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NEW ROMA AND 5000TH BODY FROM MASCARELLO

Mascarello, one of the many smaller Brazilian bodybuilders, renowned for the shape of particularly its coaches, recently launched an improved version of its Roma body for long distance coaches. Besides, she celebrated the delivery of the 5000th bus body since the start of the company in May 2004.

ARRIVA CONFIRMS MAJOR BUS INVESTMENT FOR 2009

Arriva plc confirmed it has placed orders for its UK bus business which will see more than 500 new buses come into service during 2009. The orders represent a second year of significant fleet renewal and growth by the group with investment totalling more than £130m over 2008 and 2009. The buses for delivery in 2009, ordered from a number of manufacturers, represent an investment of some £70 million.

SCANIA: BUS SALES DOWN FOUR PERCENT

A recently released Scania interim report for the first nine months of 2008 stated that operating profit rose by 24% to SEK 10,455m, compared to the SEK 8,442m announced for the same period last year. The firm's operating margin rose to 15.8%.

VOLVO BUS INCREASES ORDER INTAKE DURING THIRD QUARTER

Pressinfo Volvo Buses reports increased order intake during the third quarter 2008. Deliveries were higher than in the corresponding period a year earlier, but earnings remained negative. The market for coaches in Europe is declining as the sharp downturn in the economy has caused increased uncertainty among operators and dealers. The city bus market is more buoyant as the interest for environmentally adapted vehicles and hybrids continues to increase.

MAIN INDIAN MANUFACTURERS CUT PRODUCTION

Pressinfo Ashok Leyland and Tata Motors, the two main Indian manufacturers of commercial vehicles, are likely to cut their vehicle output in the second half of the current financial year to manage an inventory pile-up of 13,000 vehicles at Ashok Leyland only, according to reports in the Indian press. Though mainly trucks, it will also affect the bus business