When we had a bad winter a few years ago, there were a number of issues with vehicles from the Stanley depot. Parts were needed and promised, weren't delivered and it had a major impact on services in the area.
A statement was put out by GNE saying sorry etc.
Although no manufacturer was specifically mentioned, it became common knowledge and wasn't hard to work out, based on the vehicles based at the depot and the ones which were off the road, that allegedly Scania were at fault.
Since then, no Scania vehicles have been purchased. Whether that has anything to do with Scania not supplying parts or GNE proffering other manufacturers, who knows...
Obviously Alwxander have an interest with Stagecoach, so GNE won't touch their vehicles. There was also something said about another coach builder/manufacturer when Arriva vans were turning up to do work on them at Saltmeadows. I don't know the full ins and outs of that one, so may be wrong.
RE: Go North East