N u mb er 5 9 | Is s u e 1/ 1 7

W o r l dT h e m a g a z i n e f o r p e o p l e w i t h a p a s s i o n f o r c o a c h e s a n d b u s e s

High tech and history Premium coach travel to the Baltic regionPage 24

Craft beerVariety instead of uniform brewPage 40

Travel at the highest level The Setra TopClass 500Page 14

Setra MultiClass 400Family meeting in RheinsbergPage 34

Setra Editorial | 0302 | Setra Impressions

This is Setra: premium coaches for premium travel.

“In the absolute premium segment,

all roads lead to Setra.”

Dear customers and friends of the Setra brand,

Your preferences and suggestions are important to us. Your requirements are what drive us to continually improve – in terms of advice, the quality of our products and fulfilling individual solutions. Especially when it comes to meeting particular standards, as are demanded for exclusive travel in the top segment.Those offering premium travel know that their guests expect more than average. That is why the Setra TopClass 500 is so popular in this segment. Setra customers appreciate its elegant design, comfort, safety, economy and, last but not least, the comprehensive equipment options available for the TopClass 500 – from the parapet heating to the TopSky panoramic roof. And even exclusive customisations, such as backlit sill trims with the bus company’s logo, are available for the TopClass 500.I could not have summed it up better than our customer Bent Sigmarsson, whose company, Servio, in Iceland has specialised in transporting VIP guests: “In the absolute premium segment, all roads lead to Setra.” As far back as 50 years ago, Setra liked to fulfil special customer requests. Back then, the Setra S 150 Panorama set new standards with an elevated rear passenger area, underfloor toilet, reclining driver’s seat and stationary air conditioning. These days it enhances the Setra vintage collection.Not only with TopClass premium coaches and individual customer solutions do we meet special demands at Setra. Those who have to overcome the daily challenges of interurban scheduled services are guaranteed to find the right solution in the wide range of Setra MultiClass models. Trade journalists from all over Europe recently had the opportunity to test-drive four models extensively.We have put all these and many more topics together for you in this issue of SetraWorld. I hope you enjoy reading it. Best regards,

Ulrich BastertHead of Marketing, Sales and Customer ServicesDaimler Buses

Travel in the premium class

For over 60 years, Setra has been the reliable partner for discerning coach travel companies. With the TopClass, we have helped shape the market for exclusive travel concepts. Equipment packages tailored to individual prefer- ences, needs and expectations help our customers when it comes to implementing their business models. What is special for some is everyday business for the TopClass. Whether it is used as a long-distance coach on a city tour through the Baltic region or a VIP touring coach in Iceland, the exclusivity of the TopClass is only surpassed by its versatility.

Get-togethers12 | High-end tourism in Iceland

In order to be able to provide its exclusive transport service to bigger groups too, the premium travel company Servio in Iceland has added a TopClass 500 to its fleet.

Fascination & technology14 | Experience something special

The TopClass models combine ultimate long-distance comfort with individual luxury and technical excellence. With their exclusive design and high-quality equipment, they impress even the most demanding passengers.

Travel in style24 | City tours through the Baltic region

The three Baltic capitals, Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, not only have impressive, historic city centres – they are also lively and modern cities. A discovery tour with the TopClass 500.

Customised

22 | Marquardt switch New central locking for luggage compartment doors

23 | Welcome on board Backlit sill trim on the steps

Fascination & technology

14 | Travel at the highest level The Setra TopClass 500

34 | Setra MultiClass 400 Family meeting between forests and lakes

Travel in style

24 | High tech and history Premium coach travel to the Baltic region

Imprint

Published by:EvoBus GmbH Mercedesstraße 127/670327 Stuttgart (Germany) Tel.: +49 731 181-2713www.setra-bus.com

Editorial board:Angela Frank, Harry Gottschalk,Reiner Hörter, Maria Mack

Responsible on behalf of publisher:Reiner Hörter, BUS/MPM-BHead of Brand Communications

Project management:Christine Denzel, BUS/MPM-BBrand Communications

Concept, layout editing and production:NEWPORT3 GmbH & Co. KGNeumann-Reichardt-Str. 27–3322041 Hamburg (Germany)Tel.: +49 40 67 10 90-0Email: info@newport3.de

The SetraWorld magazine is published twice a year in eight languages. Reprints are permitted if the source is cited; changes require the publisher’s approval.

In focus

Setra Content | 0504 | Setra Content

40 The craft beer scene in Europe is also enhancing

the programme of events for tourists on city tours. 34 Trade journalists from all over Europe test four MultiClass 400 models

at a driving event starting in Berlin.24 On the road with the Setra TopClass 500 –

premium city tours through the Baltic region.14 If travel is supposed to mean pleasure for passengers and profit for coach companies,

then all roads lead to the TopClass 500.

Get-togethers

08 | People behind the Setra brand Chassis tuning with Bernd Gutmann and Berthold Merkle

12 | VIP touring coaches High-end passenger transport in Iceland

20 | Setra vintage collection The Panorama S 150, made in 1967

28 | Anniversary vehicle for Latvia 1,000 MultiClass business models delivered

30 | Exhibition review and preview The most important Setra dates at a glance

39 | Setra shop Penknife and torch

Get-togethers

06 | Pilgrimages with Basilica Travel Spiritual travel experiences

07 | Nostalgic coach tour With Setra vintage coaches to filming locations

Service & support

32 | BusWorld Home Hamburg The service highlight in the North

38 | BusStore interview With Matteo Ferrari from the BusStore centre Modena

Horizons

40 | Craft beer From uniform brew to unlimited variety

06 | Setra Get-togethers

Spiritual travel experiences

The Romanian Orthodox

Church has its own travel

agency for pilgrimages.

Basilica Travel places particular

value on quality and safety and

thus fully relies on Setra.

N o single coach tour provided by Basilica Travel starts without a divine blessing. That is because the company based in Bucharest is the official

travel agency of the Romanian Orthodox Church. It organises numerous pilgrim- ages within Romania, but also to spiritual destinations throughout Europe and to the Holy Land in the Middle East. “All of our coach trips begin with a blessing and a prayer for a safe journey,” says Leonard Ciofu, managing director of Basilica Travel.

When it comes to the safety of the passengers, the agency does not put its faith in divine assistance alone, however, but also in the high level of safety equipment featured on the Setra coaches. The company’s fleet currently consists of three vehicles under the Neu-Ulm brand, one TopClass S 415 HDH, one ComfortClass S 416 GT-HD for longer tours and a ComfortClass S 515 HD. Another vehicle of the same type is soon expected to strengthen the Setra fleet owned by Basilica Travel.

Every year up to 25,000 passengers take part in the 650 or so pilgrimages arranged by the agency. Particularly popular are the trips to monasteries and pilgrimage sites. These include, for example, the famous orthodox Monastic State of the Holy Mountain on Mount Athos, the grave of the monk Arsenie Boca in the Prislop Monastery and the monastery in Brovina. Other destinations include the Romanian region of Maramures, the northern part of Moldova as well as Bulgaria and Italy.

“Our passengers are not only looking for spirituality on the pilgrimages, but also new impressions and recreation,” explains Leonard Ciofu. In this respect, the pleasant feeling of space and the extraordinary comfort of the Setra coaches ensure a relaxing travel experience. Other crucial plus points for him are the proverbial Setra quality and reliability, as well as the dense OMNIplus service network, which enables fast help in an emergency.

Coach travel with a blessing: four Setras will soon hit the road for the Basilica Travel pilgrimages.

O ld man Waller walks his route, the small Kempten-Isny railway line in Allgäu, one last time. The single-track branch line is going to be shut down and Waller, the track inspector, sent into retirement. His last trip will

become a journey through time and his life. “Waller’s Last Trip” is also the title of the film of the same name made in 1988. Almost 30 years later, director Christian Wagner has digitally remastered his award-winning debut film and rereleased it in selected cinemas.

To mark the revival of the cult film, the director, together with actors and interested guests, undertook a nostalgic bus tour with two historic Setra models to the film locations along the local railway track, which was in operation from 1909 to 1983. The two Setra buses, an S 6 made in 1961 and an S 10 from 1960, were accompanied by other classic cars and historic Imme motorbikes, which were produced in nearby Immenstadt and also play a part in the film. A Setra S 10 also makes a guest appearance in “Waller’s Last Trip”. Looking back to the 1950s, the bus, which was modern at the time, seems like a prophecy: bus travel will soon replace the railway. The track inspector, who for decades every day has checked the rails, tightened bolts and lubricated points, will no longer be needed.

