Record-breaking sales of motorcoaches were reported for the fourth quarter of 2006 in an industry survey conducted by Larry Plachno of National Bus Trader. He reported sales of 760 coaches during the quarter, a 20% increase over the previous year and the highest figure since he started keeping records in 1985.
Plachno said some people have suggested that the sales spurt was evidence of “pre-buying activity” — coach operators procuring additional 2006 models in advance of the more expensive 2007 models that are required to have engines meeting tougher emissions standards. He also suggested the possibility that public-sector deliveries were particularly strong in the fourth quarter.
