magazine for customers and friends of the setra … · 2016-11-03 · also driver support through...

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Publisher:EvoBus GmbHSetra OmnibusseCarl-Zeiss-Straße 2D-89231 Neu-UlmTel. +49 (0)731 181-0Fax +49 (0)731 181-2418www.setra.de

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

The following people worked on this issue:Christine Denzel, BUS/MPM-SBernd Goy, BUS/MSG-4Dieter Startz, BUS/MSE-2Sonja Waldenspul, BUS/MSD-D

Concept, editorial work, layout:Newport3 Werbeagentur GmbH & Co. KGNeumann-Reichardt-Str. 27-33D-22041 Hamburgwww.newport3.de

Repro:Final Art ProductionNeumann-Reichardt-Str. 27-33D-22041 Hamburg

Printing:Süddeutsche Verlagsgesellschaft UlmNicolaus-Otto-Straße 14D-89079 Ulm

ComfortClass

500Special

A p r e v i e w o f t h e I A A w i t h a l l o f S e t r a ’ s h i g h l i g h t s

Magazine for customers and friends of the Setra brand

Number 50 | Issue 2/12

T h e w o r l d p r e m i e r e o f t h e n e w C o m f o r t C l a s s 5 0 0

Family

12 During the extreme temperature trials, the ComfortClass 500 was given no mercy

22 The new ComfortClass 500's safety systems: state-of-the-art protection for everyone

Content

04 | The customised coachTalking with Setra customers

08 | WindsweptDesign trials in the wind tunnel

12 | Extreme driving trialsFrom Finland to Sierra Nevada with the ComfortClass 500

18 | BlueEfficiency PowerThe new Euro VI engines

22 | Unmatched safetyThe new ComfortClass 500’s safety systems

24 | The future is yoursAn overview of selected ComfortClass 500 innovations

30 | Comfort that goes the distanceNew features for drivers and passengers

34 | “The ComfortClass 500 is going to shape the future“ An interview with Hartmut Schick and Till Oberwörder

36 | A coach in its element World premiere at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show

02 | Setra ComfortClass 500

08 Stormy conditions: in the wind tunnel with the ComfortClass 500

30 Superb comfort: all ComfortClass 500 fittings were conceived with passengers and drivers in mind

Setra ComfortClass 500 | 03

developed and built this coach for you. For your drivers and your passengers. And ulti-mately, for your future.You’ll have an opportunity to see the ComfortClass 500 live at the IAA Commer-cial Vehicles show in Hanover between September 20 and 27, 2012. And, you can find out what you’ll be experiencing at the impressive Setra stand on page 36 in this issue.On that note, it’s time to read, discover and be amazed. We hope you enjoy this special issue.

Lothar HolderHead of Sales Setra Buses & CoachesEvoBus GmbH

By the way: You can look forward to receiving the next standard issue of the SetraFamily magazine in early 2013.

Dear customers and friends of the Setra brand,

it truly is a great pleasure for me to wel-come you to this special issue of the Setra-Family magazine. What you now have in your hands is an exclusive edition focusing on a single series – our new ComfortClass 500 – which defines a new milestone and es-tablishes an entirely new forward-looking coach generation. With this in mind, it stood to reason that we would update our image, adapting our logo to the language of the future. But don’t worry, just as the ComfortClass 500 is a real, full-blooded Setra, Setra also remains what you so ap-preciate and value: a brand with heritage, a high-performance partner and a trusted member of the family. With the updated logo, the brand now has a new look which ideally suits our coaches and buses.And now to this special issue. Anyone who spends time reflecting on the future of coach travel has to ask themselves: “What do our customers really want?” At the Setra CustomerCenter, we met with operators from different countries and asked them what they expect from tomorrow’s coach. Finding just the right balance between opti-mal functionality and timeless aesthetics: this was the challenge presented to design development. Join us in this issue on a

day in the Daimler wind tunnel, where the wind blew non-stop, while head designer Mathias Lenz and his experts optimised the coach model. It was just as turbulent during the extreme weather trials the new ComfortClass 500 was put through. SetraFamily was there as our head of testing Andreas Dingler and his team fought through bitter cold and scotch-ing heat with the prototypes. What clearly transpired is that the ComfortClass 500 fully lives up to its name. Drivers can look forward to impeccable overall ergonomic design in the new cockpit and passengers, to an impressive new feeling of space.No less impressive is what is concealed un-der the ComfortClass 500’s bonnet: the new generation of Daimler engines with our unique BlueEfficiency Power drive technology. With this advanced technology, the coach now fulfils Euro VI emission stand-ards which will be valid beginning in 2014, while your ComfortClass 500 consumes less fuel!You can also look forward to the many be-hind-the-scenes stories featuring our new coach series. Sit back and enjoy a preview of the best touring coach concept in the world. Catch a glimpse of the future. We

“It takes a lot of heart

to succeed in the

touring business.

It also takes a lot

of thought. A coach’s

cost-effectiveness

pays off a whole life

long.”

Daniel Kunegel, Groupe LK Tours, Colmar,

France

04 | Setra ComfortClass 500 Setra Highlight | 21

“A coach’s safety

is at the top of the

priority list for me.

The safety systems

should lighten the

driver’s load along the

way, so that he can

concentrate on what’s

really important:

the drive.”

Daniel Ebner, Stern Reisen Wintereder,

Schörfling am Attersee, Austria

“To me, it’s a coach’s

comfort that is decisive.

It’s the passengers

who enjoy a relaxed,

pleasant journey who’ll

come back for more.”

Lorenzo Trevisan, Rosà Autoservizi, Rosà, Italy


“A coach’s design

needs to be both

appealing and

functional.