With the nostalgic bus tour, director Wagner took a double journey through time, back to the days of young Waller and the Isny narrow-gauge railway, and at the same time to the history of the filming work around 30 years ago. Those still wanting to experience the bus tour including film screening are in luck. Another event is planned for 8 October 2017. “Waller’s Last Trip” is also available on DVD. For more information go to http://blog.wagnerfilme.de

“Waller’s Last Trip” tells

the eventful life of one

man. To mark the

rerelease of the film,

director Christian Wagner

goes on a quest to the

film locations with two

vintage Setra models.

Setra Get-togethers | 07

With Setra on “Waller’s Last Trip”

On the move in style: a journey through time with two Setra classics.

08 | Setra Get-togethers Setra Get-togethers | 09

Chassis tuning with Berthold Merkle and Bernd Gutmann

A fine sense

for driving comfortW hat do the “bumometer” and the roll/pitch motion have in common? Quite clearly: both are key criteria used

by Berthold Merkle and Bernd Gutmann to perfectly tune the driving comfort of every Setra bus and coach to the relevant fields of application. To be more precise, they select the optimum shock absorbers using these standards. Because these have a considerable influence on the feeling of comfort – for the passengers, but also for the driver.

Test engineer Berthold Merkle and technician Bernd Gutmann climb aboard the Setra ComfortClass S 511 HD for a test drive. At first glance the vehicle appears to be already full with passengers. Taking a closer look behind, however, you can see that water-filled dummies are simulating the travellers here. Instead of the usual suitcases, bags of sand are placed in the vehicle’s belly – with good reason, as Bernd Gutmann explains: “The shock absorbers have to cushion the load, which is why we do our tests with different vehicle loads, in other words empty, partly and fully loaded. When it comes to road conditions, we look for characteristic routes for the purpose of the vehicle in order to also test the worst case, for example cobblestones or motorways with offset flagstones.” For these measurements, the “bumometer” is used. The special sensitivity in the gluteal muscles which decides on the right shock absorbers.

Then it all begins. The Setra sets off whilst the two experts look through the windscreen as though spellbound. The question is: is the bus pitching severely, rolling or is it bumpy? “If you sit in the back row, look forward and the shock absorbers are too soft, then the front goes up and down and you lose the horizon. This ‘pitching’ makes many passengers feel ill,” says Berthold Merkle. �

Experts for vehicle tuning: Berthold Merkle (left) and Bernd Gutmann.

Dampers that are too firm impair the passengers’ sense of well-being; ones that are too soft impair the driver’s handling and hence the feeling of safety. “If we make the shock absorbers a bit firmer, tune them to the vehicle, the driver has to make fewer steering corrections to hold his lane,” explains Berthold Merkle. “On the test drives, we can tell very soon whether the bus needs more driving comfort or more stability.” It is precisely this balancing act between comfort and stability, a compromise of the two, which both men look for when designing the dampers.

It is not possible to learn this special feel. A certain basic feeling should already be inherent. Both experts agree here. Added to this, however, is plenty of experience: at least three years with five to ten tunings a year. This time is necessary to know approximately what details you have to look out for so that the vehicles run well when they go into production. Because that is the point and purpose of these tests. “We want to tune the vehicle so that our customers, and their passengers, feel good all round,” emphasises Bernd Gutmann. “We make a great deal of effort here to set our products apart in the international market. Not many competitors do these workshops.”

The experts are therefore fully conversant with the road conditions in the various countries. During winter testing, for example, the team head to Scandinavia for four weeks. They cover around 5,000 kilometres in the process. “You have to live for this job. If you don’t like riding buses, don’t like travelling and shy away from extremes, you will never get the right feeling,” says Berthold Merkle. Bernd Gutmann adds: “An affinity with the product simply goes with the job. For us and our colleagues, this is precisely the case. The passion for our buses is there in everyone to a large degree. In this way we even overcome extraordinary trials together, for example extreme weather conditions.”

10 | Setra Get-togethers Setra Get-togethers | 11

Preparing for the test drive: weighted ballast sacks in the

luggage compartment simulate a fully loaded coach.

Measuring technology is important, but feel and experience are not replaceable by anything: chassis tuning is an art in itself.

12 | Setra Get-togethers Setra Get-togethers | 13

VIP touring coach

T hermal springs and geysers between gigantic glaciers and bizarre volcanic landscapes – Iceland

is a trendy travel destination, and not only among normal tourists or backpackers, but also for the VIPs of this world. When they land on the island in the North Atlantic by private jet, a black luxury limousine provided by Servio is often waiting for them. The company, founded in 2014, specialises in VIP transportation.

“When it comes to high-end tourism, we are the leading transport service provider in Iceland,” says Haukur Bent Sigmarsson, managing director of Servio. Besides passenger transportation, another focus of the company is on personal protection. Servio drivers and team members are also highly trained bodyguards.

The services offered by Servio include airport transfers, sightseeing tours and chauffeuring delegations or entire film crews. Films like Star Wars and series such as Game of Thrones have made Iceland popular in Hollywood as a filming location. For contracts like these or large travel groups, Servio has added a TopClass S 516 HDH to its fleet.

“We wanted a coach from the absolute premium segment and all roads lead to Setra,” Sigmarsson explains. The TopClass exceeds all expectations. It has 30 seats in a 2+1 seating arrangement, as well as a club area in the back with refined Ambassador seats including leg rests. Thanks to large, deep windows, the passengers have an excellent view of Iceland’s fascinating countryside. And on longer trips, the on-board kitchen takes care of the catering for the VIPs.

The S 516 HDH is equipped with all the safety features such as adaptive cruise control and ABA 3, the active brake assistant, because Servio has the highest stand-ards when it comes to the safety of its famous pas-sengers. Which VIPs are we actually talking about? Sigmarsson does not want to give that away. “Our guests naturally expect the highest discretion from us,” says the Servio boss, “but you will find a few of them on the famous Forbes lists.”

Exclusive passenger transportation in Iceland with the TopClass 500

In order to be able to

provide its exclusive

transport service to

bigger groups too,

the premium travel

company Servio in

Iceland has added

a TopClass 500 to

its fleet.

14 | Setra Fascination & technology Setra Fascination & technology | 15

If you want a bit more ...

Setra TopClass 500 – travel at the highest level

If travel is supposed to mean pleasure for passengers and profit for coach companies, then all

roads lead to the Setra TopClass 500. The three super-high-deckers are the benchmark for coaches

of the highest class, uniquely comfortable, safe and also economical.

16 | Setra Fascination & technology

I t comes down to the good-old trader’s question: would you like a bit more? Those who are only familiar with pre-packed products from the supermarket are in the wrong place

here. Yet those looking for something special, who appreciate delicatessen, prefer advice over handling, who are gourmets rather than gourmands, they know the question. And are happy to say yes. If you want a bit more, then when it comes to coaches, the answer is Setra TopClass 500. And hence more comfort, more safety, more technology, more individuality and more design. Simply more coach. A genuine flagship for the fleet – the sign of excellence. Coach companies all over Europe, from Finland to Portugal, prefer that.

This “more” starts right from its stature: we are talking about an imposing super-high-decker here after all. Measuring 3.88 metres high and always driving on three axles. An impressive appearance with a striking design. When taking a look round the super-high-decker, the eye is repeatedly drawn to carefully finished details. Like the delicate La Linea design element, which swoops up elegantly at the front, glides along the edge of the roof and ends in a flare at the back. Or the multidimensional rear lights with their tracers, affectionately called “ant trails” internally. This coach has style. It is as impressive as a city skyline or a massive mountain landscape. The passengers sense this, and operators as well as drivers know it. The shape of the TopClass 500 does not want to persuade you; it is simply convincing. Also with technical arguments, for instance with its outstanding aerodynamics. It stands for economy, as little fuel consumption as possible.

Economy has its own dimension when it comes to the TopClass 500. Tailored for high-quality trips with the corresponding clientele. If you want to offer your passengers exclusive experiences, you should treat them to an exclusive coach. A TopClass 500 is not cheap – but it is worth its price. Owners notice this by its value retention: the TopClass does not age; it matures and will later be passed into good hands for a gratifying price.

