www.setra-bus.com FamilyMagazine for customers and friends of the Setra brand

Imprint

Publisher:EvoBus GmbHSetra OmnibusseNeue Straße 9573230 Kirchheim unter Teck (Germany)Tel. +49 731 181-0Fax +49 731 181-2418www.setra-bus.com

Responsible for content:Dr Jens Heinemann, Head Marketing Communication Setra

The following people worked on this issue:Christine Denzel, BUS/MPM-SBernd Goy, BUS/MGS-NDieter Startz, BUS/MGU-S

Concept, editorial work, layout:Newport3 Werbeagentur GmbH & Co. KGNeumann-Reichardt-Str. 27-3322041 Hamburg (Germany)www.newport3.de

Repro:Final Art ProductionNeumann-Reichardt-Str. 27-3322041 Hamburg (Germany)

Printing:Süddeutsche Verlagsgesellschaft UlmNicolaus-Otto-Straße 1489079 Ulm (Germany)

Number 52 | Issue 2/13

Extra tourAround the world with the ComfortClass 500

Page 08

World premiere The new TopClass 500 takes the lead

Page 16

Setra seatsWhy we build our own seats

Page 26

Setra Editorial | 0302 | Setra Impressions

The new TopClass 500, with its distinctive La Linea design feature, was the idea behind this issue of SetraFamily magazine’s cover image.

lengths, and can hardly wait to introduce you to its many exciting details. As a fur-ther world first, we will be presenting our double-decker S 431 DT from the TopClass 400 series with its Euro VI engine, as well as a ComfortClass 500 S 516 HD with a patented wheelchair lift. But that's not all. On page 14, you can have a look at Setra’s Kortrijk program, which as always has many highlights to offer.Speaking of shows, many of you have probably already listed our IGOM International Used Bus & Coach Exhibition in your calendar. We also have some progress to report here: in the future, the Daimler Buses pre-owned business in Europe will be consolidated under the BusStore brand. With BusStore, we are creating a Europe-wide, bus- and coach-specific, pre-owned vehicle network with a multi-brand portfolio of vehicles. For this reason, the former IGOM will become the BusStore Show – IGOM 2014, and will be held in Neu-Ulm at a new time, i.e. 2–3 months later than usual. Find out more in our A look back & a look ahead column on page 46. Along with these topics, you can look forward to an exciting mix of service developments, fascinating background stories and personal news from the Setra Family.Wishing you informative and inspiring reading.

Best regards,

Till OberwörderHead of Marketing, Sales and Aftersales EvoBus GmbH

Dear customers and friends of the Setra brand,

“Progress is the realisation of utopias.” I am very pleased to welcome you to the latest issue of the SetraFamily magazine. This quote from Oscar Wilde fits well with this new issue, since it is all about utopias, progress, the passion and the adventure that connect us all with the world of coaches and buses.In terms of progress and passion, it is also all about the most important event to take place this year at Setra: the world premiere of the new TopClass 500. On average, we experience the introduction of a new model series only once per decade. This makes it something very special, since it reflects the high standards of an all-new generation of coaches. We wanted to build a coach that inspires even the most discerning travel guests in every respect, transforming the trip into a memorable travel experience, and bringing together unmatched comfort, cutting-edge design and high quality into a model of cost-effectiveness. The innovative TopClass 500 coach concept was created with this in mind. Its motto is “Designed to inspire” – and I am quite sure that I am not exagger ating when I say that the TopClass 500, with its timeless elegance, dynamic design and luxurious amenities, will also inspire you. On page 16, you can take a first look at the new masterpiece from Setra.It was just over a year ago that the new ComfortClass 500 set a milestone in the development of touring coaches. Since then, it has more than proven its outstan d-ing cost-efficiency, safety and comfort in practice. On page 44, you can read about how, at the same time as the first deliveries in Europe were taking place, an exclusive group of customers tested the Comfort- Class 500 in great detail – including many

operators who only very rarely take a seat at the steering wheel. In our cover story on page 8, you’ll find out about yet another spectacular ComfortClass 500 achieve-ment: a Setra S 515 HD set out to tackle the first commercial coach trip around the world in 218 days. From early April to mid-June, the tour travelled from Europe to the East and across Asia to Shanghai. We’ve included all the impressive facts about this unique world tour, and you’ll have an opportunity to read about why a Setra is particularly well suited to take on this challenging route through Central Asia.It isn’t only the ComfortClass 500’s power and endurance that are impressive. Nine months after its world premiere, we are thrilled to have received a great honour for this new generation of coaches: on July 1, it received the coveted “red dot award 2013” for design. The award is given by the Design Center of Nordrhein-Westfalen for products featuring outstanding design quality. Our vehicle impressed the international jury in the Product Design category. The jury felt that the coach’s design conveys safety and comfort to passengers, while fulfilling all the expectations placed on a modern touring coach. You can read all about it on page 6.The upcoming event highlight in the coach sector is without question the Busworld ex-hibition in Kortrijk. I am very much looking forward to presenting the world premiere of the TopClass 500 with three vehicle

16 The new benchmark in the premium class: the world premiere of the TopClass 50026 Interior views of seat manufacturing in Neu-Ulm08 The world’s longest commercial coach trip was undertaken with a ComfortClass 500

Setra Content | 0504 | Setra Content

20 Through the drive train assembly line with factory tour guide Werner Maier

Family news

07 | 60 years of Setra in SwitzerlandThe Swiss are celebrating!

14 | Busworld 2013All Setra exhibition highlights at a glance

19 | Welcome aboard!New Setra customers from all around the world

32 | When drivers experience stress ...Tips on dealing with stress in the cockpit

37 | A royal journeySweden's monarch on its anniversary tour

41 | Model-making at its bestThe S 415 GT-HD Final Edition on a 1:10 scale

44 | Excitement on the test trackDemos and test drives with the ComfortClass 500

46 | Setra get-togethersA look back & a look ahead at shows and exhibitions

Best in class

06 | Award-winning designComfortClass 500 wins the “red dot award 2013”

20 | Factory tourWhat you’ve always wanted to know about drive train assembly

22 | Travelling with the utmost in safety A close look at driver assistance systems

26 | Why we build seats ourselvesThe quest for the perfect coach seat

Cover

08 | Around the world in 218 daysThe ComfortClass 500 on it most exciting trip this year

Premium service

38 | Introducing BusStoreThe new pre-owned coach and bus brand for Europe

40 | BusDoc 2.0The new-generation OMNIplus service information system

49 | Service “à la carte”An overview of OMNIplus ServiceCards

Highlight

16 | The world premiere of the TopClass 500Focus on the new flagship in coach engineering

Setra customised

18 | Hot extras for cool travelSpecial customer request: a stand-up galley

42 | Design in paint and foilWhat needs to be considered when paint-designing your coach

48 | An exclusive touring conceptAK Touristik opts for 2+1 seating

60 years ago, Setra coaches, with their self-supporting bodies, were a revolutionary innovation on the

winding mountain roads of Switzerland. Since then, customers have been impressed with Setra’s

quality and power of innovation.

Switzerland: Setra has been rolling through the Alpine country for 60 years:

Setra Family news | 07

the special requests of its Swiss customers. The innovative idea of staggered seating was first implemented in the 1950s in the S 8, S 6 and S 10 coaches, and was then introduced again in 2011. Another special highlight in customised developments was a Setra TopClass S 415 HD touring coach with 1+1 seating and a special variant of the glass roof in 2003. A very positive side effect for all of Europe is that many of the special wishes from Switzerland were later incorporated into Setra’s series development.

In Switzerland too, the last ten years have witnessed quite dramatic changes in the coach and bus business. Today, along with comfort features, customers greatly value high safety standards, a powerful engine and automatic transmission to tackle Switzerland’s moun-tain and pass roads. Dietmar Widera, Sales Manager at EvoBus Switzerland, with his sales team and two regional staff Dany Minder and Etienne Cotti, are dealing with increasing numbers of customer special requests. “We are very glad that, thanks to our high level of expertise and experience here at EvoBus, we are always able to bring to life useful solutions,” says Widera. And the sales figures prove him right: in 2012, 60 new Setra coaches were delivered to Switzerland. And now during the anniversary year, the company is anticipating orders of similar magnitude. Over the last 60 years, Setra has sold a total of 2,000 vehicles in Switzerland.

I n 1953, Setra general distributor Fritz Hofer with his Moto-force company began selling coaches from Ulm in the Swiss Confederacy. From the outset, the Swiss customers appreci-ated the Setra coaches’ excellent road holding, high ride comfort, and modern heating and ventilation systems. At that time, there was nothing comparable in Switzerland and the Setra brand has enjoyed an outstanding reputation ever since. To live up to this reputation, Motoforce opened a new administrative building with a service workshop and spare parts warehouse in Kloten near Zurich in 1969. Today, it houses the EvoBus Switzerland headquarters.

