Family - Setra

22 | The eighties
The eighties | 23
1987
A coach reaches
for the stars
At the 1988 Autobus Meeting International in Poreç,
the Setra 216 HDS’s solar roof is honoured as a
technological innovation.
T
he eighties are a decade
packed with superlatives,
and technological progress
makes giant strides. In Ulm, in
1981, the new Setra S 228 DT
quite literally reflects a belief in
“bigger is better”: the first Setra
double-decker coach is the
unchallenged star in the Setra
sky. With its two passenger
levels, it represents a true example
of Setra fully capitalising on its
great experience with the 200
series HDS models. Many proven
components and standard
program parts are incorporated
into the S 228 DT. But this coach,
with its combination of timeless
elegance, outstanding value
retention and functionality, takes
things a big step further.
1981
The epitome of comfortable travel
Its distinctive styling and imposing
aerodynamic front, without cumbersome
overhangs, soon become the
Setra S 228 DTS’s most distinguishing
trademarks. The attractive,
streamlined coach soon embodies
the best possible advertising vehicle
for many operators. This truly
exceptional coach combines
extraordinary handling and drive
qualities with high safety standards.
And, it soon epitomises the whole
notion of ultra-comfortable coach
travel.
Its popularity is reflected in amazing
sales of 1,104 units from 1982
through 1983. The four-metre-high
luxury coach is well received not
only in Germany, but also abroad: in
England, Sweden, Denmark, France,
through to Switzerland as well as
Italy and Austria. Even in the tiny
Republic of San Marino, the Setra
double-decker bus is a coveted
favourite.
ABS for everyone
In 1984, yet another milestone is
achieved. This time in terms of
safety: Kässbohrer is the first
European commercial vehicle
manufacturer to initiate standardseries
integration of ABS in all its
buses and coaches – an achievement
culminating ten years of
development and testing. As early
as in 1970, work on the antilock
braking system had begun in Ulm,
although at the time sufficient
sensors, electronic components,
and pressure control valves were
not available. It was only in 1982
that the system, which was developed
in collaboration with Bosch,
could be introduced.
A new beginning in the USA
The fifteen-row S 251 HDH super
high-decker defines 1984 as a time
of new beginnings in the US market –
almost exactly 30 years after the
Silver and Golden Eagle. Experts
praise the combination of advanced
European coach design with
American components. Encouraged
by four successful years and 200
units sold, a version targeted to the
European market, based on the
same type, is launched in 1988
under the “Transcontinental” name.
An innovative coach rooftop
In 1988, Kässbohrer once again
introduces a cutting-edge innovation
when it presents another world
premiere at the Autobus International
Meeting in ex-Yugoslavian Poreç –
a Setra S 216 HDS with a sunroof!
The roof makes use of sun energy
for the coach’s ventilation system
and service equipment, without
requiring power from the vehicle’s
battery. And, for this very reason,
Setra is honoured with the highest
award in the “Technological Innovation”
category.
Let’s talk comfort
At the 1986 IAA, the Kässbohrer
S 228 DT Bistro Coach attracts a
great deal of attention, bringing to
life the whole idea of Setra’s
commitment to customisation. A
coach tour is virtually transformed
into a restaurant visit – a very
appealing idea in the bus world.
Although approximately 20 seats
are sacrific-ed for the bistro
installation, the unparalleled luxury
this can offer to customers makes
the effort more than worthwhile.
1988