As an investment, this high-class coach must also work cost-effectively beforehand. The beefy straight six-cylinder engine with 350 kW (476 HP) or 375 kW (510 HP) therefore pos-sesses a typical Swabian characteristic: it is thrifty. Helped as standard by the automatic Mercedes-Benz GO 250-8 PowerShift bus transmission. On request, assistance is provided by the Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC). And Eco Driver Feedback (EDF) gives the driver personal tips for savings. Yes, even a TopClass 500 is sparing – only not on comfort. An arched entrance instead of a plain doorway welcomes the passengers and leads them to the opulently equipped passenger compartment. In the best case, covered by the TopSky panoramic glass roof. It brings the sky down into the passengers’ viewing level. �

Setra Fascination & technology | 17

A low window parapet at the bottom and cleverly shaped air ducts at the top ensure the best view from this level. Offset seating makes it even better. The service sets with glass frames and fine aluminium applications create subtle accents. The ambient lighting ensures a pleasant lighting atmosphere. Added to this, the lights are reflected on the glass roof. The passenger area as a first-class lounge. Function and form become one in the TopClass 500.

That applies in particular to the seating produced in-house. Be it Voyage, Voyage Plus, Voyage Ambassador or Ambassador: indulge yourself when it comes to choosing shapes, colours and materials, and enjoy the comfort on the road – that is Setra TopClass 500. Particularly when seats, curtains, flooring and side walls are tastefully matched with each other. Every TopClass 500 is a unique specimen and impresses with an individual interior for the respective application.

The climate is also right on board the TopClass 500. Two climate control zones for the front and rear guarantee an even temperature distribution. Unique to coach construction is the optional underseat fan heating with hot-air vents under the seats. Those who then also give their passengers the parapet temperature control will turn customers into fans.

The TopClass is equipped with assistance systems well above the statutory requirements. For example, it comes with adaptive cruise control and Active Brake Assist (ABA 3) as standard. It initiates braking in an emergency in reaction to both moving and standing obstacles. Avoiding accidents is the motto of the TopClass 500. And if they do still happen, the TopClass 500 ensures that its passengers have the utmost survival space. The driver too: the Front Collision Guard (FCG) converts collision energy into deformation, with the driver’s seat being pushed backwards on a solid frame section, offering protection in the event of a serious head-on collision. It is a good, calming feeling to travel in the TopClass 500.

For the pilot at the front on the left too, in his user-friendly cockpit. It is perfectly tailored to him: from the parking brake lever to the clearly arranged switches, all the operating elements are within reach. Precise instruments with a coloured centre display, the clear operating panel for heating, ventilation and climate control, the Coach Multimedia System (CMS) with its large display and, last but not least, the Multi Function Key with its numerous options – this is what a perfect coach cockpit looks like. It shows off its special class through

a surround with an aluminium brace. In practice, the fine TopClass 500 demonstrates many more of its benefits, for instance with the large extra storage spaces above the axles or by means of its surprising handling ability. The public is astonished when the 12.5-metre-long super-high-decker S 515 HDH turns in less than 20 metres.

All in all, the result is a fascinating travel experience in an equally fascinating coach of superlatives. Here the customer is king, the traveller is really a guest, and the driver is captain. That is why, for coach companies throughout Europe, it can always be a bit more. Or it just has to be a bit more – the Setra TopClass 500 in fact.

Model Setra S 515 HDH Setra S 526 HDH Setra S 517 HDH

Series TopClass 500 TopClass 500 TopClass 500

Length/width/height 12,495/2,550/3,880 mm 13,325/2,550/3,880 mm 14,165/2,550/3,880 mm

Wheel base/turning circle 5,470 + 1,350/19,574 mm 6,300 + 1,350/21,512 mm 7,140 + 1,350/23,480 mm

Passenger seats 46 (****) 50 (****) 54 (****)

Luggage compartment* 8.9 + 2.2 m³ 11.4 + 2.2 m³ 13.9 + 2.2 m³

Engine Mercedes-Benz OM 471, straight 6-cylinder engine, 12.8 l cylinder capacity, 350 kW (476 HP)/2,300 Nmor 375 kW (510 HP)/2,500 Nm

18 | Setra Fascination & technology Setra Fascination & technology | 19

* Luggage compartment between the axles incl. toilet plus storage space above the axles.

Fascinating coaches for fascinating travel experiences: the Setra TopClass 500 makes all the difference – from the cockpit to the passenger area.

What do customers say about the TopClass 500?

“We were looking for a flagship and figurehead for our fleet. The TopClass 500 fits the bill perfectly.” Mikko Lehtimäki, CEO Lehtimäki Group, Finland

“Our high-class tours also require the corresponding top-class coach. And for us that means the Setra TopClass 500.” Bert Patteeuw, managing director of Patteeuw, Belgium

“The combination of a timelessly modern design with maximum passenger comfort and high cost-effectiveness won us over.” Hans-Erik Haag, co-owner of Blåklintsbuss AB, Sweden

“Besides a high level of comfort, we also want to offer our passengers the highest safety technology. That is why our choice is TopClass 500.” Paulo Santos, owner of Greenbus, Portugal

“Comfort, technology and cost-effectiveness complement each other on the TopClass 500 to make a harmonious overall package.” Jochen König, owner of the company König’s Reisen, Germany

“The favourable fuel consumption was a positive surprise to us. Because even for a luxury bus, the costs have to be right.” Halvor Strand, owner of Berg Skysstasjon as, Norway

20 | Setra Get-togethers Setra Get-togethers | 21

The high-flyerWhen travelling by aeroplane was just coming into fashion, Otto Kässbohrer designed a coach

that offered more comfort than a luxury jet. One of the two S 150 Panorama coaches built back

then enriches the Setra vintage collection today.

T he age of air travel for everyone had only just started when Otto Kässbohrer received the order

in 1967 from the Swiss bus company Zumstein-Reisen to build a coach for exclusive travel. At this time, the intro- duction of the new 100 series was pending at Kässbohrer  – a good opportunity to combine the design engineering achievements of the new series with extraordinary equip- ment and a modern design. The result: the Setra S 150 Panorama.

The pinion rises boldly from the side wall up to the roof in the shape of an aircraft tail – and makes it easy to guess what inspired Otto Kässbohrer when he put the design for the new luxury coach to paper. In order to further under- line the exclusivity of the new bus, the S 150 Panorama was given side-wall panelling made of gold-anodised aluminium sheet metal – borrowed from Kässbohrer’s Golden Eagle models for the US market.

The fact that the concept of a stepped high-decker was chosen is not so surprising from a current point of view; yet the stepped high-decker stood for the ultimate in travel comfort in the 50s and 60s. And so the chassis and front section, based on the 100 series, remain unchanged whilst the rear part of the passenger cabin was raised 30 centimetres. This resulted in an unusually spacious luggage compartment for those days, with a capacity of 12 cubic metres. The rear entrance was moved necessarily to the middle, thus opening up the opportunity for a completely new equipment solution: the underfloor toilet with access via the middle entrance.

In general, the Setra S 150 Panorama 1967 set new standards in terms of equipment. Reclining seats with adjustable backrests, a bunk for the driver, refrigerator, nozzle ventilation and, last but not least, a powerful 50 kW air conditioning unit. The latter is housed in the luggage compartment on the left behind the front wheel and is

powered by a separate one-cylinder Farymann diesel motor. A critical benefit: the air conditioning unit can continue to operate when the bus is stationary. Ideal for hot summer days in Italy.

And then the view! If the passenger cabin in the front section alone is appealing with its modern ambience – orange/brown seat covers were the latest thing back then – the elevated rear area, despite its somewhat reduced headroom, impresses with an overwhelming feeling of space. The large side windows, the panorama window in the sloping roof and the clear view beyond the heads in the front rows of seats open up an all-round view of which plane passengers, with their tiny portholes, can only dream. Even the driving comfort is unparalleled. The Setra chassis with air cushioning and single-wheel suspension at the front was not to be beaten back in 1967.

With so much luxury, it is not surprising that the workplace on the S 150 Panorama is also right up to date. A cush- ioned driver’s seat, adjustable using a crank, is just as impressive as the cockpit with its clearly arranged round instruments and switches. Handling the ZF six-speed gearbox with splitter requires some practice, but rep- resented the latest drive technology in its day, as did the six-cylinder Henschel diesel engine, which never- theless was capable of 215 HP.