To this day, many of the first Swiss customers have remained true to Setra. The exceptionally good customer relationships, many of which still exist, were established through the personal customer contact with company founder Fritz Hofer and his suc-cessor Fritz Greub, who in 1978 took over management of the Motoforce company and soon became known and respected in the business as “Mr Setra”. In 1983, under his leadership, Moto-force became a subsidiary of the former Karl Kässbohrer Fahrzeugwerke company in Ulm. With the merger of Kässbohrer and the Daimler Benz bus division into EvoBus in Stuttgart, Motoforce became part of EvoBus Switzerland in 1995.During these 60 shared years, Setra has always been happy to fulfil

Six months after its world premiere, the new generation of ComfortClass 500 touring coaches

was honoured with the “red dot award 2013”. The jury in Essen, Germany, praised the coach’s

leading-edge design which beautifully conveys safety and comfort to passengers.

Award-winning designComfortClass 500 wins “red dot award: product design 2013”:

06 | Setra Best in class

S ince 1955, the “red dot award” has been presented in modified form to products featuring an exceptional design quality and which serve as an example for excellent design and timeless aesthetics. The prize is awarded annually in three categories by the Design Center of Nordrhein-Westfalen. The Setra ComfortClass 500 distinguished itself with the international panel of experts in the Product Design category.In total, over 4,660 submissions from 54 countries and 19 different product areas were assessed. Key evaluation criteria are the product’s functionality and degree of innovation. Does the product fulfil all requirements with regards to operation and safety? Does the new product add new value to an existing product? Ergonomic design, symbolic and emotive substance, as well as environmental compatibility were also evaluated.

First-place ranking with innovative designA typical design feature of the ComfortClass 500 is its curved line along the side with a new decorative element – which creates a gentle motion that surrounds the all-new vehicle. The coach’s long roof profile and significantly more curved windshield are key to its new design character. The front, as well as the newly designed exterior mirrors, were optimised in numerous wind-tunnel tests. With its new Aero rear and other detail initiatives, the Comfort-

Class 500 achieves a low drag coefficient which, until now, was considered unattainable in this segment. Together with environ-mentally friendly Euro VI engine technology, the coach’s improved aerodynamics ensure significantly reduced fuel consumption, while scoring points for environmental performance.

The ComfortClass 500 meets the highest customer requirementsThe 37-member jury substantiated the “red dot award: product design 2013” going to the ComfortClass 500 with the fact that the series’ design fulfils everything that passengers expect from a state-of-the-art luxury coach. Mathias Lenz and his team are also very proud of the coveted award. The Head of Design at Daimler Buses is delighted with the special recognition received from the international design professionals. The very positive response from customers to the innovative ComfortClass 500 is also highly welcomed. “The award confirms that we’re on the right track to evolve the design of our coaches into a trademark that clearly embodies Setra’s brand values. We want to arouse emotion while entirely fulfilling the needs and wants of coach operators,” says Mathias Lenz.Setra was honoured with the red dot award on July 1 in the context of a gala ceremony held at the Essen Alto Theater.

Award-winning smiles: “red dot award” winners Mathias Lenz (left) and Pieter Ketele from the Setra design team.

An anniversary in Switzerland

Avanti, the Freiburg tour operator, is enjoying this travel year’s most exciting tour: by luxurious

coach, departing from Breisgau in Germany, travelling along the Silk Road to Shanghai, then from

Alaska on the Pan-American highway to Tierra del Fuego. The ultra-comfortable consort over

the close to nine-month and 52,000 kilometre-long journey is the Setra S 515 HD from the new

ComfortClass 500 series.Around the world in 218 daysA world tour with the ComfortClass 500:

08 | Setra Cover Setra Cover | 09

I n the evening sun, innumerable exotic patterned tiles, orna-ments and mosaics gleam in all shades of blue: the Madrasa of Registan Square with its massive façades, domes and min-arets seems to glow from within. Samarkand, the mythical city in Uzbekistan, rises up as a blue-gold wonder – and the image grows in strength the longer the viewer admires it. Even the accomplished globetrotters travelling with Avanti experience it here in an all-new way: “On independent tours like this, we have opportunities to fully immerse ourselves in foreign, distant worlds,” says Helga Einsle, who like all participants, is travelling for the very first time by coach on such a long journey. “Instead of running after deadlines, we can enjoy the time and leisure to relax.”For the Avanti tour group, the warm spring evening in Samarkand marks the end of the first leg of a world tour which has taken them from Europe along the Silk Road to Central Asia: via Istanbul and Cappadocia, past the biblical Mount Ararat, in the footsteps of

Marco Polo through Persia. Across deserts, over mountains and through buzzing metropolises. To scenes of world history that sound like promises from “Tales of the Arabian Nights”. And on to China, through the Black Gobi desert and along the Yellow River to Shanghai. The last segment of the journey began after the coach was shipped across the Pacific ocean to Anchorage, Alaska, at the end of July. “I’ve been travelling the world at the wheel of trucks and buses for 35 years and I know North Africa, Central Asia and China quite well,” says Hans-Peter Christoph, owner of Avanti Reisen and one of the two tour drivers: “But this year’s trip is the absolute highlight of my career.” By Christmas, the group will have journeyed along the legendary Pan-American highway which follows the “New World” from its northern to its southern tip: up into the Andes, across the equator in Ecuador, then through the Peruvian Atacama Desert to Ushuaia in Patagonia. To say the least, a mammoth tour: 218 days, 52,000 kilometres, 26 countries, six climate zones and four continents. Of course, Amtrak lines commute between the large U.S. cities, and the Trans-Siberian Railway connects Moscow

with Beijing. But these trains only stop at the stations. Travelling by coach is something else all together: a herd of camels happens to be roaming alongside the road through the desert? All it takes is a quick stop to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime photo oppor-tunity. The moderate pace in the Setra opens travellers’ eyes to many sights that would otherwise remain hidden.A journey can only be as pleasant as its method of transportation allows. Avanti’s Managing Director Hans-Peter Christoph has been putting his confidence in Setra for many years. And these days, a new S 515 HD ComfortClass 500 is ensuring that his world travellers always enjoy the utmost in comfort. His crew knows they can rely on the best possible handling: rarely are such extreme demands placed on a coach as in Central Asia, with its dusty asphalt slopes, knee-deep potholes and huge bumps. These are roads that rank among the greatest challenges ever to be experienced behind the wheel. The optimised chassis with the best

possible suspension and ride characteristics is working hard on this trip. “What an exhilarating driving experience... it impresses and amazes me again and again,” says Hans-Peter Christoph. “The comfort standard of the new S 515 HD, compared with the Setra S 415 HDH with which we travelled the Silk Road last year, has been greatly improved. Especially on poor roads, we can now achieve a higher average speed.” Philosophers say that you can only really experience a place if you approach it at moderate speed. Then the destination is the journey itself — every day anew. On average, the coach covers around 200 km a day. There are those pure driving days, and then the group will stay in one place for two or three days. So you can travel without any hurry at a leisurely pace and with a very loose agenda. The biggest challenges are the borders. After hours of waiting in Turkmenistan, the coach was even confiscated for a night in Uzbekistan. So there it is: pure adventure — even if the uncertainty may make you feel a little queasy at times. As a full-service travel agency, Avanti makes sure that everything that can be planned in advance is planned in

Setra Cover | 11

advance: visas for everyone, hotel bookings, local guides and excursions, such as a city tour in Shanghai, canoeing on the Yukon, a casino night in Las Vegas, snorkelling in Mexico or a jungle tour in the Amazon. And Hans-Peter Christoph knows from experience that only meticulous preparation helps overcome the hurdles of foreign languages, cultures and interests. Yet he learns something new every day. His latest lesson: don’t be too hasty with baksheesh; some conflicts can actually be solved through communication. Not infrequently, the unusual travel group itself becomes an attraction for the locals. In western China, the very remote part of the mega-empire, the European “long noses” and their futuristic coach create quite a sensation – and no one is safe from hobby photographers. And the onward journey can only begin once all the guests of a large wedding party are supplied with a souvenir photograph. You just need to take the time to feel like a guest among friends.The service technician aboard the Setra S 515 HD monitors the coach electronics’ communication with the FleetBoard fleet man-agement service network. Whether in Manchuria, Alaska or the Andes, Anatoli Reklin is constantly connected with Germany. In foreign lands, the digital connection helps tremendously, but it doesn’t replace being able to “listen to” the engine. As in Turkmenistan, where only low-grade diesel was for sale. “We had to burn out the catalytic converter. In Europe, this would never ever be needed, but a world tour has its own laws,” says Reklin. The passengers too experience special treatment in Avanti’s ComfortClass 500: adjustable reclining seats with special cush-ioning upholstery, enhanced lateral support and an extra-flat inclination. And, an extra generous distance between seats: only

36 seats were installed instead of the usual 50 – with face-to-face seating and tables as a special bonus. Of course, there are more than enough 230-volt outlets to charge laptops, cameras, mobile phones and computer tablets. The powerful air condition-ing system always ensures a pleasant atmosphere, whether in the desert or the Arctic Circle. And finally, in the galley, an espresso machine always makes the finest coffee. “This level of comfort isn’t a given in a touring coach. What an amazing surprise,” says fellow traveller Helga Einsle about the luxury coach’s many com-forts and amenities.Back in Samarkand: a dry, cool evening breeze blows from the nearby Pamir Alai Mountains through Registan Square. It displaces the day’s heat and mingles with exotic fragrances: roses, curry, cinnamon, ginger, charcoal, overripe grapes. With this almost over-whelming abundance of unforgettable impressions, is it even pos-sible to single out a particular segment of the journey? Yes it is. “The deserts of Persia!” raves Hans-Peter Christoph. “The incredible loneliness of the barren landscapes, where there are no settle-ments over hundreds of kilometres. The desert has so much more to offer than different colours of sand. There you can admire the world’s most spectacular array of colours.” Christoph then says something that instantly sheds light on the experience only a coach journey can provide: “It’s the feeling of having arrived. The destina-tion is of course the same, whether I travel by coach or by plane. But I myself am a different person by the time I get there.”What remains at the end of 52,000 kilometres — for any journey but especially an Avanti world tour — is that the trials and tribulations are quickly forgotten and the impressions are everlasting. Always in the background, but nonetheless a vital contributor to this amazing journey: the new Setra ComfortClass with very impressive proof of its unprecedented reliability.

