(20 Oct 2024, 8:33 am)L469 YVK wrote I definitely agree that the B5TL didn't need to exist, as the B5LH & StreetDeck covered the urban segment very well.

However, operators perhaps liked the E400MMC power option (Cummins ISBe) which was a middle ground between economy vs durability, but not necessarily the E40D chassis or bodywork. That's where a B7TL2 would've come in. Something more fuel efficient than a Volvo B9TL in most circumstances, but still fairly durable. Then maybe the B8TL as an additional offering with the D8K.

Using GNE before COVID as an example if Volvo had've offered a B7TL2 and a B8TL:

2016:
- X21 - B7TL2 Gemimi 3

2017:
- 21 - StreetDeck
- X9/X10 - B8TL Gemini 3

2019:
- Derwentside XLines routes - B7TL2 MCV EvoSeti Low Bridge
- X1 - B7TL2 Gemini 3

Even known I get your point and don't disagree per say. Not sure I'd bother personally. It's a bit of a niche need really and considering they're a worldwide company rather than the likes of Wright who can't sell outside the UK. It just seems a lot of work for next to nothing really.

They'd be better just pushing the B5LH / B8TL imo. The likes of Transdev would've likely been purchasers now rather than leaving them for E400 products and there's enough routes around. You just have to look at the amount of companies purchasing the Evoras lately for work that needs it rather than buying shite like Streetlite's that can't do the work (X4/X4A for example).