- New bus, coach and minibus market down by -17.0% to 1,965
units in Q3.
- Strong growth in year-to-date market, however, up 26.9% with
7,465 registrations.
- More than one in four (28.7%) registrations are zero emission
in first nine months of 2025.
UK registrations of new buses, coaches and minibuses fell -17.0%
in the third quarter of 2025, reaching 1,965 units, according to
the latest figures published by the Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The decline marks the end of
nine consecutive quarters of growth, with falling minibus
registrations chiefly responsible, volumes down -39.8% to 895
units following strong growth in the same period last year.
Single and double-deck bus and coach registrations, however, both
rose – up 35.8% and 5.7% to 626 and 444 units respectively.
Zero emission vehicle uptake also recorded growth, rising 16.3%
in the quarter to 563 units and accounting for more than a
quarter (28.6%) of all new buses, coaches and minibuses joining
the road in July, August and September. Diesel registrations,
meanwhile, declined -25.5% to 1,402 units. This progress reflects
significant industry investment in new technologies, with more
than 20 zero emission models now available, alongside government
support through Zero Emission Bus Regional Area funding.
England accounted for 87.0% of the market, equivalent to 1,709
registrations, although the performance was down -17.9% on the
same period in 2024. The second largest market, Scotland, saw the
most growth, up 96.9 % to 191 units, while fleet renewal declined
in Wales and Northern Ireland – down -65.9% and -61.9% – but at
small volumes of just 57 and 8 registrations respectively.
Despite the overall quarterly decline, 2025 still saw the
second best Q3 since 2017,1 while year-to-date
registrations are 26.9% above 2024 volumes, at 7,465 units. More
than half (53.5%) of demand has been driven by minibuses, with an
uplift of 23.4% meaning almost 4,000 have gone into service since
January. Registrations of single and double decker buses,
meanwhile, have risen by 28.4% and 35.0% respectively, with 1,965
and 1,503 units joining the road this year.
Even more positively, more than one in four (28.7%) new
registrations in the first nine months have been zero emission,
equivalent to 1,918 units and up 55.9% year on year. The UK, as a
result, remains Europe's largest zero emission bus
market2 – a significant achievement but one which can
only be sustained with a renewed focus on delivering charging
infrastructure fit for the sector. A long-term national
infrastructure strategy with provision at depots, shared hubs and
along routes will be vital to ensure zero emission mass transport
becomes a reality for operators and passengers.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “A dip
in registrations is disappointing but not enough to stall fleet
renewal year-to-date. Yet more growth in zero emission demand is
good new as the sector continues to invest in new, cleaner models
to give operators choice. Given the role these public transport
vehicles play in delivering mobility for millions of people –
especially in urban and rural areas – we must focus on speeding
up the transition. That means investing in sector-specific
charging and continuation of Zero Emission Bus Regional Area
funding.”