From the production line to the world’s toughest roads

Barely launched, the ComfortClass 500 was put through a test as never experienced before. The Avanti Reisen company took on the greatest possible challenge: the first commercial world tour by coach. The Setra S 515 HD’s journey leads along the Silk Road and the Pan-American highway virtually round the world. From early April to mid-June, it travelled from Europe to the Orient and along the Silk Road across Asia to Shanghai. Then, between July and December, after a short passage by ship, the coach toured the entire American continent along the Pan-American highway from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. The facts and figures alone are impressive: 52,000 kilo-metres, 26 countries, four continents, five different climate zones – and all this over a period of 218 days.

Interested in finding out more about the Avanti world tour? Then visit www.setra-bus.de and www.busweltreise.de

12 | Setra Cover Setra Cover | 13

14 | Setra Family news Setra Family news | 15

Exhibition highlights from KortrijkNews from Busworld 2013:

At Busworld 2013, Setra is presenting the TopClass 500, the sensational new generation of luxury

touring coaches. With the enhanced S 431 DT double-decker coach and the long-distance touring

version of the ComfortClass 500, two more innovations are making headlines. Without exception, all

the vehicles exhibited in Kortrijk are equipped with the environmentally friendly Euro VI engine. Here is

an overview of this year's highlights from Setra Family.

The world premiere of the TopClass 500The TopClass from Setra embodies the brand like no other vehicle can – it is coach perfection at the highest level. But the “ultimate flagship of coach engineering”, according to Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses, should also set new standards from an emotive perspective as well. The TopClass 500 was “designed to inspire” — and this is the slogan used for its introduction. The three exclusive long-distance coaches — the S 515 HDH, S 516 HDH and S 517 HDH — introduced at the Busworld show are also exceptional luxury touring vehicles combining superb comfort with outstanding cost-effectiveness. The result sets an all-new benchmark in travel quality which you can see and feel, and which adapts beautifully to the individual business models of premium coach operators. The coaches on exhibit feature amenity highlights such as ambient lighting with LED technology, the TopSky panoramic glass roof and the new under-seat fan heating. Under the hood of the TopClass 500, a 6-cylinder in-line OM 471 engine, in conjunction with the GO 250-8 PowerShift transmission, ensures powerful acceleration — including maximum fuel efficiency.

The TopClass S 431 DT with Euro VIWith the enhanced S 431 DT, a member of the TopClass 400 series can also be seen in Kortrijk. The double-decker coach, equipped with the very powerful Euro VI “Blue Efficiency Power” OM 471 engine, offers space for 78 passengers — in the exhibition model. Passenger capacity can accommodate up to 93 people, depending on equipment version. Also on board are the latest driver assistance systems, such as Active Brake Assist 2 (ABA 2), Lane Assist (SPA) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ART).

New: BusStore is the new pre-owned vehicle brand Yet another world premiere awaits visitors to Kortrijk: BusStore, the new bus- and coach-specific pre-owned brand from Mercedes-Benz and Setra for purchase and sale. The European network offers a quality-approved range of coaches and buses from all major brands and models. At www.bus-store.com, the customer has access to the complete offering at all locations in Europe. And, of course, BusStore also accepts trade-ins at very fair conditions.

The ComfortClass 516 HD/2 – a specialist in long-distance travelThere are also several interesting innovations in the ComfortClass which has been on the market for a year. The S 516 HD/2 coach presented at the show, with the new Kinemaxx wheelchair lift, is optimally adapted to cost-effective long-distance line operation. Under the hood of the six-cylinder in-line OM 470 engine, the automated 8-speed transmission ensures a drive system that is powerful yet fuel-efficient. A coin changer and hot beverage machine are available as additional equipment. And, of course, internet access is available to the traveller as well.

At the Busworld Kortrijk 2013, the new TopClass 500 is celebrating its world premiere. The next

generation of the top-of-the-range model comes in three vehicle lengths – and sets all-new

standards in travel experience, functionality and safety.

T The very first encounter leaves no doubt that the flagship of an exceptional fleet of coaches is pulling up: the dis-tinctive front of the new TopClass 500 combined with its chrome trim exudes an all-powerful presence and authority. The utterly self-confident message is clear: the TopClass 500 defines the summit of the world of touring coaches. It is the forerunner of a range of models that sets an all-new benchmark for comfort, effi-ciency and safety.Exclusive design and high-quality materials meet up with innovative safety systems and a drive system that is as cost-effective as it is dynamic. Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses, is certain: “The new Setra coaches are an ideal calling card for any coach operator who wishes to offer its customers exclusive travel packages and only the best of the best in all respects.” The premium three-axle TopClass 500 coaches are available in S 515 HDH, S 516 HDH and S 517 HDH versions and in lengths from 12.5 to 14.2 metres.

The evolution of brand equity at the highest levelThe most important requirement in the specifications catalogue for the new TopClass 500 was the evolution of the traditional brand equity. Therefore, the design of the leading-edge La Linea design language, which meets the highest aesthetic and aerodynamic standards, was further refined. To further advance the Top-Class 500’s powerful and efficient drive, the 12.8-liter six-cylinder in-line OM 471 from the environmentally friendly Euro VI “Blue Efficiency Power” engine generation was pulled in. It is available for

the three models S 515 HDH, S 516 HDH and S 517 HDH, each in two power levels of 350 kW and 375 kW. The power is transmitted to the drive axle from an automated 8-speed GO 250-8 PowerShift transmission.

Many optional equipment possibilitiesThe wide array of optional equipment details make each trip not only a comfortable journey, but an unforgettable experience: for example, the TopSky panoramic glass roof, which now has a 50 per cent larger glass area compared to the previous TopClass 400 series. It opens up new vistas to passengers and an even more generous feeling of space. In addition, the TopClass models are available with LED ambient lighting, galley and new underseat fan heating.

Innovative driver assistance and safety technologyThe most advanced driver assistance and safety systems are available for all vehicles in the TopClass 500 series: Adaptive Cruise Control (ART) with Active Brake Assist 2 (ABA2), Attention Assist (AtAs), Hill Start Assist and the topography-dependent Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) cruise control feature. In addition to fulfilling the Euro VI emission standard, effective in 2014, the overall concept of the TopClass 500 also encompasses upcoming safety provisions. These include, for instance, the requirements for driving assistance systems coming into force beginning in 2015, or the directive on strengthening rollover resistance for coaches, effective in 2017.

A new definition of luxuryWorld premiere of the TopClass 500:

16 | Setra Highlight Setra Highlight | 17

Hot extras for cool travelStand-up galley as special customer request:

S Some special customer requests may initially seem unusual or even almost impossible to realise. But as challenging as they may seem, everything will be done to fulfil them. At Setra, a dedicated development team handles the professional coordination, testing, planning and implementation of these special requests.Andreas Theis, Managing Director of IDEAL REISEN coach tours in Siegen, took advantage of the specialists’ expertise to bring his individual business model to life. The standard of a “normal” pedestal galley wasn’t enough to satisfy him, since it couldn’t accommodate special catering concepts. Back in 2000, his company ordered the first touring coach with a

stand-up galley at entrance 2 – and his ideas and requirements were incorporated into this special order.The advantage of a stand-up galley over a standard galley is the additional space it allows – space an operator can use for special equipment options to offer passengers personalised catering service during the tour. There would, in fact, be enough space for modern on-board galley technology such as a sausage boiler, coffee machine, hot-air oven or microwave. Even a refrigerator which can be filled from the outside could be installed! This high level equipment standard makes it easy to pro-vide exceptional services to passengers. A curtain and vapour fan make sure that passengers are not disturbed and that

food odours don’t enter the passenger compartment. The board hostess can be called upon using a button at each seat and, for example in the case of IDEAL REISEN, she could serve typical regional “delicacies” such as a delicious Bavarian breakfast when travelling through Bavaria.Galleys such as these have become the standard in every one of IDEAL REISEN’s coaches. And many other tour operators area also opting for similar special custom-er requests to equip their TopClass or ComfortClass coach. Depending on the amenities selected, up to two rows of seats may need to be taken over, but the extra service and resulting enhanced customer satisfaction makes the stand-up galley a worthwhile investment.

