ABA Report Finds Q3 New Motorcoach Sales Up Versus Prior Year
The survey, which is produced by the ABA’s research arm, the American Bus Association Foundation, produces the report each quarter with data collected from surveys of the major motorcoach manufacturers that sell vehicles in the U.S. and Canada.
According to the data, Q3 sales are consistent with this quarter’s performance over the last two years.
Photo: MCI
2 min to read
Participating manufacturers sold 389 new and 47 pre-owned coaches, for a total of 436 motorcoaches, according to the American Bus Association’s (ABA) Third Quarter 2024 Motorcoach Builders Survey.
The survey, which is produced by the ABA’s research arm, the American Bus Association Foundation, produces the report each quarter with data collected from surveys of the major motorcoach manufacturers that sell vehicles in the U.S. and Canada.
Ad Loading...
New and Pre-Owned Total Sales, 2022-2024.
Photo: ABA
A Look at the Numbers
The 436 Q3 coaches sold compares with 442 during the third quarter of 2023. Sales of new motorcoaches have increased by 15.1% compared to the same quarter in 2023, however, the sale of pre-owned motorcoaches is 54.8% lower.
Both the private and public sector’s buying is higher than a year ago, increasing by 14.4% and 24%, respectively.
"The motorcoach, charter bus, and group travel industries continue to build momentum, highlighted by a 15% increase in new motorcoach sales over last year’s quarter,” said Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association and the American Bus Association Foundation. “This growth underscores the critical role motorcoaches play in connecting people with places nationwide, whether for leisure, business, or travel. Looking ahead, our industry is dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation options that connect communities and strengthen the group travel and mobility sectors."
Total Sales, % Change from 2019, 2022-2024.
Photo: ABA
Staying Consistent
According to the data, Q3 sales are consistent with this quarter’s performance over the last two years. Q3 data for 2024 show only a 1.4% decrease compared to the same quarter in 2023, however, are 44.2% lower than 2019 figures.
Premiums remain elevated. Underwriting scrutiny is intense. And claims costs continue to rise at historic levels. Behind those numbers lies a complex mix of legal, medical, and cultural forces reshaping the commercial landscape.
The company said it has remained the most widely purchased model in the new coach market across the US and Canada, according to historical data from the Motorcoach Builders Survey conducted by the American Bus Association
A phased approach to technology, in-house capabilities, and workforce investment is helping transportation leaders break the reactive cycle and build more resilient, revenue-focused operations.
The company's flagship H3-45 is also the best-selling 45-foot motorcoach in North America, according to vehicle registration data from S&P Global Mobility (Polk).
METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman spoke with Mueller about the opening event, the company’s progress since launching in late 2022, and the road ahead.
METRO Executive Editor Alex Roman presented the award to the operation’s President/CEO Scott Parsons at the United Motorcoach Association’s EXPO in Birmingham, Alabama.
The new facility, spanning more than 43,000 square feet, includes pre-delivery inspection, a large repair, maintenance, and service center, an administrative building, and a dedicated training and delivery center for customers and service partners.