(07 Mar 2020, 6:49 pm)Jimmi wrote I would have thought something must be due to be purchased this year, most likely for Northumbria depots considering everything will have to be Euro 6 in Newcastle next year.

After it was mentioned the other day that GNE can't upgrade their Euro 5 StreetLite Micro-Hybrids without replacing the engine's, surely it will be the same issue with 1574-1589? Would imagine those could all end up somewhere within Durham County with either new stock or Pulsar's taking their place.

I'd imagine if the new vehicles go to Northumbria, they'll most likely do the following as a starting point:

- 12x E400MMC (ZF) for X21 / X22 (or maybe do a full batch of 16x incl 1x spare if a suitable use can be found for the classic Sapphire E400s).

- 7541-51 to Blyth for the 308 (incl 1x spare).

- 7552 stays at Ashington as the 2nd X21 / X22 spare.

Would make sense as the E400 is more suited to a ZF gearbox if used on the X21 / X22 whereas Voith gearboxes are better suited on the likes of the 308. Plus, Blyth already operate the Cummins ISB / Voith combination in the VDL Geminis so would also provide some form of commonality.