Coach operators looking for customised solutions are in good hands at Setra. When designing their

new coach, a development team ensures that special customer requests are fulfilled, such as a

stand-up galley.

18 | Setra customised

Denmark: Bergholdt A/S, Rudkøbing • Germany: Alfredo-Tournee-Service, Insul • Baumann, Waghäusel • Bayerisches Rotes Kreuz Erlangen-Höchstadt, Erlangen • Bengel-Reisen, Wonfurt • Bils, Telgte • Busfahrer Touristik, Hünfelden • City 6000, Heinsberg • Duso-lt, Bergrheinfeld • Elbus Reisen, Freudenberg • Fredrich, Lohfelden • Genthner, Colmberg • GGV (Grimm), Mudau • Heuel, Drolshagen • Kilg, Greding • Klas-Reisen, Höhr-Grenzhausen • Klingenfuß, Velbert • Letco, Krombach • Liebelt, Lossatal • Mayer, Neckargemünd • Millireisen, Darmstadt • MT-Reisen, Angelbachtal • Mußhoff, Lippstadt • Nees, Krombach • Raddatz,Oberboihingen • Reisebüro am Tibusplatz, Münster • Sandrock, Sontra • Schilk, Geiselwind • Schmätjen, Steinfeld • Schmidt, Bad Laasphe • Schröder, Neuss • Seitz & Stöhr, Betzenstein • Stricker, Lauingen • Sutter, Münstertal • Theiß-Reisen, Weißenborn • Ulmer, Rottenburg • Vetter, Lossatal-Falk-enhein • Vokuhl, Mölln • Wied, Bad Laasphe • Zimmermann, Wipperfürth • France: Lacroix Locations Gie, Beauchamp • Paris Ultental Reisen KG des Paris G., Ulten • Great Britain: Mott's Coaches (Aylesbury) Ltd, Buckinghamshire • Italy: F.lli Stenghele di Stenghele Francesco Gino e C. Snc, Lavarone • Formentin Vincenzo & C. Snc, Conselve • Segesta Internazionale Srl, Palermo • The Netherlands: Martinus Tours v.o.f., Waverveen • Austria: Bregenzerwald Bus GmbH, Hittisau • Hermann Grabner Autobusunternehmen, Hainfeld • Karl Lackner Autobusunernehmen, St. Bartholomä • Siegfried Paar, Ramplach • Ecker, Steinhaus • Poland: BP Tour, Lublin • Gwizdziel, Cho-jnice • JK Sp. z o.o., Trzebownisko • Neobus, Niebylec • PKS, Zary • Renusz, Lebcz • Soltysik, Gliwice• Romania: Metropolitan, Con-stanta • Reisebüro Kessler, Sibiu • Sweden: Gustavssons Busstrafik AB, Mullsjö • Ringarums Busstrafik, Ringarum • Tingsryds Buss, Tingsryd • Switzerland: Albus Zürich GmbH, Zurich • Autobetrieb Weesen-Amden, Amden • Automobilverkehr Frutigen-Adelboden AG, Adelboden • Fontana + Co. PostAutounternehmen, Ilanz • Garage Gremlich, Givrins • Heggli AG, Kriens • Impressari AutoDaPosta, Armin Bundi, Disentis/Mustér • PostAuto Schweiz AG Region Bern Filiale Interlaken, Interlaken • PostAuto Schweiz AG Region Graubünden Geschäftsstelle Chur, Chur • PostAuto Schweiz AG Region Wallis Filiale Brig, Brig • Surprise Reisen AG, Sommeri • Terretaz SA, Zernez • Transports Sierre- Anniviers-Régions Sàrl, Sierre • Czech Republic: Lilija Reisen CZ, s.r.o., Karlovy Vary • Terma Travel Cz Service And Transport, s.r.o., Praha 1 • USA: Corporate Coach Charter & Tours, Inc., Inglewood, CA • National Luxury Coach, LLC, Portland, OR • Silver Star Limo, Yonkers, NY • Silverado Stages, San Luis Obispo, CA

Welcome to the Setra Family

Proven RCA connectors are ideal for connecting entertainment electronics. And, on request, they can

be installed in every Setra coach or bus.

Inexpensive and very versatileRCA connectors:

W ith additional connections for elec-tronic devices, operators can offer their passengers state-of-the-art and var-ied media access. RCA connectors offer decisive advantages: they are inexpensive to purchase and operators can maintain vendor independence.“RCAs”, which are referred to as standard-ised connectors, exchange electrical sig-nals. Still today, universal RCA connectors are found on almost all hi-fi and video equipment for transmitting analogue video and audio data. The RCA connector is characterised by simple design and ease of handling. And, for just a few euros in any electronics store, you can buy adapter sets with a variety of cables for all possible

device applications, whether SCART, VGA, S-Video, USB, micro-USB, XLR, BNC, SPK or jack, mono or stereo.If you want to connect a video or audio device in your coach or bus, you’ll need a 12 V cigarette lighter socket or a 230 V safety or earthed socket for the power

supply. Both installations complement the RCA connectors, making the universal set complete. You can either install them in the instrument panel, which is handy for the driver or attendant, or in the first row for the tour guide. Not only versatility, but also great sound quality is guaranteed!

Setra Family news | 19

Setra Best in class | 21

“The drive train breathes life into the coach”Up to 16 drive trains are assembled and installed at the plant in Neu-Ulm every day. SetraFamily spoke

with factory tour guide Werner Maier about the heart of every Setra bus.

Factory tour – drive train assembly:

20 | Setra Best in class

Mr Maier, here we are in the assembly hall at the station where drive train assembly takes place. First of all: what exactly is a drive train?The main function of the drive train is to drive the bus. Further-more, it generates energy to

ensure the functioning of individual bus systems, such as electrical and electronics, hydraulics, compressed air and air conditioning. A drive train includes virtually everything that breathes life into the bus: engine, transmission, clutch, etc. A total of around 40 compo-nents are assembled into a drive train.

And how exactly does it work?First, an aggregate of three main positions, namely the engine, transmission and retarder, are pre-assembled. In parallel, the transmission is prepared: clutch, clutch bell and gearboxes are flanged to the engine. Then, the motor bearings, compressor, alternator and belts are placed and tensioned. And finally, the propeller shaft is mounted. It’s especially important that the workers strictly adhere to the prescribed tightening torques, when tightening joints, so that everything fits properly and permanently.

Sounds quite exhausting.If you mean it calls for a high level of concentration, you're right. Physically, however, each step is designed so that the operator can work comfortably, safely and easily. For example, there are special lifting devices for all parts weighing over 15 kilograms. This allows the worker to fully concentrate on the technology and produce the outstanding quality that distinguishes Setra coaches and buses.

How long does it take to pre-assemble an engine or drive train?One worker can assemble one drive train a day.

And then how does the fully assembled drive train actually get into the bus?It is driven into the engine compartment on a special mounting trolley. The bus is positioned on a high transport carrier, so that the worker has easy access from below. He can then install up to 18 connection ports for water, air and electrics which connect the bus systems with the drive train.

And when does the Setra drive train run for the first time?During the technical inspection and testing in the finishing hall, some 800 checkpoints are tested for their function. The engine test run is then carried out at the end of the assembly line in a soundproof booth. By the way, we do this because of the noise, not because of the exhaust gases. Thanks to Euro VI engine technology, the exhaust is so clean that we no longer have to intercept it. This is where we can verify that all joints are tight and all connections intact.

And how often are improvements necessary?Practically never. In less than one per cent of cases, a cable may leak. But that's about it.

And then it's off to the customer?No, not yet! After the technical inspection, we still have to carry out the test drive on public roads – in all kinds of weather. Only then can the heart of every Setra prove that it’s in exactly the right spot – working hard alongside the customer over hundreds of thousands of kilometres.

Passenger and driver safety plays a decisive role for coach operators. Both active and passive safety

systems are of huge importance. SetraFamily did some investigating and has compiled vital

infor mation on active assistance systems, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Stop Assist, Active Brake

Assist 2 and Lane Assist.

T he coach is still the safest means of road transportation. According to the German Federal Statistics Office, only about 1.5 per cent of all victims of German road traffic accidents in 2012 were occupants of a bus or coach. And touring coaches have proven to be especially safe. This is also due to the high level of importance the issue of safety enjoys today among manufacturers and coach operators. Setra relies on an integrated safety system which has been continuously refined and perfected over the years. “We send our drivers to safety training regularly," says Karsten Schulze, CEO of the long-established Haru Reisen company in Berlin. “However, there is always a residual risk through the human factor, which is virtually eliminated by the safety assistance systems.”