From a current point of view, the Setra S 150 Panorama was a precursor for many equipment features and comfort solutions. Yet in 1967, the time for this was not right – not least due to the lavish price that had to be paid for such luxury. For 20 years now, one of two models ever built has enriched the Setra vintage collection and repeatedly attracts ecstatic looks at events and classic vehicle shows – and provides memories of the time when air travel first came into fashion.

Setra Classic – the vintage collection

The step towards the high-decker coach: 50 years ago the Setra S 150 stepped high-decker set new standards.

The stepped high-decker Setra S 150

Panorama with its equipment

and comfort details is a precursor

for modern coaches.

Many details make

work for Setra coach drivers

easier. One example of this

is the optional so-called

Marquardt switch

in the entrance.

F or those in the know, it is simply called the Marquardt switch after its manufacturer and is an optionally integrated switch that saves coach

drivers from walking back and forth to the cockpit when loading and unloading luggage. Fitted in the front entrance either on the podium wall on the left or on the opposite side below the fridge, the driver can use the Marquardt switch to release the central locking on the luggage compartment doors on the left and right side of the vehicle separately from each other. That can also be done as standard using a button in the cockpit. The additional button means, however, that the driver, for instance after unlocking the entrance doors from outside, does not have to follow the flow of passengers or even go against it. The switch thus makes the job a little easier and at the same time is typical of the care shown by Setra when it comes to developing even the smallest details on its coaches. The Marquardt switch in the entrance for the central locking of the luggage compartment doors can be ordered for all Setra ComfortClass 500 and TopClass 500 models.

D rivers of premium-category cars are familiar with the friendly welcome of a sill trim. Owners of a Setra ComfortClass 500 or TopClass 500 premium coach can

also welcome their passengers in this way. Either with the Setra brand logo or even with the operator’s own individual logo. The entrance thus becomes a form of advertising for the company.

The sill trim is made of high-quality stainless steel and is illuminated, thereby underlining the premium character of the Setra coaches. The trim is a maximum of 790 millimetres wide and always 69 millimetres high. It can be supplied both for door one and for door two. Its exact position is determined together with the customer. The Setra brand logo or the bus company’s lettering is cut out by laser and backed with acrylic. The LED backlighting ensures the special effect: the logo is white as standard, but all LED colours can be selected on request, for example blue, orange or green. The lighting is connected with the door controls and is automatically activated when the door opens.

Setra fitted the illuminated sill trim for the first time on the “Otto Kässbohrer” special edition in summer 2011 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Setra brand. Independent of the trim, bus companies can continue to choose the optional step edge illumination.

Small gestures can

make a big difference.

An effectively backlit

brand logo in the entrance

for example.

Welcome on boardIlluminated sill trim

Marquardt switch

Walk this way: the illuminated sill trim

is an exclusive welcome for passengers.

The driver can use the Marquardt switch to unlock the luggage compartment from outside too.

Small button,

big help

22 | Setra Customised Setra Customised | 23

24 | Setra Travel in style Setra Travel in style | 25

High tech and historyHardly any other part of Europe is as varied as the Baltic region: vast landscapes, cities

steeped in history and modern technology locations. Tailor-made for a tour with the versatile

Setra TopClass 500 premium coach.

Premium coach travel to the Baltic region

T he three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are linked by an eventful history spanning centuries – and since 2004 by

membership in the European Union. Yet they do not form a unit. Which is lucky for (coach) travellers, because over an area barely half the size of Germany, you can get to know a wide variety of landscapes, architectural styles and cultures here. At the same time it is an aspiring part of Europe that not only uses modern technologies but also develops them. We are on the road with perhaps the most modern coach in Europe, a Setra S 515 HDH.

Estonia welcomes us with Scandinavian vastness: long straight roads through endless birch forests, here and there the odd farmstead with picturesque wooden houses. Added to that a sky full of fluffy clouds, which in the summer months glows softly deep into the night, reminding us that we are not far south of Helsinki here. It is no wonder that Estonians feel more affinity with the Nordic countries than with their southern neighbours, Latvia and Lithuania.

Looking out onto the idyllic countryside, it is difficult to believe that we are driving through Europe’s “Silicon Valley”. Estonia is an Eldorado for start-ups in the IT industry. This is where Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu and Jaan Tallinn developed Skype, the Internet tele-phone service. The country has the most Internet connections per head in the world and free WiFi on every corner: in public squares, at bus stops, supermarkets and even on beaches and in forests. High tech is everywhere in Estonia and yet often invisible. Just like the many electronic aids in our TopClass 500 – for example the Active Brake Assist or the lane assistant, which discreetly help the driver and hence ensure more safety.

Tallinn – a capital between tradition and modernEven in the 21st century, Estonia is still aware of its history and proudly preserves its historic towns and buildings. This is particularly noticeable in the capital city, Tallinn. Only a few steps away from the futuristic glass facades of the hotels and shopping centres in the Rotermann Quarter, we lose ourselves on our stroll through the old town’s alleyways between medieval city walls, fortified gates and magnificent facades. The Town Hall Square with its cafes is just as much a part of our tour as the historic guildhalls or Toompea, which rises 50 metres above the old town and gives us a fantastic view of the lower town, the harbour and Tallinn Bay.

After the extended walks across the cobblestones in the old town, the comfortable onward journey in the TopClass S 515 HDH is a relief for tired limbs. We lean back in the luxuriously upholstered Setra Ambassador seats whilst the low-emission Euro VI engine mumbles softly to itself. And when the Nordic cold creeps slowly through the streets outside, inside the comfort fan heating under the seats ensures cosy temperatures throughout the passenger cabin.

Riga – fashion and music, Renaissance and art nouveauWe trundle gently southwards on European route E67 towards Riga, the capital of Latvia. Paris of the North, pearl on the Daugava, city of art nouveau – Riga has lots of fine-sounding names which are supposed to stress what is special about the former Hanseatic city. And none of them promises too much. The historic old town east of the River Daugava with its medieval storehouses and splendid Renaissance buildings has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, as have the numerous stucco-fronted art nouveau buildings in the new town. We find small handicraft shops here just as much as fashion boutiques and trendy cafes. In the evening, the pulsating nightlife attracts people with concerts, discotheques and bars – on mild summer nights also outdoors.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the coach park behind the railway line, we come to the City Hall Square, where the House of the Blackheads and the adjacent Schwabhaus shine once again today in all their glory. To mark the city’s 800th anniversary in 2001, the city had the destroyed guildhalls from the 14th century fully reconstructed with their ornate Renaissance facades – impressive. We immerse our- selves in a very different era in the Centrs district. Art nouveau is at home here. On every corner we find exuberant stucco facades, delicate faces and animals, and lavish ornaments extending up to the roof.

Vilnius – city of churchesIt is evening when we reach the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius. The soft glow of the Nordic evening sky descends through the glass panels of the TopSky panoramic roof above the centre aisle to the inside, before the cabin lights, the window column lighting and individually switched-on reading lights gradually take over the illumination of the interior in a stylish and subtle manner.

The almost sacral lighting mood goes perfectly with the city of churches, as Vilnius likes to call itself. And indeed the Lithuanian capital is not short of sacred buildings, numbering almost 50. You do not have to see them all, but you should not miss out on an extended stroll through the narrow streets in the old town. Little stucco-fronted houses nestle tightly together here, and tiny terrace cafes invite you to stop a while. At the end we climb up Gediminas Hill on the edge of the old town and enjoy a final look across the city. Not only can we see the old town at our feet, but on the other side of the River Neris, it is also possible to make out the new Vilnius: office blocks made of glass and concrete, as can be found these days in any large European city. Vilnius thus gives visitors the clear message: here in the Baltics, history and high tech lie close to each other.

26 | Setra Travel in style Setra Travel in style | 27

Caught between the past, present and future: the capital cities of the three Baltic states – Tallinn, Vilnius and Riga (clockwise from top) – unite tradition and modernity.

Contemporary, modern architecture in the Latvian city of Riga.

E very year on the last weekend in October, young bus operators meet kindred spirits from all over Europe – the Setra Young Bus Operators (YBO). Setra has been organising this

reunion for young and young-at-heart bus operators at different locations for 16 years. Last year they went to Krakow in the south of Poland. “The Setra Young Bus Operators meeting gets more international every year,” says Angelika Miller, who is responsible for organising the YBO. “This year we were able to welcome 28 participants from 11 European countries.”

