(02 Feb 2014, 11:27 am)NK07 FZG wrote I agree there, seems very odd that they are getting E400's? Surely even VDL Gemini 2's would have done the job? Wonder why they ordered them?

E400s are still available with Euro5 engines (along with the rest of the Enviro range, Optare vehicles with Cummins engines and Wright Streetlites) due to the UK National Small Series Type Approval which allows each of the stated manufacturers to build vehicles to Euro5 specifications for an order of no more than 250. As Volvo, VDL, Mercedes, Scania and MAN don't have UK-based plants, they can only take orders to Euro6 (hence First have a complete Volvo-free bus order book this year with just 6 Volvo coaches with Plaxton bodywork on order). Hence the reason for no Geminis for Arriva, the DB300 no longer exists at Euro6 as Wright have gone from a semi-integral (effectively the chassis under the Gemini is 90% VDL and 10% Wright) to a full integral with a Mercedes engine (the Streetdeck).