Safety – real added valueThanks to advanced assistance systems, drivers and passengers benefit from the highest possible level of safety. And this is key purchase criterion for bus and coach operators. “Passenger safety is of paramount importance,” stresses Haru CEO Karsten Schulze,

High-tech for more safetyA close look at Setra’s driver assistance systems:

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adding: “Setra systems are the best on the market and they offer tremendous added value.” Lutz Siepen, Managing Director of Siepen Reisen in Düren, near Cologne, confirms that operators, drivers and customers are well aware of the fact that Setra coaches deliver a high level of passive safety. “We also communicate this value to our passengers. They know many of these features from their own cars, and especially from Mercedes- Benz products,” he says. And finally, operators also benefit from the assistance systems as they compete for the best drivers. As Siepen adds: “With Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist and Active Brake Assist, the time spent at the wheel is a bona fide pleasure for the driver.”

“Passenger safety is

the most precious asset.” Karsten Schulze, Haru CEO

Keeps dangers at a distance: Adaptive Cruise Control (ART)One of the most important assistance systems is the Adaptive Cruise Control feature. The most common causes for the relatively rare accidents with coaches are too small a safety distance to the vehicle ahead, and wrong braking behaviour on the part of the driver. Adaptive Cruise Control automatically adjusts the speed of the coach to that of the vehicle ahead and maintains a safety distance pre-set by the driver. A radar continuously measures the distance to the vehicle ahead. The long-range mode has a reach of up to 200 metres. In addition, a short-range mode scans the road up to a distance of 50 metres to capture the immediate area at the front of the coach.Adaptive Cruise Control is easy to operate using the steering wheel keypad. By default, it is set to a safety distance of around 60 per cent of the speedometer speed, but the driver can individually set the safety distance between 40 and 100 per cent of the speedometer reading distance. Should the safety distance to the vehicle ahead be undercut, without the driver responding, it will automatically and gently brake until the safety distance is restored, using continuous braking (retarder and engine brake) and, if required, the service brake. If the distance to the vehicle ahead is exceeded, Adaptive Cruise Control will automatically accelerate the coach to the set speed setting.Adaptive Cruise Control (ART) has been available with the ComfortClass 400 since 2005. For the ComfortClass 500, it has now also been added along with a Stop Assist feature. With the Stop Assist feature (AA), the ART remains active at speeds below 15 km/h, which provides the driver with a valuable service especially in congested traffic. Stop Assist will decelerate the vehicle to a standstill. As soon as the driver presses either the accelerator pedal or the resume button, the system brings the ComfortClass 500 back to the set speed. The steady deceleration and acceleration make for a more comfortable ride for passengers, while relieving the driver.

Thinks along with you and brakes as needed: Active Brake Assist 2 (ABA 2)Even if you’re travelling comfortably and safely under the ever-watchful ART, an unforeseen emergency situation can arise at any time. If the safety distance to the vehicle ahead dramatically and suddenly decreases, for example at the tail end of an unexpected traffic jam, another safety system kicks in: Active Brake Assist 2 (ABA 2). This assistance system is conceived to prevent rear-end collisions by warning the driver when a collision is imminent and then initiating emergency braking.

A video camera behind the windscreen detects the distance of the coach to the laterally extending lane marking lines. The system’s powerful microcomputer evaluates the images.

If the driver begins to drift off-lane and runs over one of the side marking lines, Lane Assist warns him with a vibration in the seat on the respective side. In addition, a warning appears in the instrument panel.

If the driver intentionally activates the turn signal to change lanes or overtake, the warning will be suppressed. The same applies if he accelerates or brakes.

The latest generation of Active Brake Assist, ABA 2, not only reacts to vehicles driving ahead, but also to stationary obstacles, and warns the driver in advance of a collision. If his response comes too late, the ABA 2 can mitigate the impact of an accident through automatic par-tial braking. Since there are many stationary objects on the road, such as traffic islands or traffic signs, the system doesn’t initiate full braking in this case, to avoid unintended emergency braking.The driver can cancel the Active Brake Assist 2’s automatic braking by responding to the danger himself, for instance by braking, blinking or dodging the obstacle. If the full emergency braking has already been triggered, the driver can only stop it using a “kickdown” or by turning off the system. With the ABA 2 button on the control panel, the driver can at any time switch the assistance system’s brake inter-vention on and off, and the visual warning display nonetheless re-mains active.

Keeps the coach on course: Lane AssistAnother useful safety assistance system for the driver is the Lane Assist feature, which was already integrated to the Comfort-Class 400 and developed further for the ComfortClass 500. Lane Assist is only active at a speed of 70 km/h or more. This way, error messages can be avoided, for example, in city traffic. The system also detects ambiguous road markings – such as in con-

struction sites – and then switches to passive mode. In contrast to ART and ABA 2, Lane Assist doesn’t actively intervene in the actual driving process. Beginning in November, the Lane Assist feature must be installed in all new bus and truck models in the EU, and beginning in November 2015, the system will be compulsory for all newly registered coaches.

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The radar scans the road up to 200 metres in the long-range mode (1) and up to 50 metres in the short-range mode (2) adjusting the speed to that of the traffic ahead using the Adaptive Cruise Control.

+ 9°

12

- 9°

+ 28°

- 28°

Active Brake Assist 2 permanently analyses the traffic situation ahead of the coach. If the distance to a vehicle or obstacle ahead becomes threatening, the ABA 2 feature warns the driver, first via a red warning light on the central display on the instrument panel. In addition, a warning tone sounds. If the driver still doesn’t respond to the dangerous situation, Active Brake Assist 2 triggers a steadily increasing partial braking. If the driver still doesn’t actively brake by the time a critical point has been reached, the system automatically responds with a full braking. Then, the coach’s hazard lights are automatically turned on and the brakes will stop the vehicle in its position for a maximum of five seconds.

Various warning levels alert the driver to the danger of a rear-end collision and give him an opportunity to actively intervene.

1 Normal case area/ART control range2 Visual warning3 Acoustic warning4 Partial breaking5 Full breaking (for moving objects)

Tx Level of warning cascadeTime (t) time axis

time (t)

12

3 4 5

The seat is at the heart of the exceptional travel comfort offered in a Setra coach. And that’s why

EvoBus is one of the very few coach manufacturers to produce its own seats. The current generation

of seats has set new standards in terms of comfort, operation and style. But there is no time to rest

on our laurels: at Setra, the pursuit of the perfect coach seat calls for non-stop research and

development. SetraFamily took a glance over the shoulders of those in charge.

Why we build our own seats

EvoBus is the largest manufacturer of touring coach seats in Europe: T he new seat generation, which has been gradually introduced since 2010, is not only characterised by extensive variety and design, but also by the fact that it represents a significant step forward in comfort, weight, operation and safety. For instance, the all-new armrests can be folded down very easily on the aisle side. The transverse adjustment and adjustment of the backrest are also more intuitive to use. New support concepts for backrests and side adjustment also reduce seat vibrations while driving to a minimum. The results are seats that are as easy to operate as they are comfortable. Their launch, however, suffered a setback: “We’re aware that our customers’ expectations are particularly high when it comes to Setra – and we’re proud to be developing and building to such high standards here in Neu-Ulm,” says Martin Gaub, project manager of the new seat generation. “All the more annoying when weaknesses started appearing suddenly after all the testing was done for the first production series. Since then, we have done everything possible to restore the reputation of the new seat generation. Every imperfection was looked at very closely and solutions were finetuned. When necessary, changes were made very consistently and then stringently tested again. Now we have reached an excellent level!” the specialists are convinced.

A heritage of high standardsThe Setra story since the launch of the brand was always one of seating comfort. After all, we want passengers who travel in our coaches for hours to arrive at their destination as relaxed and refreshed as possible. Along with Setra’s famous advances in the areas of ventilation and vehicle suspension, coach seating has always been a key area of focus. Way back when, a straightforward sitting test was the only measure for approval of developments. Today, the process is followed in accordance with legal regulations, as well as our own testing of ergonomics, function and comfort. Current research and development focuses on robust lightweight, enhanced flexibility in use and the role of the seat within an integrated safety concept. The standard, however, hasn’t changed. For this very reason, we regularly perform large-scale comparative

26 | Setra Best in class Setra Best in class | 27

testing between our own seats and those manufactured by other suppliers: how do we compare in terms of comfort and ease of use? How sturdy is the seat and can individual customer requirements be satisfied? Once all comparisons are finalised, looking at all evaluation criteria, our seats represent the standard in our sector.

Seats as individual as a Setra“The advantage of our in-factory manufacturing is that we can create the ideal seat in all desired versions for each and every coach,” emphasises Martin Gaub. “The customer then capitalises on the added value from having his fully customised coach. Colour, number of seats, seat features and equipment – our customers can pick and choose from our very extensive selection to customise the interior of their dream coach.” Along with selecting the seat design, type of fabric and pattern, customers can also determine, for instance, the thickness of the upholstery and the seat cushion. Furthermore, the type of armrest as well as several add-ons can be chosen, such as footrests, leg rests, tables and multimedia components. “With our seats, it’s just like with our buses,” says project head Martin Gaub. “Everyone gets their own individual seat.”But there is also something that the customer cannot choose. Every seat automatically incorporates decades of Setra expertise

feature, but also a key safety feature in a coach – with, for instance, EvoBus’ unique floor anchoring, the stiffness of the support structure and the design of impact surfaces. And in all cases, legal guidelines are exceeded.

