The American Bus Association (ABA) recently announced the results of its Motorcoach Builders Survey for Q4 2025, offering a detailed snapshot of purchasing activity among operators across the United States and Canada. The quarterly survey is produced by the American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF), ABA’s research arm, and Oxford Economics, which compile data from major motorcoach manufacturers serving the North American market.
Overall, the latest data reflects a market characterized by measured growth, strategic fleet replacement, and disciplined capital planning.
Participating manufacturers reported sales of:
- 657 new motorcoaches
- 85 pre-owned motorcoaches
- 742 total units in Q4 2025
This compares with 683 total motorcoaches sold in Q4 2024, representing year-over-year growth driven largely by replacement demand.
The increase signals continued fleet modernization as operators replace vehicles held longer during the pandemic and subsequent supply-chain disruptions. However, Q4 2025 sales remain 27.4% below Q4 2019 levels, underscoring that overall industry volume has not yet returned to long-term growth expectations.
According to the report, the data points to cautious forward momentum rather than broad-based expansion. Operators appear to be preparing for major international events and elevated group travel demand while maintaining a sharp focus on reliability, safety, and cost control in capital expenditures.
New vs. Pre-Owned: A Clear Divergence
New motorcoach sales rose 29.8% year over year, while pre-owned sales declined 52% compared to Q4 2024. This widening gap highlights shifting cost dynamics across the industry:
- Operators accelerated new-coach purchases to secure pricing and delivery timelines.
- Pre-owned inventory tightened, contributing to reduced transaction volume and higher secondary-market pricing.
Public and Private Demand
Sales to both private and public entities increased compared to the same quarter in 2024, suggesting renewed institutional and municipal procurement activity:
- Private sector sales rose 5.7%
- Public sector sales surged 354.3% (yes--not a typo)
Outlook for Operators
Looking ahead, sustained recovery in the motorcoach market will depend on:
- Predictable trade policy
- Manageable financing conditions
- Continued investment in domestic manufacturing capacity
“While higher equipment costs driven by global trade policy remain a major factor in the health of the bus industry, they have not slowed operators’ commitment to upgrading their fleets,” said ABA President & CEO Fred Ferguson about the report. “Back-to-back years of more than 2,000 units sold show an industry that has moved beyond recovery and into a steadier replacement cycle. At the same time, rising insurance costs and misguided policies advanced by environmental advocates remain potential headwinds. Even so, operators are investing in newer vehicles with advanced safety, technology, and performance features as they respond to growing consumer demand for bus-based transportation—demand reinforced by greater public awareness, stronger support for motorcoaches as an efficient travel option, and major events on the horizon that are driving long-term planning and confidence across the market.”
Read the full report at buses.org/aba-foundation.
Visit buses.org for more information.
[02.24.26]
