplied from manufacturers, with their involvement at their discretion.