Up to 800 seats per dayOnce a seat prototype has passed testing, it is most often destined to become a bestseller. 180,000 seats per year – or about 800 seats each day – are produced at our seat manufacturing facility in

which has been developed and evolved through comprehensive testing and ongoing optimisation processes. A Setra seat needs to serve a coach a whole life long. Our seats are subjected to strictly defined testing on their long journey towards being ready for production. This is also something we have looked at very closely.

Test series for maximum protection against wear“Clack, clack, clack...” the repetitive noise knows no mercy. The mechanical arm seems to ruthlessly attack the armrest from above – over and over again. Armrest load testing is part and parcel of the functional and wear tests in the development testing laboratory. This is where prototypes for the next generation of seats are already being subjected to their first component strength tests to ensure maximum wear protection – even against vandalism.In addition to testing armrests, tensile tests on handles and seat backs, for instance, also count among the tests undergone to prevent deformation of these components during a coach’s demanding service life. Even purely functional components such as the gas spring supports, footrests, nets and tables are subjected to endurance testing.New materials and equipment features require constant updating of the test series. “Testing passive passenger safety plays a key role in the testing programme. The seat is not only a comfort

Neu-Ulm. This includes, along with our standard seats, cinema and sliding seating, staggered seating, the new Setra club corner or the 2+1 seating derived from the new seating concept. Other seating variants are already being planned – and we look forward to providing our readers with progress reports.

Assembling a coach seat requires a good deal of manual dexterity. Upholstering the backrests calls for hands-on skills.

In complex test procedures, every seat prototype has to prove its endurance.

28 | Setra Best in class Setra Best in class | 29

W ith 25 million passengers and over 270,000 take-offs and landings yearly, Zurich is the largest airport in Switzerland and a hub for major airlines – with departures to many destinations worldwide. The international airport is a magnet for countless tourists who dream of faraway destinations and are seduced by the location’s fascinating dynamics. The airport’s sheer size is best explored by taking a tour in a state-of-the-art coach.On sightseeing tours of the Zurich airport, visitors can make themselves comfortable in the conveniently located and luxuriously appointed Setra ComfortClass 400. The tour program, which is conducted by the Airport organisation, includes an excursion to the hangar installations, to the fire department or the so-called runway

W ith the new Setra ComfortClass now being equipped with new Euro VI engines, more and more MultiClass models are also benefitting from the “Blue Efficiency Power” engine generation from Mercedes-Benz. And with this in mind, the family-managed BBS Brandner Bus Schwaben company is taking on an important pioneering role in the Günzburg, Neu-Ulm, Augsburg-Land and Lower Allgäu districts.The MultiClass service buses now in service are the first to be equipped with the new OM 470 Euro VI engine. For the bus operator, this is an absolutely cost-effective investment. “For us as a forward-

T he Karlssonbuss company in Vaggeryds won large parts of a public tender for local bus service in Kronoberg over a 10-year timeframe. And the brand decision was made in favour of Setra. In October 2012, to offer passengers the best comfort and latest technology, Karlssonbuss ordered 50 buses from models S 417 and S 416 UL. The new MultiClass buses are equipped with double doors, a wheelchair lift, surveillance equipment and an infotainment system. Competitors Gerts Busstrafik, Ryssbybygdens Buss and Buss Tingsryds won the remaining parts of the tender and also decided to purchase Setra buses. All in all, a wonderful confirmation of Setra’s appeal.The most important benefit for Karlssonbus is the dual contract covering the vehicle itself and service which ensures the best possible vehicle condition and availability – with costs that are easy to calculate and plan. This guarantees the company an attractive overall package. The specialists of BusWorld Home in Vetlanda are already in close ongoing contact with the bus company. A key facet of the aftersales package consists of product training sessions that give the customer an opportunity to make the most of all the advantages offered by Setra vehicles.

intersection, where departures of passenger aircraft to faraway destinations can be experienced up close.The S 415 GT-HD, with its high-quality finish, depicting the airport panorama, is also ready and available for other applications as needed. If European short-haul flights are cancelled, passengers are transferred to the airport coach. For example, from Zurich to Stuttgart, Munich or Nuremberg. In fact, the S 415 GT-HD "Final Edition" is the first coach in Switzerland to be equipped with three-point belts. Advanced safety systems such as Lane Assist, or Adaptive Cruise Control with Active Brake Assist, ensure maximum safety for passengers. By coach or by plane, state-of-the-art technology has top priority.

looking company, it only makes sense that state-of-the-art bus technology becomes the standard in our fleet,” explained CEO Josef Brandner at the festive handover of the vehicles. “As a company, we benefit from reduced fuel consumption compared to Euro V. And our passengers can rest assured that they are travelling with the most environmentally friendly buses currently available in this market segment.”The high-tech OM 470 engine’s revolutionary diesel injection system is what persuaded BBS Brandner. The common-rail injection with X-pulse pressure amplification leads to high

injection pressures of up to 2,300 bar throughout a freely modulated injection process. This pressure boost enables a reduction of displacement volume from 12 l to 10.7 l compared with the Euro V forerunner engine – saving both space and weight. With sophisticated exhaust gas treatment, it is actually possible to reduce the nitrogen oxide by 80% compared to Euro V and diesel particulate matter by 66%. The attraction force, on the other hand, is increased, thanks to the further optimised torque. With the new Euro VI engine, BBS Brandner is ideally equipped to maintain its position at the forefront of line-haul service.

BusWorld Home in Vetlanda is one of 600 OMNIplus service centers across Europe. The Swedish service center provides all diagnostics and bus-specific repairs, as well as repairs of body damage, paintwork and tire service. The highest parts availability, 24-hour service with staff that is trained and certified on a continuous basis are key to its exceptional offering.

High-tech for line-haul serviceZurich Airport orders an S 415 GT-HD: The first Euro VI MultiClass deliveries:

T he deregulation of long-distance coach service has brought movement into the German bus and coach sector, as well as continued expansion of line-haul networks. This also applies to the Berlin Linien Bus company. “We have finally been able to fill the gaps in our current offering and to attract new partners from the small to medium-sized business community, with whom we can now offer what is currently the largest line-haul network in Germany,” says CEO Karsten Schulze. With its nine cooperating bus operators, the umbrella company which is based in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf connects Berlin and other German cities with more than 300 destinations in Germany and Europe. “We don’t rely on subcontractors. We see ourselves as a service provider for reputable bus companies,” says Jörg Schaube, who runs the business together with Karsten Schulze. He adds: “By the end of the sixties, the routes to and from Berlin were served by several companies. Our philosophy was to effectively bring together these different offerings.”Over the past 40 years – and long before the deregulation of long-

distance service lines – the successful model has continued to expand and, in the eighties, was even complemented by international connections, for example, to Antwerp, Brussels and Paris. Today, around 80 buses serve the network which now comprises 30 lines – and is rising. In addition to its extensive range of routes, Berlin Linien Bus places great importance on comfortable coach travel – and double-decker Setra S 431 DT coaches are used on the most popular routes to Hamburg, Dresden and Munich.

Pioneers in long-distance coach servicesSuccess with an aftersales warrantyBerlin Linien Bus offers the largest German line-haul network:65 new buses for Sweden:

With Setra double-decker coaches used for long-distance services. The two directors of the Berlin Linien Bus company Karsten Schulze (right) and Jörg Schaube.

Roll-out of a new Setra coach

30 | Setra Family news Setra Family news | 31

Lisa Falkenberg is a graduate psychologist and trainer for leadership coaching, workplace and traffic safety, and process support for organisational development. She is a consultant and trainer for practical driving programs – as per the guidelines of the German Road Safety Council – and she trains trainers on its behalf.

32 | Setra Family news

Ms Falkenberg, what is generally referred to as stress?Stress in its true sense of the word isn’t necessarily what many people refer to as stress. These days, almost everyone experiences varying degrees of “stress”. Real stress, however, refers to the mental and physical reactions that enable us as humans to take on and meet specific demands. Stress is our body’s natural response and it makes us more efficient in stressful situations. If a short-term feeling of stress becomes chronic, then stress can be danger-ous. Those affected may feel permanently strained and over-whelmed, as the increased energy expenditure saps their energy.

So how does this “real” stress develop?For real stress to form, there needs to be a specific cause, or so-called trigger. How strongly the resulting stress is perceived varies from person to person. Whereas one person may enjoy the prospect of a new assignment, another may be terrified. Stress arises when we perceive things as a threat, and when we see no way of coping with this stress.

And what types of stress are there?On the one hand, there’s the stress that comes from the outside:

situations that you can’t control, such a traffic jam or the weather, etc. And then, there’s the stress that we create ourselves. This can arise, for example, from fictitious scenarios that we imagine. We get all caught up with them and develop downright fear scenarios.

