In a year of outstanding performance, the Italian bus and coach market reached unprecedented levels, registering an impressive 4,920 units in 2024. This marks a 20% growth compared to 2023, according to data released by the industry organization ANFIA and reported by Autobusweb. This achievement is even more remarkable considering the last record of 4,400 units, which dates back to 2001. The new milestone reflects the sector’s resilience, adaptability, and the growing demand for innovative and sustainable mobility solutions in Italy.
Urban Transport Leads the Surge
The most significant contribution to this record-breaking performance came from city buses, which experienced a dramatic 73.9% increase, rising from 1,403 units in 2023 to 2,440 units in 2024. This surge is further highlighted by the remarkable uptake of electric buses, with 994 e-buses sold during the year. These numbers mean that 40% of all new city buses in Italy are now battery-powered, underlining the country’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility and compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.
This transition to cleaner and greener public transportation is also driven by public incentives, technological advancements, and a collective push towards reducing emissions in urban centers. The significant adoption of electric buses demonstrates that Italy is steadily positioning itself at the forefront of the European electric mobility market.
Mixed Trends for Intercity Buses and Coaches
While the city bus segment soared, other sectors of the market showed a more varied performance:
- Intercity buses, which primarily serve suburban and regional connections, experienced a decline, falling by 16.7%, from 2,156 units in 2023 to 1,796 units in 2024. This drop may reflect changing mobility patterns or a shift in public spending priorities.
- Coaches, on the other hand, rebounded strongly, growing by 25.1%, from 526 units in 2023 to 658 units in 2024. This growth is a positive signal for the tourism and long-distance travel sectors, which appear to have recovered from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Sustainability at the Core of Growth
The Italian market’s remarkable performance aligns with a global trend toward sustainable public transportation. Electric buses, in particular, are becoming a centerpiece of this transformation. The increased adoption of battery-powered vehicles indicates not only environmental responsibility but also an alignment with the European Union’s ambitious climate goals. Public authorities, transport companies, and manufacturers in Italy have worked together to build a solid foundation for the next phase of mobility.
A Stark Contrast in the Swedish Market
While Italy celebrated record-breaking growth, other European markets faced contrasting realities. For instance, the Swedish bus market saw a sharp 30% drop in new registrations in 2024. This significant decline highlights the uneven dynamics of the European mobility landscape, with different countries facing unique challenges and opportunities.
A Milestone Year for Italian Mobility
The record-breaking figures achieved in Italy in 2024 reflect the country’s determination to modernize its transportation systems and embrace sustainability. With nearly 5,000 buses and coaches sold, including almost 1,000 electric buses, Italy is leading the way in the shift toward cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable public transport.
As the industry looks ahead to 2025, the focus will undoubtedly remain on scaling electric mobility, optimizing regional connectivity, and continuing to innovate in response to emerging trends and challenges.