On the programme of the four-day event, besides the mutual sharing of information and the presentation by EvoBus Polska, there were some outstanding tourist attractions. What is more, the participants were also able to take away insights into the future of local public transport. For instance, Stephen Tsanga carried the audience away to the world of Mobility Solutions. The new department established in 2014 works on solutions for public passenger transport of the future – including driverless vehicle technology.

Tourist highlights not only awaited the participants in the historic old town of Krakow with its Royal Castle, the Jewish quarter and the winding alleyways. An excursion to the historic Wieliczka salt mine impressed the visitors with very long passageways, underground salt lakes and a marvellous chapel carved out of salt. The participants also showed great interest during a visit to the bus company Sindbad. With 200 buses and over one million passengers a year, Sindbad is one of the largest bus companies in Poland. Since 1992 the company has specialised in long-distance coach routes – from Poland to 21 countries in Europe. Not only were the figures impressive, but also the vehicles: the average age of the fleet – predominantly composed of Setra coaches – is less than three years.

New participants welcomeWould you like to take part in the YBO yourself, or do you know someone who is interested? Then talk to your Setra sales rep.

The Setra Young Bus

Operators meet once a year,

this time in Krakow.

The programme of events

included a visit to Poland’s

oldest salt mine and to the

bus company Sindbad.

Setra Get-togethers | 29

Among kindred spiritsSetra Young Bus Operators

Having a look at how the successful do it – young bus entrepreneurs visit Sindbad.

T he 1,000th MultiClass business went to the Latvian bus company Nordeka in November 2016. The S 415 UL business was delivered during an event in the

Riga ice hockey stadium. On this occasion, another 70 customers from the Baltic region were also able to see the benefits of the UL business models for themselves.

The S 415 UL business is the first cross-country bus of its kind in Nordeka’s purely Setra fleet. All in all, the company operates 120 buses, of which 110 are cross-country buses that cover scheduled services around Riga and throughout Latvia. Nordeka thus operates 25 per cent of regional intercity bus services. The MultiClass UL business is perfectly suited for this and, thanks to long maintenance intervals, low operating costs and a long service life, is also particularly econom- ical. “The value for money and the good local customer service are 100 per cent right at Setra,” says the Nordeka managing director, Sergejs Zabavnikovs, justifying the choice of the UL business. Alongside the MultiClass for scheduled services, his company also uses the ComfortClass 500 to offer a charter service.

1,000 MultiClass business models deliveredBernd Mack, European Market Management, hands over the 1,000th Setra MultiClass business to Sergejs Zabavnikovs, managing director of the Latvian bus company Nordeka (left).

28 | Setra Get-togethers

I mpressive anniversary at EvoBus in Neu-Ulm, as the 75,000th vehicle since the start of production in 1998 – the bodyshell of a ComfortClass S 519 HD –

shines in all its glory. The vehicle for the Spanish bus company ALSA was painted in metallic silver and adorned with a motif in the customer’s individual design.

Around 450 specialists in a building covering 25,000 square metres are responsible for the good looks of up to 41 bodyshells a day. In the highly automated paint centre, eight robots also ensure perfect paintwork and do so with a comparatively low consumption of only around 13 kilo- grammes of paint per vehicle. So that the paintwork in Neu-Ulm is also particularly environmentally friendly, besides low-solvent paints, a regenerative exhaust air decontamination system is also used, which removes harmful hydrocarbons from the exhaust air. This is followed by the decor coating, a cavity preservation process and the chassis protection. To finish with, the specialists stick foil designs onto the buses in Color- Finish according to customer requirements.

75,000 paintwork jobs

In the EvoBus plant in Neu-Ulm: paintwork employees in front of the 75,000th painted vehicle, an S 519 HD for the company ALSA.

BusStore Show, Neu-Ulm, Germany03–04.02.2017Daimler Buses bundles its European business with used buses and coaches under the independent BusStore brand. And successfully so, as the demand for first- and second-hand buses is unbridled. The international BusStore Show, staged for the fourth time already, provided evidence of this. Around 1,000 visitors from 21 countries came to the grounds of the BusStore centre in Neu-Ulm.With 250 vehicles – from minibuses to double-deckers – this year there were around 80 more vehicles on show than last year. The sales figures for the carefully checked and prepared exhibition buses of all popular makes and types were at a high level, as they are every year. New this year: the visitors were able to download all the relevant vehicle data about the exhibits quickly and easily on their smart-phones whilst walking round the exhibition area. If they then went into the large visitors’ tent, one thing soon became apparent to them there too: the range of services surrounding used buses is unique. OMNIplus, the service brand of Daimler Buses, proved this in impression fashion with its current services for maintenance, repair and 24h SERVICE. And the employees from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services for their part showed off attractive finance offers especially for the relevant European countries.The BusStore Show thus provided a unique opportunity once again this year to share information and experiences in a relaxed, informal atmosphere with the experts from BusStore and with the sales staff representing the Daimler brands Mercedes-Benz and Setra.

UMA Expo, St. Louis, USA26.02–02.03.2017The Setra brand presented an exclusively equipped S 417 TC coach at the bus trade show hosted by the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Expo in St. Louis, Missouri. The remodelled coach is distin- guished among other things by the modified Setra brand logo with chrome letters, redesigned fog lights and a revised bumper. The 13.7-metre-long three-axle coach produced in Neu-Ulm offers room for 56 passengers on Voyage Ambassador seats. All of these are equipped with foot rests and three-point seat belts. The modern

Setra Get-togethers | 3130 | Setra Get-togethers

First-rate quality second-hand: used buses and coaches at the BusStore Show in Neu-Ulm.

coach with ergonomic driver’s seat, hands-free facility, LED gangway lighting and fire detection unit in the engine compartment meets all the US requirements in terms of active safety. The environmentally friendly Mercedes-Benz OM 471 LA (336 kW) engine complies with the American EPA 10 MY16 exhaust emission standard criteria for nitrogen oxide and soot particles. The US version of the European Setra TopClass could be seen on the stand of the North American sales and service partner Motor Coach Industries International Inc. (MCI). The company is one of the leading coach manufacturers in the USA and Canada. The Daimler Buses partner from Illinois took over the exclusive rights for the sales and service of Setra coaches in the United States and Canada in 2012.

FIAA, Madrid, Spain23–26.05.2017The FIAA (Feria Internacional del Autobús y del Autocar) was the 13th edition of the international trade show for coaches and regular service buses in the Spanish capital of Madrid. It is the biggest and most important event for the bus industry within Spain and is also seen internationally as one of the most important bus fairs in Europe. Naturally Daimler Buses, as the largest bus manufacturer in Europe, was represented there with its brands. The joint stand shared by Setra, Mercedes-Benz, OMNIplus and BusStore was located, as in previous years, in Hall 9 once again. With its somewhat futuristic design, it was impossible to overlook. As was the case for the fascinating vehicles, which were presented on the stand in an impressive light production. Test drives were also possible and the visitors’ culinary well-being was equally taken care of, naturally.

Busworld, Kortrijk, Belgium20–25.10.2017More than 30,000 trade visitors are expected at this international bus and coach exhibition. Busworld is the world’s biggest, oldest and most popular trade show for regular service buses and coaches. The biennial exhibition presents the latest developments in the industry and covers the three areas of bus production, bus accessories as well as local public transport and coach tours.Present on-site as always are the top international brands Setra and Mercedes-Benz and the service brands OMNIplus, BusStore and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. They can be found in Hall 5 at the joint Daimler Buses exhibition stand. Besides the current vehicles, the focus will be on special equipment versions and engine exhibits. Last but not least, the service surrounding buses is an important topic for the trade visitors. OMNIplus, BusStore and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services will therefore present their latest services in an informative and appealing manner. All this will be accompanied by special offers and an interesting programme for the visitors.

Upcoming exhibitionscould be admired. In addition, guided tours through the bus production area and a visit to the outdoor BusStore for used buses were on offer. As was the case last year, current trends and offers were presented by employees from Mercedes-Benz Bank and from the service brand OMNIplus. The visitors were able to find out about the new telediagnostics service provided by the Fleetboard system, which optimises the 24h SERVICE and reduces downtimes.

Past exhibitions

Europe came together at Setra in Neu-Ulm

Setra shows & exhibitions

Fascinating buses from the past: the classics parade during the Setra Show.

A deluxe S 517 HDH at the Setra Show in Neu-Ulm.

