Sales of new and used motorcoaches in the third quarter of 2019 kept pace with the previous year’s totals, reported the American Bus Association Foundation in its Motorcoach Builder Survey. Sales totaled 727 this year (516 new and 211 used), compared to 732 (504 new and 228 used) last year.
While sales of 45-foot buses dipped from 484 to 470 in the third quarter, manufacturers reported increased interest in smaller vehicles. There were sales of 14 coaches in the 40- to 45-foot range, up from one last year, and sales of 30- to 40-footers grew to 32 from the 19 sold in the third quarter of 2018.
“The rise in the smaller motorcoaches mirrors the trend we have been talking about for some time now–people want smaller, intimate trips with friends and family,” said Peter Pantuso, president of the foundation. “Our passengers want unique, personalized trips, and that means smaller groups taking more trips. The industry is doing a fantastic job meeting the needs of all customers, large and small.”
