In a move that could give an indication as to what might be ordered, National Express have taken Volvo B9R/Plaxton Elites as their latest coach.

Nat Ex and BÉ traditionally buy very similar coaches, Nat Ex have bought amongst other types PDs, VPs and perhaps most importantly they moved to SPs as soon as they were available too. I know they have had Caetanos as well over the years, most recently the Levante because Irizar at the time would not make the SP wheelchair accessible, though as we know from SP91-120 they changed that policy subsequently.

It is also interesting from the point of view of a large operator not choosing a fully automatic gearbox either, we've discussed this before about the reluctance of some to make the change from full autos but it is clear that Nat Ex is not as worried about not having a full auto as other operators are. I wonder will this spearhead on the other fleet operators in the UK to change their mind and try the latest generation gearboxes?

I think the Volvo B9R chassis would be sufficient for BÉ's needs, it has 380 hp, which is identical to SP1-90, 40 more than SP91-120 and 20 more than the entry level Euro 5 SP(and let's face it BÉ will not be choosing higher hp versions no matter how much we want them to) has but the lastest SP is gone up to a 12.7 litre engine. The B9R is meant to be a true replacement for the iconic B10M as well, so it would seem to have plenty going for it. I would love to see the larger engined chassis but the B9R (in stark contrast to the 9 litre Scania chassis) does have plenty of power for BÉ's needs but has the fuel savings associated with the smaller engine, and i-Shift would make it considerably more economical not to mention even quicker.

A 9 litre Volvo would be much more competitve with the Lada Coaches on pricing as well; the LCs are also on a 9 litre chassis.

Not withstanding the past propensity of Plaxtons to rust, I would still give a Plaxton bodied coach some serious consideration. It is nice to get into a 10 year old coach with over 2 million km on the clock and find no loose fixtures and fittings, no holes where there should be speakers, and best of all hardly any rattles. That is something a Plaxton bodied coach will do that an Irizar simply won't. Maybe Jonckherres are worth considering, but aren't they just fancier Berkhoffs(i.e. LC body)? If the Berkhoffs had proper seats they would be a very decent body to have.

In an ideal world we would have big engined coaches on Van Hool bodywork or Volvo 9700 bodywork but we don't and if they can order anything half decent for next year that will be major progress so from that point of view the important thing is that they choose something that is proven to be reliable but at the same time can compete with the privates and the SPs in terms of comfort and looks someway modern and imposing.