Setra Show, Neu-Ulm, Germany12–13.11.2016In the middle of November last year, the IAA vehicles from the current Setra product range were put under the spotlight once again. Around 2,000 guests from over ten European countries accepted the invitation to this year’s Setra Show. Besides the presentation of the latest trade show exhibits, a host of activities and demonstrations took place around the Neu-Ulm customer centre. The focus of the two-day in-house exhibition was on the three-axle S 418 LE business from the MultiClass, an S 516 MD and S 515 HD from the ComfortClass and an S 517 HDH and an S 431 DT double-decker bus from the TopClass. Whilst the guests were absorbed in plenty of shop talk with sales employees and general representatives, Setra buses from all three product segments were available for test drives outside the customer centre.How does a modern Setra bus react in dangerous situations? The visitors discovered this in impressive fashion during live demonstra-tions of Active Brake Assist 3 (ABA 3), which automatically initiates braking even in the case of standing obstacles. On demo drives, the bus operators were also able to gain extensive information about Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC), the world’s first cruise control with integrated gearbox intervention for coaches.A shuttle service took those interested to the nearby Kässbohrer building, where a number of restored historic vehicles from all series

32 | Setra Service & support Setra Service & support | 33

OMNIplus has completely

rebuilt the BusWorld Home in

Hamburg in recent years. Even

bus companies from Scandina-

via use the service centre.

What are the reasons?

The service highlight in the North

H amburg – that means the Elbe Philharmonic and port, St. Pauli and musicals, the warehouse district and the St. Michael’s

Church tower. The North German metropolis is a tourist magnet. An attraction of a very different type for bus experts is the BusWorld Home Hamburg service centre.

“If we can’t do it, nobody can,” says Uwe Brückner with conviction. The head of BusWorld Home Hamburg puts his faith in the skills and ability of his almost 100 staff members when it comes to problems regarding buses. Customers even come from remote regions for bodywork, for example buses involved in accidents from Scandinavia. Word has got round that the Northern Germans understand their business.

“We are the University Medical Centre for buses,” says Brückner. This has been completely rebuilt over recent years. The spare parts warehouse and washing hall are new, as are the test, exhibition and delivery hall plus the administration building. The depot has been given more spaces and there is additional room for long-distance coaches. A new paint shop is now being added in the renovated workshop. All during ongoing operations, an open-heart operation so to speak.

The work has been worth it, which is clear as soon as you set foot in the repairs acceptance area. The reception keeps an eye on every- thing, directs customers accurately to the master craftsmen and to spare parts sales. Or to a cup of coffee in the comfortable waiting area if the contact persons are currently occupied. The Setra general agency and the Mercedes-Benz sales office are housed one floor higher, with the BusWorld Home management between them. “We belong together,” Brückner declares. Customers have all their contact points in one place.

The remoulded operation looks back on a long history: from 1956 onwards, Kässbohrer produced semi-trailers here and later set up a service centre for buses, the nucleus for BusWorld Home. Its position in the industrial area of Hamburg-Hammerbrook close to the city centre has its benefits: buses coming here do not need to drive far, as the important A1 motorway is only a few minutes away. “We do a lot of repairs out and about and often work on demand,” says Uwe Brückner. “About a third of the customers drive to the depot spontaneously.” Not only for repairs, also for a quick clean in the new gantry bus wash. And then there is the breakdown assistance, as the Hamburg outfit is part of the 24h SERVICE provided by OMNIplus. Here too it is not necessarily all about major damage, but instead, for example, start-up support at the weekend if lights or entertainment electronics have been left on too long on a coach with the engine switched off.

In the workshop with 23 spaces, there is one team each for urban buses and coaches. “We decided years ago to specialise employees in certain bus types. They complete special training courses for coaches or urban buses.” Setra customers are demanding: a premium bus requires a premium service. “We like to take that on,” says Uwe Brückner, who took over as the head of BWH at the start of the year. Brückner is thus almost back home: he worked here from 2004 to 2012 as a team and workshop manager, then went on to gain further experience in Brixen and Frankfurt.

Finally a tip for the readers: how can you recognise a good bus workshop? Uwe Brückner knows how: “We only deal 100 per cent with buses here.” That can be seen in the detail, when the mechanics also meticulously take care of the cleanliness of seats and carpets in refined coaches. This is how you become the point of attraction for bus customers in the North.

BusWorld Home Hamburg

Uwe Brückner, head of BusWorld Home Hamburg, about his team: “If we can’t do it, nobody can.”

34 | Setra Fascination & technology

Where does the Setra MultiClass 400 family meet up? Preferably where

cross-country routes connect a large city with delightful surroundings.

Trade journalists from all over Europe set off with different models from

Berlin into the attractive countryside found in the federal states of Bran-

denburg and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. SetraWorld went with them.

Setra Fascination & technology | 35

Family meeting between forests and lakes

B efore the calm there is hustle and bustle: at Berlin-Tegel “Otto Lilienthal” airport, business

travellers make their way hastily to their departure gate or exit. The flight passengers throng inside, with cars and, on the coach parking area, buses outside. In and amongst them is the fleet of Setra MultiClass 400, surrounded by numerous bus trade journalists.

There is a choice of four MultiClass 400 vehicles. The versatile intercity classic S 415 UL, the functional S 415 UL business, the comfortable S 415 H combination bus, and finally the long S 418 LE business. This 15-metre-long cross-country giant has to park a little away from the others: there are separate parking bays for coaches of its calibre. The variety of types is indicative of the MultiClass 400: the low-entry model with a large, low floor section, then two with a classic cross-country floor height, and finally the high-floor bus with a large luggage compartment and elegantly curved coach windscreen. Straight six-cylinder engines with 7.7- and 10.7-litre cylinder capacity, with 220 kW (299 HP) up to 290 kW (394 HP). Six-speed manual gearbox, converter automatic transmission. This quartet – typical of the MultiClass 400 – covers the whole spectrum from great functionality to a high comfort level.

Quickly leaving the hectic city behind, the busy nearby Berlin urban motorway leads to the Berlin orbital motor-

way. From there we head north on the A24. The destination is the quiet countryside in Brandenburg and Mecklen- burg-West Pomerania, avenues and lakes, tranquil little towns and Prussian castles, all connected by long cross- country roads.

On the motorway, the Setras slot calmly into the traffic doing 100 km/h. They pass trucks on the right and let cars overtake on the left. The buses leave the road before Neuruppin. A few kilometres to the west is the small district of Rhinow with the hill at Gollenberg. It looms 109 metres high and is the site where the flying pioneer, Otto Lilienthal, went gliding over 120 years ago. Today it takes the buses in the opposite direction towards Neuruppin. Before reaching the town centre, the Setras cross a roundabout, not the last one on this trip. Care must be taken at the wheel of the S 418 LE. Due to its long wheelbase, drivers have to swing out a bit, which is no problem for the experienced journalists.

Exiting the town, the route continues straight on the German Avenue Road, with trees lining the main road on the left and right. Although there is little traffic, the road challenges the driver: there is not much room for on- coming traffic, evasive manoeuvres are impossible, and changing light requires attentiveness. The destination is Rheinsberg. �

The chassis of the four Setra buses show what they can do.

36 | Setra Fascination & technology Setra Fascination & technology | 37

Before driving straight on, please do not forget to turn off left at the village church in Dierburg. The route soon continues straight for several kilometres on an avenue. It connects small towns and villages, a classic cross- country road with long gaps between bus stops. Pay attention: rabbits, deer and also wild boar cross the buses’ path here. Particularly in wet weather and fog, the wildlife calls for concentration driving on the roads.

The baroque town of Rheinsberg, a former royal seat, welcomes the Setra buses with the cobblestones typical of the region. The chassis of the four Setra buses show what they can do. Single-wheel suspension at the front, coach drive axle, large standard 295/80 R22.5 tyres, slick chassis tuning – that is Setra comfort in a cross- country bus. The four buses prove how manageable they are at the entrance to the Hafenhotel, situated directly on the most northerly of the two Rheinsberg lakes. Really intended for cars, buses snake through it today as an exception – where there is a Setra, there is also a way. Even the S 418 LE business masters the steep incline confidently. The later Prussian king, Friedrich II, lived in Rheinsberg, where he had a simple building turned into a sizeable moated castle. And Rheinsberg provides even more culture: in 1912 Kurt Tucholsky published his successful book Rheinsberg, a Storybook for Lovers. Two young city dwellers fled everyday Berlin life on an excursion – that is in keeping with the route taken by the four Setra MultiClass buses.

