Top 10 Bus-Producing Countries in 2025
The global bus manufacturing industry is a vital pillar in the world’s transportation and public mobility systems. Buses play an essential role in reducing traffic congestion, providing affordable travel, and supporting environmental goals through electrification. In 2025, the industry is shaped by shifting economic conditions, technology trends, and government investments in sustainable transit. This article offers an in-depth review of the ten leading bus-producing countries in 2025, providing facts, production statistics, and analysis of industry drivers.
Global Bus Production: An Overview
In 2025, the global bus manufacturing landscape remains dominated by a handful of countries with large-scale industrial capacity and expanding domestic demand. Collectively, these countries manufacture more than three-quarters of the world’s new buses annually. Modern bus factories are highly automated, increasingly flexible to fuel technology changes, and focused on both internal combustion and electric propulsion.
Despite short-term volatility, the overall trend is upward, with total global production projected to reach close to 550,000 units in 2026. The year 2024 saw a slight decline in some regions due to post-pandemic market corrections and changes in public funding, but most leading manufacturers are now on a path of moderate to strong growth.
Key Facts:
- China remains the largest producer, although its output declined by 10% in 2024.
- India demonstrates strong growth, with bus production increasing nearly 10% in 2024 and maintaining momentum into 2025.
Brazil, Russia, and South Korea round out the top five, each representing unique regional demand and manufacturing capacity.
Top 10 Bus Producers: Country-by-Country Analysis
Below is a comparative table showing the estimated bus production figures for the top 10 countries in 2024–2025, alongside year-on-year change:
Rank | Country | Production (thousand units) | YoY Change (%) |
1 | China | 87.74 | –10.5 |
2 | India | 63.83 | +9.5 |
3 | Brazil | 21.16 | –5.8 |
4 | Russia | 12.83 | –0.5 |
5 | South Korea | 8.13 | –11.2 |
6 | USA (est.) | 6.5 | ≈0 |
7 | Turkey (est.) | 4.0 | +3.0 |
8 | Germany (est.) | 3.5 | +2.0 |
9 | France (est.) | 2.8 | +1.7 |
10 | UK (est.) | 2.5 | +1.2 |
Estimates for some countries based on industry reports and national manufacturing trends.
Country Insights
- China: Maintains its place as the world leader with nearly 88,000 buses produced in 2024. The decline is largely due to market adjustments, stricter emissions standards, and a shift to higher-value electric models.
- India: Experiencing robust growth, driven by ambitious public transportation programs and increasing demand for mass urban mobility solutions.
- Brazil: Although production has declined, Brazil remains the largest bus manufacturer in Latin America, serving both domestic and export markets.
- Russia: The market is stable but faces challenges from sanctions and shifting trade alliances.
- South Korea: Production declined as the industry restructured around electric buses and advanced export models.
- USA, Turkey, Germany, France, UK: These countries contribute significant production through innovation, particularly in electric and hydrogen bus technology, and maintain a strong presence in both domestic and international markets.
Bus Market Value & Technology Trends
The global value of the bus and coach manufacturing sector continues to grow steadily. In 2025, the total market is valued at approximately $51.4 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 6%. This growth is fueled not only by increasing unit production but also by the higher value of new, technologically advanced vehicles.
Table: Market Segment Values and Growth (2024–2025)
Segment | 2024 Value (US$ bn) | 2025 Value (US$ bn) | CAGR (%) |
Buses & Coaches (Mfg) | 48.3 | 51.4 | 6.3 |
Bus Services (Operations) | 15.8 | 16.2 | 2.5 |
Trolleybus Infrastructure | 1.35 | 1.39 (est.) | 3.2 |
Industry Forces and Outlook
Electrification and Clean Energy
- China continues to dominate electric bus sales, accounting for nearly 70% of global electric bus deliveries in 2024-2025. The country’s policies and incentives support the rapid adoption of battery-electric buses in urban fleets.
- Europe is making a rapid transition, with leading cities in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands using more than 40% battery-electric buses in new fleets. Hydrogen fuel cell buses are gaining momentum in the UK and Germany, especially for longer routes and intercity travel.
- The United States is ramping up investment, although growth will be tempered by supply chain adjustments and regulatory requirements for domestic production.
Policy and Investment
- Expanding urban infrastructure: Many countries are investing in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors, new depots, and electrification infrastructure.
- Automation and digitalization: New buses are equipped with advanced safety features, digital driver assistance, real-time monitoring, and low-emission powertrains.
Global Demand Outlook
By 2026, worldwide bus production is projected to surpass 550,000 units, supported by increased urbanization, climate targets, and government stimulus. While China and India remain clear volume leaders, their market shares are being gradually challenged by technology-focused manufacturers in Europe and North America.
Strategic insights and challenges
- China’s scale is unmatched, but future growth depends on export markets and sustained domestic investment in clean vehicles.
- India’s rapid progress highlights the impact of infrastructure upgrades and mobility needs in fast-growing cities.
- Brazil, Russia and South Korea face different challenges, but retain their strategic roles in global and regional supply chains.
- Europe and North America are expected to increase their production and technology leadership in the coming years, particularly in clean energy buses.
Executive Summary
In 2025, the top 10 bus manufacturing countries are leading not only in production, but also in innovation, electrification, and the adoption of sustainable mobility solutions. As governments raise expectations for cleaner, more efficient public transportation, manufacturers must quickly adapt to changing regulatory, economic, and technological environments. China and India continue to set the pace in terms of volume, but all of the top 10 countries are shaping the industry’s future with advances in engineering, digitalization, and green energy.
This analysis provides a data-driven, comprehensive look at the dynamic world of bus manufacturing in 2025. For city planners, industry strategists, and policymakers, understanding these trends is essential for planning the next generation of mass transit and sustainable mobility.
