I had heard similar, that BE are aiming for new tours coaches, so about 20 at most, and displacement of the SP's currently on tour to high profile routes. Money will doubtless dictate purchases.

Scania are able to live with DAF (LC's) in the tender process in terms of price, and as Jim says BE can dictate the terms in the tender. I would still guess at more Scanias as Volvo are not at the races because of the auto box issue, and BE probably wont like to be the guinea pigs on the B13R. LC's are considerably smaller so I'm sure BE will be wise to this one this time around. I will say that BE will be very aware of the limitations of more LC's in terms of expressway going forward, and will be keen to secure SP's or similar in the knowledge that they may have to face the reality of very few new buses in the next five years, and will be looking at consolidation and reliability of older vehicles. When LC's run out of warranty they could be a fierce handful. SP's are solid and proven to be so.

My bet: Scania's on PB or Irizar bodies if anything. Volvo's wont suit and they will find a way around more LC's.