(24 Jun 2014, 6:26 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote I wonder if the manufacturers are trying to meet the financial requirements of the operator - whilst being unable to meet the performance needs?

Technology will possibly find a middle ground...

According to reports, the b5 has struggled to keep to timetable in both Edinburgh and on Tyneside - however affordable it may be.

Scania do both 13.0 six cylinder and 16.0 v8 truck engines capable of 250-730bhp whilst still meeting Euro 6 emission standards, so the technology is at least there.

I really don't know about the financials. I think it makes less financial sense to rapidly increase the rate of depreciation of your assets, as your not necessarily getting value of money from them. putting them on unsuitable routes does just that. you wouldn't think the first lot of Gemini's are only a year older than the ex red arrows Citaros...