Holidaymakers can hire boats and charter yachts from the local bus company. It also operates the ships transporting people on the lakes. There is plenty of water in the region: day trips by ship lead through canals and locks as far as the Müritz, the biggest lake found completely in Germany. The bus company’s fleet is

largely composed of Setra buses, as the comfortable Setras are ideal for the partly undulating and rough cobbled roads in this region.

From Rheinsberg the route goes along the German Avenue Road another 30 kilometres on federal highway 122, heading north to Wesenberg in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. The green of the trees and the blue of the lakes dominate the landscape. Small villages break up the forests and heathland. In Wesenberg the Setras leave the German Avenue Road. The route heads east for a bit and then back south as far as Fürstenwalde. Here the quartet turns half right directly after the Havelbrücke bridge onto Rheinsberger Straße. Continuing on this road takes us back to Rheinsberg, the starting point of the tour. Time once again to enjoy the tranquillity of this vast landscape between lakes and forests. We then head back with the very different Setra MultiClass 400 models to the metropolis of Berlin.

A landscape to fall in love and for buses to take a test drive: Setra MultiClass 400 in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania.

The four test buses

Setra S 415 UL business, length 12.2 m, Mercedes-Benz OM 936 engine, output260 kW (354 HP), six-speed manual gearbox, 40 Setra Transit passenger seats.

Setra S 415 UL, length 12.2 m, Mercedes-Benz OM 936 engine, output 220kW (299 HP), converter automatic transmission ZF, 55 Setra Route passenger seats.

Setra S 415 H, length 12.2 m, Mercedes-Benz OM 470 engine, 265 kW (360 HP), six-speed manual gearbox, 53 Setra Route passenger seats.

Setra S 418 LE business, length 14.64 m, Mercedes-Benz OM 470 engine, output290 kW (394 HP), converter automatic transmission ZF, 57 Setra Transit passenger seats.

38 | Setra Service & support Setra Get-togethers | 39

Willkommen in der Setra FamilieBelgien: Coach Partners, Kortrijk • J & J Cars BVBA, Meerhout • Leroy Voyages SA, Tournai • Patsy Tournoy Travel BVBA, Meise • Rantour NV, Essene/Affligem • Travel Service Eupen sprl, Eupen • Bulgarien: Air Kona EOOD, Sofia • Krichim Express GmbH, Krichim • Dänemark: Roskilde Turistfart og Rejsebureau, Karlslunde • Deutschland: Bendel-Reisen GmbH, Unlingen • Dino Tours, Rietberg • Ehlers-Reisen, Neuenburg • Geis-Reisen, Bad Neustadt • Hofacker-Touristik, Reichshof • Höffmann Schulreisen GmbH, Vechta • Lücking Busreisen, Hüllhorst • Main-Spessart-Reisen Hock, Steinfeld-Hausen • Merth Reisen, Birstein • Oeseder-Reisedienst, Georgsmarienhütte • Reise Fischer GmbH, Saarbrücken • Rupieper, Bochum • Schumacher Reisen, Düren • Sperlich Busreisen, Schönbach • van der Ahe - Reisen GmbH & Co. KG, Groß Berßen • W. Giese Nachf. Omnibusbetrieb GmbH, Beverstedt • Finnland: Lehtimäen Liikenne Oy, Nastola • Salon Tilausmatkat Oy, Salo • TTS Työtehoseura, Helsinki • Frankreich: ECF Llerena, Eckbolsheim • Les Cars du Chavanon, Bourg-Lastic • L’Oiseau Bleu, Abbeville • Voyages Robin, Issoire • Island: Guðmundur Jónasson Travel, Reykjavík • Italien: Autoservizi Salemi Srl, Marsala • Baranzelli Natur Srl, Romagnano Sesia • Beta Viaggi, Bollate • Viaggi GT Fogliani Srl, San Giuliano Milanese • Niederlande: Nancy Tours, Maastricht • Norwegen: LB TUR Lars B. Brekka, Stathelle • Polen: Daniel, Strzelin • Voyager Transport, Gorlice • Wito-Tur, Wrzesnia • Rumänien: OV-VA Tours Company S.R.L., Bucharest • Tarsincom S.R.L., Vicovu de Sus • Transmarian S.R.L., Braila • Schweden: Alviks Trafik AB, Luleå • Henrik Björksäter Travel AB, Malmö • Roger Börjessons Buss, Färlöv • Slussfors Taxi HB, Slussfors • Smålandsbussen AB, Jönköping • Wikman Buss AB, Brunskog • Schweiz: hellotravel GmbH, Root • INTERTOURS ME Sàrl, Kerzers • Transports Publics du Chablais SA, Aigle • Spanien: Auto Granadina S.L., Granada • Autobuses Hermanos Arriaga S.A., Vitoria-Gasteiz • Autobuses Palomera, S.A. , Torrelavega • Autobuses Parra S.L., San Adrián • Autocares Fortuna S.L., Fortuna • Autocares Jose Troyano S. L., Gavá • Autocares Lara S.L., Ronda • Rafa Busak S.L., Bilabo • Victorino Alvarez S.L., Torrijos

WelcomeBienvenue

BenvenutiWelcome to the Setra familyCroatia: Domi Prijevoz, Zlatar • Hiems Travel, Split • Jakopic Prijevoz, Sv. Martin na Muri • Estonia: Alltours OÜ, Pärnu • Finland: OTP Travel, Oulo • France: ADJ Voyages, Seloncourt • Cars Farouault, Ducey • SAS Jean Perraud et Fils, Tullins • Vectalia Perpignan Méditerranée, Perpignan • Germany: Anderfuhr, Rübeland • Bendorfer Lausjung, Bendorf • Boos Bus, Allershausen • EBR-Busreisen, Emsdetten • Funk, Tettnang • GIGABUS GmbH, Münster • Gronemann, Hopsten • Heider, Freystadt • I L K, Heinsberg • KAZ, Gelsenkirchen • Levelink, Meppen • Markus Lehnen, Kell am See • Papenburger Kanalreisen Kruse, Papenburg • Ralf Haas, Weyerbusch • Reffel’s Reise GmbH, Mespelbrunn • S + H Verwaltungs GmbH, Schwerin • Schmid Manfred, Langquaid • Stanglmeier, Mainburg • Stefan Schlicht Fahrsch., Lauf • Theo Sinzig & Sohn, Vettelschoß • Wilmering Asset Management, Vechta • Greece: KTEL Zante, Zante island • TSOTRAS TRAVEL, Thiva • Iceland: Hopbilar, Hafnarfjördur • Reykjavik Sightseeing, Reykjavik • Servio, Reykjavik • Montenegro: Vujovic VR, Danilovgrad • Norway: Pluss Truck, STOKKE • Evensen, BORKENS • Eikerbussen; HOKKSUND • Romania: DM Travel Trans SRL, Popesti Leordeni • Livio-Dario SRL, Alba Iulia • Serbia: Globus d.o.o., Despotovac • Slovakia: Nitrabus, Nitra • Sweden: Ala Buss AB, Romakloster • Anderssons Buss på Gotland AB, Visby • Boströms Trafik AB, Vindeln • Gotlandsbuss AB, Stånga • Nobina Sverige AB, Solna • Stångabuss, Stånga • Tottes Bussar AB, Visby • Utbildningscentret för Yrkestrafik, Täby • USA: America Transportation Services, Inc., Potomac, MD • Coach 21, San Francisco, CA • DuVall Bus Service, LLC, West Grove, PA • High Point University, High Point, NC • Journey Lines, Lynnwood, WA • Miami Jet Tours Inc., Miami, FL • Nour Limo, Astoria, NY • Thrasher Brothers Trailways, Birmingham, AL • Tuscaloosa Charter Service, LLC, Tuscaloosa, AL

What’s new at the

Setra Shop“Every customer is equally

important to us”

In an interview with SetraWorld, Matteo Ferrari,

sales manager at the BusStore centre Modena,

Italy, explains what sets BusStore apart from

other used bus dealers and why it is worth

buying a Setra first- or second-hand from

BusStore.

