Family - Setra

26 | The nineties
1991
International upheaval
brings the world together
The nineties | 27
In 1998, the S 319 – an absolute winner
in the 300 series – is selected by readers
of trade magazines “lastauto
omnibus” and “transaktuell” as
Regional-Service Coach of the Year.
R
arely have such wideranging
changes favouring
peace and democracy
been experienced all around the
world, as in the nineties. These
not only influence international
understanding and people’s
freedom in a very positive way,
but also lead to a global economic
upswing. The world is
moving closer together. Also in
Ulm, the “golden nineties” entail
innovation in terms of a new
series, as well as the historic
merging of two automotive
legends.
A new series with an all-new face
A “may bug”, “rabbit with floppy
ears”, or even “Dumbo” ... when
launched in 1991, Setra’s innovative
integral mirror system, which gives
the 300 series its new face, is
greeted with smiles and a variety
of nicknames. Its practical benefits,
however, quickly prove themselves,
and within just a few years, the
system becomes one of the key
differentiating factors of the 300
series, along with the distinctive
sweeping line behind the driver’s
cockpit. The electrically adjustable
mirrors, which can also be heated,
allow the series to be recognised
from a distance. Other manufacturers
also acknowledge the
advantages Setra’s mirror system
offers – which significantly increases
the driver’s field of view – and equip
their vehicles with similar systems.
On the inside, the 300 series
features several technological
innovations and refined details.
Passengers enjoy a uniform interior
climate, even when the exterior
temperature changes, thanks to the
1992
cross-flow technology used in the
air conditioning and ventilation
system. The high functionality
offered by the ergonomically
designed cockpit, with standardseries
multifunction display,
optimises communication between
driver and coach – making a further
contribution to safety. The new
series not only pampers its passengers,
it also takes care of the
environment, with its use of
recyclable materials. Experts are
clearly impressed with the new
series’ high-quality touring coaches.
A year after its launch, trade
journalists honour the S 315 HD
with the coveted “Coach of the
Year” award.
Wind of change in Ulm
What is happening on a large scale
around the globe – with nations and
economies coming together – also
takes place, on a smaller scale of
course, with the Mercedes-Benz
and Setra coach and bus divisions
which join to form the EvoBus
company. OMNIplus, the shared bus
and coach-specific service brand,
is created to deliver after-sales
support. It grows into Europe’s
largest bus-specific ServiceNetwork
for Mercedes-Benz and Setra
coaches and buses – offering fast
and reliable service.
The first Setra Grand Prix
In April 1992, Kässbohrer holds the
first “Setra Grand Prix” in Ulm.
131 bus drivers from seven European
countries participate in the event,
demonstrating their technical
expertise, knowledge of the new
300 series, and driving skills on a
challenging track. The driving tests
are completed with six Setra
S 315 HD coaches – with precision
and driver responsiveness in the
foreground. The first Setra Grand
Prix is a resounding success and,
over the next decades, its popularity
continues to grow.
Top, Comfort, Multi:
classifying the Setra range
To facilitate understanding of the
range and its nomenclature, Setra
structures its bus and coach offering
into three categories:
• TopClass is the designation for
Setra’s luxury touring coaches
• ComfortClass stands for Setra’s
cost-effective, comfortable touring
coaches
• MultiClass covers regional-service
and urban transit buses, referring
to their multifunctional applications.
1996