And now, looking specifically at the bus sector: what are the most common stressful situations for drivers?It begins with environmental factors such as heat, cold, poor visibility due to rain, snow or fog, and continues with sounds like traffic noise, music, phones and conversations, through to factors such as shift work, vibration, continuous sitting – to name just a few. For bus drivers, external stress can also be a construction site or a traffic jam, both of which they can’t change, although a timetable needs to be kept up with. Then there is the self-made stress. Fear, for example, in the case of a class trip. The anxiety: what will the students do to my bus – or to me? As a driver, you can be overcome with tension even before the journey begins.

How can a bus driver best face these stressful situations?Using the example of a traffic jam, it’s best to inform the passengers immediately. This way, you can avoid many individual questions. With an announcement – brief and to the point – drivers can reduce stress among the passengers – and for themselves too. In the case of self-made stress, it’s important that each of us finds something we enjoy in our private lives. It’s vital to achieve a balance, to be able to relax. In some situations, it may even be possible to take the wind out of a grumbling passenger’s sail with humour, or by finding just the right way of formulating an answer.

And if one day my fear scenario actually takes place and I have to deal with rowdy passengers on the bus?One possibility is to intervene early with young rowdies. You could simply tell them that the bus will stop until things quiet down. A good strategy may be to turn the alleged “ringleader” into an ally, who can then make the others see reason. The last resort is to call

the police – and not to wait too long before doing so – if the situation doesn’t appear to be calming down on its own.

After an experience like this, is a driver not totally stressed before the next trip? Or can you train “de-escalation”?This is precisely the type of conflict situation that we practice in the “Keep cool on the road!” driver training from OMNIplus: how do you react properly in a particularly stressful situation? We know from experience that being able to master the right de-escalation strategy enhances a feeling of certainty and self-confidence for the next stressful situation. In the group, we develop suitable responses to various stressful scenarios. I guess you could call it developing the art of “quick-wittedness”.

Are there fundamental rules that bus drivers can follow to reduce stress?Yes, definitely. There are, for example, appropriate formulations for very standard situations such as how to greet passengers before departure. If a driver introduces himself in a way that makes him and the company likeable, in a way that motivates the passengers and arouses a pleasant and fun feeling right off, then half the battle is won. In our presentation training, we address how to achieve this. We record drivers while they greet passengers and then we discuss it in the group. Several drivers have no idea what kind of an impression they make when they’re in front of a group. And many even begin by highlighting all the potential problems that can arise: don’t make a mess, use the WC properly, keep the aisle free... This isn’t a great way to begin a trip that’s going to extend over a few hours or even a few days. One of the first things I’ve got to do as a driver is get the passengers on my side.

What can operators or company owners do to relieve their drivers of stress?Here too, there are a few approaches that work. When planning trips, be sure to include enough rest periods for the drivers. Make sure the drivers are very familiar with the vehicles, in other words, give them a good introduction to the coach. It is very helpful for the driver to know that the operator is behind him. Sometimes, there are seemingly trivial situations that can really get out of control. For example, if a passenger doesn’t get exactly the seat he wants on the return trip, or if a piece of luggage has to be placed on its side rather than standing. If the operator, over the phone, can confirm what the driver has already said, many passengers will be willing to accept it. It’s important to give the driver the assurance that he can get in touch with home base if problems arise on the road. Sometimes it’s enough that a disgruntled passenger has a chance to talk to the boss, and the issue is solved.

Setra Family news | 33

Congestion and creeping motorists, rowdy passengers, loud noise and time pressure – bus drivers often

experience tremendous stress. SetraFamily spoke with psychologist Lisa Falkenberg, who points the way

towards solutions for stress management in the OMNIplus communication and conflict training.

Keep your cool!Stress on the road:

You’ll find more information on the OMNIplus “Keep cool on the road!” communication and conflict training at www.omniplus.com

The big little coach!

To commemorate the 60th an

niversary of the Setra brand,

we collected stories about Se

tra coaches

and buses from around the wo

rld – at times touching, at tim

es funny and always entertain

ing. In this

issue of the SetraFamily, we a

re delighted to present two m

ore of these unique anecdot

es.

Real-life Setra stories

Coach and bus stories from

the Setra Family:

When Dreams Come True

Setra Family news | 35

E ven as a small child, Wo

lfgang Kurz

had a great passion. While

other

children his age dreamt of

model

cars, his great love was for th

e Setra coaches

that made up his father’s co

mmercial fleet.

His parents weren’t all too

surprised that

the first word to come out

of his mouth

wasn’t “Mama” or “Papa”, bu

t “Se-te-tra”.

In the summer of 1992, Wo

lfgang went on

a school trip to Ulm. He wa

s 15 years old.

A visit to the Münster cathed

ral was on the

agenda. While visiting the ch

urch, everyone

was told they could leave

a card behind

with their personal wish – wh

ich would then

supposedly come true. Th

e young and

very loyal Setra fan quickly w

rote down his

wish. At around the same tim

e, his parents

were finalising their decis

ion on which

brand to choose for the

an upcoming

coach purchase. However,

it would seem

that chances were not in fa

vour of Setra.

Nonetheless, without even

having to think

about it, Wolfgang wrote do

wn his “coach

wish” – and hoped for divine

intervention.

Soon after that, his father re

ported that he

would soon be picking up his

new coach at

“Kässbohrer’s”. Wolfgang w

as still a little

sceptical. It was only on Dece

mber 6, 1992,

when he and his parents

were actually

standing right in front of th

eir new S 215

HRI-GT in Ulm that he belie

ved his good

fortune. This was a very spec

ial day for him

for many reasons. He could

skip school –

with his father’s permission!

The wish that Wolfgang h

ad left at the

Münster had come true. La

ter, he learned

that Otto Kässbohrer had do

nated a window

to the cathedral in 1977: t

he “window of

fulfilment.” Now if that isn’t a

sign!

Submitted by Wolfgang Kurz,

Pliezhausen

J ohannes Backes has many stories to tell. When a replacement driver was needed two years ago for the “Setra Grand Prix” at the Nürburgring, he spontaneously jumped at the opportunity. The event was all about skill and safety at the wheel, as well as the “instincts” needed for economical driving. Referring to his second place performance among 120 drivers, he commented almost offhandedly: “When I was a kid, I was able to manoeuvre our company’s Setra in the courtyard.” Johannes also likes to recall another anecdote – a story that took place when he was just five years old:Back in the early 60s, his parents were what you’d call real bus pioneers. After legislature had forbidden middle aisle seats

in coaches, valuable seat capacity was lost in one fell swoop. And, as Kässbohrer presented the S 14 as the solution for this problem at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1961, his father was among the first proud takers of this “little” space miracle. The coach, with a Henschel direct-injection diesel engine and 170 hp, was only 12 m long. It was not only the first coach to fea-ture anti-fog double windscreens, but his father's model also boasted a surprisingly high seating capacity. Johannes Backes recalls: “Usually, 59 passengers would have room in an S 14 with 14 rows. Through a special permit for the Saarland region, a further 12 emergency seats could be added – by folding them down in the aisle. This totalled 71 seats in my father’s coach.”

Hardly anyone had ever seen such a futuristic coach – and certainly not at the remote Austrian mountain inn on the High Alpine road towards which his parents were headed. Johannes Backes’ father had called in to book lunch for 71 guests. As he drove up to the inn with his coach, the innkeeper asked somewhat worried: “Where’s the second coach? Was there an accident?” As he then saw the many travellers exiting the coach, he walked around it three times, came back astonished, shook his head and kept muttering: “It simply can’t be, it can’t be – all these people were in this coach?” Submitted by Johannes Backes, Weiskirchen

The endless fascination of double-deckers75th Setra coach for Fromm Reisen:

T his new coach is Fromm Reisen’s latest pride and joy. The S 431 DT, which the company picked up the Setra CustomerCenter, is a very special double-decker for the Fromm family: it is the 75th vehicle in their operation to carry the Setra name.In addition to the 75th coach, the three managing partners, Alexander, Peter and Sigrid Fromm, who run the family business in its third generation, also took over an S 417 GT-HD ComfortClass 400 as well as an S 415 HD and S 416 HDH from the TopClass 400 series.All four coaches are ideally equipped for long-distance tours with on-board galleys, reclining seats with side and back adjustment, high-quality air conditioning systems with auxiliary heating units, and advanced multimedia systems.The Swabian company travelled with 50 of its customers to pick up the coaches. “The very positive feedback from our passengers confirms we made the right decision with these coaches,” commented Alexander Fromm. Along with a high standard of comfort and safety, and the latest in coach technology, it is important for Fromm Reisen to always have a “young” fleet at its disposal. Fromm added: “Our 15 Setra touring coaches have an average age of only two and a half years.”

W hen Gunnar Brustad left Norway with his son Ole Jacob to pick up his new Setra at the CustomerCenter, he wasn’t yet aware that he would be taking over a doubly special coach. The two-axle S 516 HD is not only the first ComfortClass 500 coach destined for Norway, but also the 500th new Setra coach to be delivered to the Scandinavian country.Gunnar Brustad, with his company “Brustad Busstrafikk”, has been a partner of the Setra brand since 1983. He only found out about the double anniversary when he picked up his new coach and yes, he was very proud: “We are especially pleased to be right at the beginning of the new generation with this anniversary coach. For us it’s very important that we can now offer our customers yet another exceptional coach following the success of the 400 series.”

