(13 Jun 2018, 12:51 pm)RBZ 5459 wrote I’d like to think the ADL aspect is to keep the business in Scotland, about time they moved back to a local manufacturer.
Would expect B5TL, as they didn't have much luck with their Hybrids with some having been converted to diesel by EYMS. Probably why they've stayed clear of ADL for so long.
Doubtful that it has anything to do with keeping the business in Scotland, although no doubt that message will be used for PR (as Transdev do for Optare in Yorkshire).
They've had a fair few issues with Wrightbus not getting the Hanover specification correct in recent orders, I understand, with local Hanover service engineers having to right the wrongs which ought to have been spotted in the manufacturing process (much like Go North East and Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancs!) ADL not much better (worse if anything), I believe, but bus manufacturers will promise the earth...
It's pretty well-known that Wrightbus' sales are down and knowing that Lothian invest heavily each year, I'd imagine ADL would have offered a cracking deal to Lothian, hoping that future sales will come to them too. If Wrights lose Lothian, then it's another kick in the teeth for them, and would potentially mean they have to lay off (more) staff...