Setra, a brand of Daimler Buses, is known for its high-quality and innovative touring coaches that offer comfort, safety, and efficiency. The company has been producing the 500 series of touring coaches since 2012 and recently reached a remarkable milestone: the 10,000th vehicle of this series rolled off the production line at the plant in Neu-Ulm, Germany.
The lucky owner of this special coach is Unser Roter Bus GmbH, a bus operator based in the federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The company acquired a Setra S 516 HD, a three-axle vehicle of the facelifted model series, equipped with 48 seats and all the latest driver and safety assistance systems that Daimler Buses currently offers.
What makes the 500 series so popular?
The 500 series of touring coaches consists of two model ranges: the ComfortClass and the TopClass. The ComfortClass offers a variety of models for different applications, such as inter-city, long-distance, or charter transport. The TopClass represents the premium segment of the touring coach market, with exclusive features and design.
Both model ranges share some common characteristics that make them stand out from the competition. These include:
- A unique and exciting design that combines elegance and dynamism with a distinctive front end and a large windshield that provides a panoramic view for the driver and passengers.
- An exceptional variance and flexibility that allows customers to customize their coaches according to their needs and preferences, from the interior layout and equipment to the exterior color and branding.
- A maximum profitability results from the use of efficient and reliable engines, transmissions, and axles, as well as smart solutions for maintenance and digitalization, such as the Predictive Powertrain Control and the OMNIplus ON portal.
- A top safety that is ensured by the use of advanced driver and safety assistance systems, such as the Preventive Brake Assist 2, the Sideguard Assist, and the Active Brake Assist 5.
- A practicality that is evident in the attention to detail and the user-friendliness of the coaches, from the spacious luggage compartments and the ergonomic cockpit to the easy access and the comfortable seats.
How did Setra celebrate the 10,000th touring coach of the 500 series?
Setra celebrated the 10,000th touring coach of the 500 series with a special ceremony at the plant in Neu-Ulm, where the vehicle was handed over to its new owner, Ren茅 Riechert, the managing director of Unser Roter Bus GmbH. Riechert expressed his satisfaction with the purchase and praised the quality and performance of the Setra coaches.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives of Daimler Buses and Setra, who congratulated the customer and thanked the plant employees for their dedication and professionalism. The plant in Neu-Ulm is the competence center for touring coaches of all drive types by Daimler Buses and has been producing Setra coaches since 1991.
The 10,000th touring coach of the 500 series is not the only Setra vehicle that Unser Roter Bus GmbH has acquired. The company, which operates in the fields of regular service, school transport, and charter travel, has also put into service another S 516 HD and one S 511 HD, both of the facelifted model series. These vehicles join the existing fleet of 14 Setra coaches that the company owns.
What are the future plans of Setra for the 500 series?
Setra is not resting on its laurels after reaching the 10,000th touring coach of the 500 series. The company is constantly working on improving and expanding its product portfolio and developing new technologies and solutions for the future of mobility.
One of the recent innovations that Setra has introduced is the MultiClass 500 LE, a new generation of low-entry inter-city buses that combine low-floor convenience and touring coach comfort. The MultiClass 500 LE offers a wide range of models, from 10.51 to 14.52 meters in length, and covers applications from peri-urban to long-distance inter-city transport.
Another area that Setra is focusing on is the electrification of its touring coaches as part of its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. The company is planning to launch its first battery-electric touring coach, the eS 531 DT, in 2023. The eS 531 DT will be a double-decker bus with a range of up to 500 kilometers and will offer the same high standards of comfort and safety as the conventional models.
Setra is also exploring other alternative drive technologies, such as hydrogen and fuel cells, as well as other aspects of digitalization, such as connectivity, autonomy, and artificial intelligence. The company aims to provide its customers with the best possible solutions for their mobility needs while also contributing to reducing emissions and improving traffic safety.
Setra is a brand with a long and rich history and a bright and promising future. The 10,000th touring coach of the 500 series is a testament to the success and popularity of its products, as well as to the passion and expertise of its people. Setra is not just a name but a sign of excellence.
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