Brustad Busstrafikk takes over the first ComfortClass 500 in Norway:

A double 500

A perfect fit for the applicationSieke has taken over five S 415 UL buses:

E ntrepreneurial versatility is intrinsic to the way the Sieke company does business. The long-established operator based in Diemelstadt, Hessen, offers a broad portfolio of services and is represented at different locations in bus, truck and heavy transport. Among other things, they operate a driving school. For its successful regional bus lines, Sieke was looking for a coach with high, variable operational capability. It finally opted for the S 415 UL. Sieke immediately ordered five of these vehicles which were perfectly equipped for their specific area of application. Three of the MultiClass buses were fitted with simple, highly functional equipment and are primarily used in regular service. An S 415 UL

with comfortable amenities is destined for combined touring and overland transport. Another vehicle with more upscale equipment will be deployed by Sieke primarily as a touring coach.The customer’s latest invest-

ment is part of the systematic modernisation of their fleet. Previ-ously, Sieke had purchased six ComfortClass 400 coaches as well as a double-decker S 431 DT from the TopClass 400 series.

The first ComfortClass 500 for North GermanyBlock coach operator takes over an S 517 HD:

E ven as a child, Alfred Block was fascinated by Setra coaches. With his new S 517 HD, the passionate coach operator can now celebrate a very personal premiere with the first new ComfortClass 500 for North Germany. Together with his wife Cornelia and his son Jan-Erik, the owner of Block Busreisen in Husum, Lower Saxony, took over the milestone coach at the Setra CustomerCenter.The family business has sworn by the brand from Ulm since their purchase of an S 12 from the first Setra series 10. Alfred Block is very proud that he now has a ComfortClass 500 to call his own: “At the world premiere last year, I knew this is the coach for us.” And his order was received by the brand even before he could make a first test drive. However, it wasn’t just absolute confidence in the proven coach technology that scored with the Block business couple, but also the strong ties they have with the Setra sales team. With the S 517 HD, there was no hesitating for Alfred Block: “With this coach, Setra is offering what is simply the best of the best. And the wide-ranging selection of comfort and safety features completely justifies the price.”

A royal coach tourI n the Swedish court, the year 2013 is devoted to the 40th anniversary of King Carl Gustav. The so-called “Eriksgata” is followed with particular interest by the population and the media. All future Swedish regents join this very traditional tour through the 21 Swedish provinces in view of getting to know the country and its people. On the occasion of the Throne Jubilee, this was repeated again by the royal couple. For the most part, a variety of socially oriented facilities and popular events were on the royal visitors’ agenda. A tour of this scope is both costly and exhausting, so it was spread over several stages – beginning in March in Kalmar and ending on September 11 in Jämtland.

Since the Swedish royal couple planned to bring along their court, the search began for transportation that could offer sufficient capacity, while being comfortable and safe. They found it with Setra: in Halland, Skåne and Blekinge, coach owner Stefan Brämersson from Asige Busstrafik chauffeured the royal entourage in a yellow Setra S 416 GT-HD. He likes to recall the pleasant conversations he enjoyed with the royal couple. Queen Silvia commented very positively on the comfortable coach ride. And the King also seemed to enjoy it. In fact, as the journey was scheduled to continue by helicopter, one could tell that the King would have preferred to travel the entire distance by coach.

Sweden’s royal family on the Throne Jubilee Tour:

Setra Family news | 3736 | Setra Family news

Setra Familien News | XX

Up until now, if you were looking for a new pre-owned coach or bus in Europe, you always knew you

could confidently turn to the Mercedes-Benz and Setra pre-owned vehicle centers for professional

advice and support. We thought that, since they were great on their own, they would be even better

together – so we have now consolidated the coach and bus expertise of both brands. And BusStore

marks the introduction of a new coach and bus pre-owned brand for Europe.

The right pre-owned coach or bus – quickly and safely

BusStore - the coach and bus specialist with new great quality:

T he used-vehicle business has always been based on trust. This is especially true when it comes to used coaches and buses. Quality, safety and reliability are the basic requirements the vehicles need to fulfil. Every coach represents a significant investment for an operator – one that goes a long way towards contributing to their economic success. The search for the “right” coach or bus is, however, a daunting task for many operators. Many vendors are far from being true bus experts, and they most often offer a complete range of commercial vehicles. Some may specialise in buses, but independent used-vehicle dealers in Europe are only represented locally and aren’t in the position to offer any real service to speak of. The Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands recognised this issue as a business opportunity, and they have reorganised and restructured their pre-owned vehicle business to

benefit customers all across Europe. The proven manufacturing expertise of both brands is the cornerstone of the new, dedicated, pre-owned coach and bus brand – BusStore – which is being introduced in October at the Busworld exhibition in Kortrijk, Hall 5.

Convenient detailed search on the Internet“With BusStore, we are creating a coach and bus-specific, Europe-wide, pre-owned network with a wide range of vehicles and individual consultation,” says Till Oberwörder, Head of Marketing, Sales and Aftersales EvoBus GmbH. Right from the start, BusStore has a Europe-wide, pre-owned vehicle network with an exceptionally varied offering. One that is not limited to the purchase and sale of coaches and buses from Mercedes-Benz and Setra, but also to other popular brands and models.

38 | Setra Premium service

Operators looking for just the right pre-owned coach or bus will quickly find it at BusStore. On the Internet at www.bus-store.com, simple and clear menu navigation will guide them through a wide selection of brands and models. Once there, and with the help of a search function, operators will find all the coaches and buses available for sale at all locations in Europe – and a personal “wish list” will help manage current favourites. Whether a customer is looking for a touring, overland, city vehicle, or even a minibus, with BusStore they can be assured of finding brands and models that have been rigorously tested before they are offered for sale. Users have the opportunity to make their selection in the search mask by using various criteria, including “Manufacturer”, “Application”, “Euro standard” and “Amenities”.

Proven quality and coach- or bus-specific adviceWhen it comes to quality, with BusStore you won’t have to accept any compromises. Every pre-owned vehicle is extensively tested by master craftsmen at an OMNIplus service center. So you can count on tested, proven quality from bus and coach specialists. Whether for touring or overland coaches, city buses or minibuses, our strict quality criteria ensure that your new pre-owned coach or bus runs beautifully. Consultations are then carried out by proven coach and bus experts — individually and coach-specific. So it’s easy for an operator to find just the right vehicle to suit their needs and requirements. The Internet offering is complemented by local exhibitions and events. So, for instance, a new international exhibition will be taking place at the BusStore in Neu-Ulm: the BusStore Show – IGOM 2014, which is expected to be held 2-3 months later than usual — in February or March. This event will replace the International Coach and Bus Fair (IGOM). The exact date of the BusStore Show will be determined and communicated to coach and bus customers as soon as possible.

An international website with a clear search function

Never before has the search for a new pre-owned coach or bus been easier, safer and more convenient – from the office, from home or on the go by laptop. At www.bus-store.com, with just a few clicks, you’ll find everything you want and need – in detail and clearly presented.A search function leads to all available vehicles at all locations across Europe – and these can be classified by different characteristics in no time at all. All locations can be reached by simple click of the mouse – with a contact person available to help you.So, if you’re on the lookout for a great pre-owned, find out for your-self about all the coaches and buses available through BusStore – the new brand for pre-owned coaches and buses.

Extensive financing and support servicesThe best quality, professional expertise and the largest selection are only three of the four pillars upon which the BusStore concept was specially developed for pre-owned coaches and buses. The new brand’s extensive range of services will also be key to its appeal. The pan-European ServiceNetwork, along with the 24 SERVICE from OMNIplus, are worthy of mention, which is “open” 24 hours around the clock everywhere in Europe – even if the new pre-owned vehicle isn’t a Mercedes-Benz or Setra model.The BusStore service offering begins long before the coach’s first servicing: namely, the moment you purchase your new pre-owned vehicle, with the help of our strong partner Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. BusStore customers benefit from customised financial services and insurance offers at very attractive conditions.

40 | Setra Premium service

The BusDoc information system from OMNIplus is a specially designed online database for service

centers which stores a vehicle’s service information for use in the case of a breakdown and repair.

Since the beginning of 2013, OMNIplus BusDoc 2.0 has been online and this new generation is

easier than ever to use.

BusDoc 2.0 – the next generationThe OMNIplus service information system:

T he requirements and wishes of workshop employees were taken into consideration during develop-ment of the new information system. After all, they are the ones who use BusDoc to ensure ongoing operational availability of operators’ vehicles.

Online inquiry of repair-relevant data“With OMNIplus BusDoc 2.0, workshop staff can, via a vehicle-specific entry into the Daimler portal, send a bus or coach to the so-called bus doctor,” explains Jürgen

Eisele from EvoBus who contributed to the development of the system. “All vehicle data are stored in BusDoc, and the staff can quickly and easily initiate a direct query of all relevant data repairs. In addition, thanks to the optimised navigation of the 2.0 version, they have access to all vehicle-specific information at a glance. So, for example, if the air conditioner isn’t