Strongest new bus and coach market since 2008

The UK’s new bus, coach and minibus market recorded its strongest performance since 2008 last year, as operators continued to invest in fleet renewal and zero-emission technology, according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Registrations rose 10.4% in 2025 to 9,259 vehicles, marking the best year for the sector in 17 years. The strong annual result came despite a sharp -28.4% fall in deliveries in the final quarter, largely caused by a halving of minibus registrations. Overall, however, demand remained resilient as public and private operators upgraded fleets to meet passenger demand and decarbonisation targets.

Growth was driven by larger vehicles, with single-deck bus registrations up 24.9% to 2,465 units and double-deck buses and coaches rising 25.5% to 2,010 units. Minibus registrations dipped slightly by -0.7% to 4,784 units following weaker demand in the second half of the year.

Regional performance was mixed. Scotland recorded the strongest growth, up 162.3% to 1,188 units, supported in part by the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB). England remained the dominant market, accounting for 82.8% of registrations, with volumes rising 4.8% to 7,671 units. In contrast, fleet renewal fell in Wales, down -38.9% to 299 units, while Northern Ireland saw a modest increase of 5.2% to 101 units.

The sector also strengthened its lead as the UK’s fastest-decarbonising road transport segment. Zero-emission bus, coach and minibus registrations rose 62.2% to 2,523 units in 2025, accounting for around 27% of all new vehicles joining UK roads. This puts the UK firmly in pole position as Europe’s largest zero-emission bus market, reflecting sustained manufacturer innovation and the impact of government support schemes such as the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) fund.

The SMMT, however, warned that maintaining momentum will depend on continued policy and infrastructure support. Large-scale fleet electrification requires significant investment in depot upgrades and grid connections, with delays and costs posing a growing challenge for operators. Accelerating these upgrades will be essential to unlock further emissions reductions, improve urban air quality and cut noise pollution.

“The substantial increase in the uptake of zero-emission vehicles has been enabled by significant manufacturer investment and targeted government schemes, but momentum must be maintained. Upgrading bus fleets can be complex and costly – challenges that industry and government must address together so Britain can maintain its leadership in green public transport and accelerate our journey towards Net Zero.”