(28 Jul 2014, 9:55 am)Dan wrote Simply put, I think it'll be down to the cost.
Go North East's Volvo B9TLs cost near enough £200k each, to the Arriva equivalent of Sapphire specification. ADL E400s on the other hand, will cost £10k-£20k or so less.
I don't think it's a coincidence that GNE purchased so many (34) last year, given that the vehicle would no longer be manufactured, after those orders.
Aye, I do think it was down to cost. I do know that despite the Volvo's being quite good mechanically, the electrics can be a bit tempermental and access for maintenance is also a bit of a pain compared to ADL. I think however for longer routes that cost needs to be balanced with quality. The B9TL feels more solid and stable at speed compared to the Enviro. Even the D9B engine quite often sets car alarms off where I live.