BusStore interview

Unlike many other used vehicle dealers, BusStore enjoys an excellent reputation in the bus industry. What makes you better than others?On the one hand, there is the outstanding image of our brands, Mercedes-Benz and Setra. We can resort to the full expertise of the Daimler Group and work just as professionally as our colleagues in new vehicle sales. Secondly, our entire team at BusStore Italia has decades of experience. We know the products, but also the market and the requirements of the customers very well. Thirdly, and this is probably the most important point, the focus for us is not on the bus, the product, but always on the customer.

What is your recipe to make your customers happy?Our “Italian nature” (laughs). Seriously, we greet every customer with a smile. The customer should feel at home with us. And he should be able to rely on us. Our service begins with advice before the purchase and continues with handling the registration formalities through to the vehicle handover with a precise explanation of all the functions. To put it briefly, a used bus customer gets the same service at BusStore as a new vehicle customer at Setra and Mercedes-Benz.

How important for you is the opportunity to be able to access the full range of products at all BusStore branches in Europe?The Europe-wide network of BusStore and the utilisation of the Internet are of great important to us. Many customers come to us in the first place because they have seen a bus on our website. Thanks to the networking with other BusStore locations in Europe, we find suitable buses in other countries for our customers more frequently.

What else can a BusStore customer expect?When it comes to selecting the right vehicle, the buyer can be guided by our gold, silver and bronze ratings, by which we divide the buses on offer into categories according to set criteria. When it comes to buying, the BusStore customer can access tailored finance solutions. And after buying, more than 600 OMNIplus service centres are at the customer’s disposal. All this creates confidence and satisfied BusStore customers.

Modena: a traditional Italian city with a modern BusStore centre.

W hether on short day trips or longer coach tours, for the driver it is always advantageous to have little helpers to

hand on the road. Practical must-haves – whether individually or as a set – are the penknife and the multifunctional torch from the current Setra collection.

The sturdy LED torch made of rubberised plastic is ideal for quick night-time inspections and other jobs in the dark. In addition to its 40 lumens head light, it has a working light at the side with eight LEDs, which together deliver a luminosity of 100 lumens. The torch can be flexibly fastened to clothing or to the vehicle using its belt clip and magnet.Prod. no.: 0684, Price €5.50 plus postage

Despite its compact length of 91 mm, the high-grade Climber penknife from the Swiss quality manufacturer VICTORINOX is equipped with 14 functions: quality blades, scissors, multi- purpose hook, tweezers, bottle opener, corkscrew and lots more.Whether on your travels or climbing a steep mountain face – the Climber is always the perfect companion.Prod. no.: 0824, Price €33.00 plus postage

You can find both products and many other useful accessories at https://shop.setra.de

Setra Horizons | 41

The craft beer scene in Europe

is flourishing and with it the tourist

supporting programme surrounding

the aromatic ale.

Knowyour Craft

40 | Setra Horizons

A nyone who finds themselves in front of a counter with over 20 taps, reading with astonishment names like Black Nizza Motor Oil, Grapefruit Lucky Jack or Arrogant Bastard on

a board above the bar, having to decode details like vol. % and IBU (International Bitter Units) and choose between pale ale, porter or triple has landed in a craft beer bar. Gone are the days when simply ordering “A beer please!” was sufficient. The punter is spoilt for choice here. Welcome to the new world of beer!

Craft beer means unlimited variety. The new brewers are helping themselves to the world’s beer cultures, brewing malty Scottish ale, velvety sour Berliner Weiße or a refreshingly aromatic Belgian witbier. In doing so, they do not necessarily stick to the classic formulae: a Pils may be hopped in a storage tank. This is how, for example, the Fastmoker Pils from the Wildwuchs brewery in Hamburg gets its aromatic flavour. The Californian Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is bringing out a Leipziger Gose variety which is fermented with prickly pears. And Lemke Berlin is finishing its intensive, roasted aromatic Imperial Stout in cognac, sherry, bourbon and tequila barrels and mixing its unique “Barrel Blend Imperial Stout” out of them. The friendly after-work beer and casual drink has truly turned into a delicacy.

With their approach, craft brewers are turning the rules of mass production upside down. It is not the marketing department or market research that decide what is brewed, but the brewer himself. It is all about beers with expression and character. Craft brewers ply their trade like a chef de cuisine, experimenting with raw materials or making adjustments in the brewing process. In this way, beers emerge that are far from the boring, uniform taste. Beers that are not to everyone’s taste or sometimes only after a second gulp: for example, in the case of an Indian pale ale (IPA) with two to three times the bitter units of a Pils beer, you first have to get used to it. Those who nevertheless overcome the initial bitter shock will discover sensationally floral, exotically fruity flavours and a well-toned malty body, which gently compensates for the dominant bitterness. It is no wonder, therefore, that the extremely hopped IPA has become the most widely drunk craft beer. There is hardly a craft brewer that does not have one in its portfolio.

The change in trend started 30 years ago in the USA, as there were only industrially produced uniform brews there. Anybody wanting to drink something sophisticated had to brew it themselves. Thanks to good networking and a strong community, those starting out as home brewers turned into professionals bent on quality. Brown ale, Oktoberfest beer, amber-coloured lager beers – the craft brewers focused on traditional beer styles from England and Germany. New American hop varieties, like cascade with its very flowery-fruity and resinous aroma, ultimately characterised the beer taste of the new world and triggered the IPA wave.

By the mid 90s, the country already counted 500 craft brewers, and a new, wilder generation stepped up to the brewing kettles. It cultivated “extreme brewing”, which involved the excessive use of classic raw materials or the addition of unusual ingredients such as unmalted grains, fruit or spices. The development in previously used barrels grew – the Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout is a classic to this day. Today there are 5,000 craft brewers in the USA.

The character and expression of the American craft beers have in turn inspired the Old World. In Europe it was the punk brewers from Brewdog in Scotland who attracted attention across the Continent from 2007 onwards. You knew then that it would all get going in Europe. In Germany the craft beer wave first got moving around 2009/10. Even large German breweries are converting the scene’s method of doing things into new brand concepts. Many of them thus dabble in craft beer. All together they are giving the phenomenon a widespread impact. Real craft remains a movement from below, however. It lives off the community of new founders, who share their enthusiasm as well as their recipes, techniques, tricks and sources candidly among each other and with their fans.

And consumers turn into true disciples. Craft beer does not degrade them to the target group of expensive ad campaigns, to an object of manipulation. When it comes to craft beer, consumers become the subject: I taste, therefore I am! Beer lovers and other people of pleasure try, learn and choose – according to their own taste, situation and occasion for a drink: a spicy, sour Flemish red ale perhaps as a sundowner, a frothy wheat beer after sport, a roasted Irish stout with a meringue, or a refreshingly hoppy American pale ale at a party.

Thanks to the craft beer movement, beer bars and restaurants have not only added several taps and stocked their fridges with a colourful array of bottles, they are also offering fresh event formats. So-called tap takeovers, where all the taps are allocated to a brewery one evening at a location, are attracting many fans. Meet-the-brewer tastings and beer menus also belong to the craft gastronomy programme. Many breweries organise guided tours for larger groups of visitors with a tasting session at the end. It is little wonder that more and more coaches are also stopping off here and delighting their passengers with a very special taste experience at a high level.

An increasing number of events are also emerging around the craft beer scene. At craft beer festivals, however, people do not drink out of large beer mugs but from designer tasting glasses. Visitors are often given their own sample glass on entry. A wide selection of delicatessen, often with food trucks, rounds off the overall culinary impression. The best beer festivals have established themselves as international pilgrimage sites and are included in the programme by resourceful tour operators as an epicurean highlight. A new travel culture that celebrates variety is thus also blossoming.

42 | Setra Horizons

A new travel culture that celebrates variety is

thus also blossoming.

Something for every taste: the choice of craft beers is big and new types are constantly being added.

Setra Horizons | 43

Instead of boring uniform beer, taps in rank and file – typical

of a craft beer bar.

Stone Brewing in Berlin: a destination for the craft beer fans of today and tomorrow.

N u mb er 5 9 | Is s u e 1/ 1 7

W o r l dT h e m a g a z i n e f o r p e o p l e w i t h a p a s s i o n f o r c o a c h e s a n d b u s e s

High tech and history Premium coach travel to the Baltic regionPage 24

Craft beerVariety instead of uniform brewPage 40

Travel at the highest level The Setra TopClass 500Page 14

Setra MultiClass 400Family meeting in RheinsbergPage 34