Big minibuses enjoy Indian Summer in September

* Big mini buses up 49.6% to 4,217.

* Coach registrations down 3.0% to 1,100

* Small mini buses still sliding, down 22.5% to 4,025.

* Big buses continue to slide, down 27.5% to 2,325 units for the rolling year.

“September registrations once again show that it’s wise not to read too much into one month’s figures,” said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive.   “Strong registrations for big mini buses account for the improvements across the whole mini bus sector.   High coach registrations in September reflect the end of the Euro 3 derogation period and the delivery of part of a big order from Northern Ireland that will continue to affect figures for the immediate future.   Double-deck and full-size single-deck bus registrations continue to decline as some big buyers delay replacement programmes.   Caution is still the name of the game and the rolling year data is the least volatile guide to registrations.”

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