You don’t want it to

dazzle you; it should

be timeless.

I don’t believe in

“design for design’s

sake” for a product

that is deployed

commercially.”

Heinrich Marti, Ernst Marti AG, Kallnach,

Switzerland

T he Setra CustomerCenter in Neu-Ulm, Germany, is one of the typical locations where the brand inter-

acts closely with its customers – where encounters and exchange take place. And finally, a place where the new coaches are picked up to be brought home by their owners. This is exactly why we selected our CustomerCenter to meet with four oper-ators to talk about what the coach of the future should offer. SetraFamily asked them about their needs and visions and, interestingly enough, it soon became clear that each operator sets very different prior-ities when searching for the perfect coach.

“It all comes down to passenger comfort”“Is it true that passengers are becoming more and more discriminating and that this needs to be taken into account when equip-ping a coach?” This is what we wanted to hear first from the operators. “Absolutely!”, said Daniel Ebner, Head of Stern Reisen Wintereder in Austria, a company with long-standing heritage committed to offering high-quality tours. “And that’s why the dis-tance between seats and comfortable seating are top priorities for me. Television and other details play very secondary roles.” Heinrich Marti could only agree. The


The customised coachSetra coaches are as individual as their owners and their specific applications. After all, customer

wishes and feedback strongly influence a product and its equipment over time. SetraFamily spoke with

operators and asked them what is important to them when it comes to their coaches. From the first

question onwards, it was obvious that Setra customers are extremely discerning. Those who decide on

Setra expect high levels of innovation, individuality, performance and reliability.

Setra in dialogue:

Managing Director of the Marti Reisen family business, which deployed the first Setra series in the fifties, finds it vital that operators actively take advantage of the many comfort-oriented fittings that Setra offers. As a coach operator from Italy, Lorenzo Trevisan has defined other prior-ities. For the President of the Rosà Auto servizi bus operation, a perfectly functioning air conditioning and ventilation system is an absolute necessity. “It’s a no-go for us for the coach to be either too hot or too cold.” For coach operator Daniel Kunegel, Manag-ing Director of the Groupe LK Tours from Colmar in the picturesque French Alsace region, an excellent view to the outside and the lowest possible noise levels are the most important comfort criteria.

Enhanced touring fun with safety in the foregroundAll the operators agreed that passengers have no sympathy for less than top safety. The fact that Setra is part of the Daimler company gives the respondents confidence that they will always capitalise on the latest, the most advanced and most reliable tech-nology on board. What counts for them isn’t only actual accident protection, but also driver support through driver assistance systems. Lorenzo Trevisan is con-

vinced it plays a key role: “A good coach means that the driver can drive without stress. And this means for him or herself, for the passengers and also for other road users.” All operators are unanimously con-vinced that Setra delivers the highest tech-nological standard in this key area.

Love at first sightAnd what about the exterior appearance of a coach? “Well, you only have one chance to make a first impression”, says Kunegel, and Lorenzo Trevisan adds with a smile: “Design is when you’re travelling through a city and people turn around to look at your coach. Just like they do with a beautiful woman.” For Heinrich Marti, it is extremely important that a Setra not only impress at first glance, but that it remains attractive after ten years: “A new design should only differentiate itself from the design of the other coaches in the fleet to the extent that it doesn’t make the others look old.”

With Setra you can save on high fuel pricesBut in the end, it is ultimately a coach’s core values that are decisive to a purchase, all four operators agreed on this. “After all, we’re in business to be successful and make money”, says Marti, “and this is why

all our steps have to be as efficient as possible. We need to ensure the company is prof- itable, and the fleet is central to achieving this.” For Daniel Kunegel, the evolution of Euro VI engines with their beneficial envi-ronmental benefits represent an opportuni-ty to rediscover coaches and to inject their social perception with positive dimensions. Obviously, the operators have questions on the impact of Euro VI engines on fuel con-sumption, but they appear confident that Setra is ideally positioned to master this challenge as well. And rightly so, as dem-onstrated with the ComfortClass 500. (see the article on Euro VI on pages 18–21).

Answers to customers’ future needsDiscussions with our customers – like these – are very important to us at Setra. Especially in the early stages of developing a new generation of touring coaches, we always initiate dialogue with our customers. This enables the new vehicle generation to be ideally tailored to the future needs of coach operators. And this is ex-actly what we had in mind when we took off on the development of the new Comfort-Class 500.


For the Head Designer Daimler Buses, Mathias Lenz and his team, the new ComfortClass 500’s design

addresses much more than just great good looks. It’s all about finding the perfect balance between

optimal functionality and timeless aesthetics. To accomplish this is a lengthy process. A small but

nonetheless key facet of this development is a day spent in the wind tunnel. SetraFamily was there as

the ComfortClass 500 underwent the stormy trials.

WindsweptThe new ComfortClass 500 in the wind tunnel:

08 | Setra ComfortClass 500 Setra ComfortClass 500 | 09


Design optimisation in the wind tunnelAt the end of this intensive process, a three-dimensional computer graphic is created from the preferred concept, which, for the first time, visualises materials, size and shape of the ComfortClass 500. This represents a significant development, and now practical assessment in the wind tunnel can begin. To this end, the computer graphic is trans-formed into a 1:2.5 model, made of model-ling clay, foam plastic and wood. With this in hand, head designer Mathias Lenz and his team set off for Stuttgart-Untertürk-heim. The designer from Neu-Ulm is also carrying a big portion of excitement: will the day spent in the wind tunnel deliver the test results everyone is hoping for, which can then be further optimised in terms of aerodynam-ics, wind noise and the water spray flow?

A t the very beginning of the design process, the Setra design team is called upon to simply explore and

be creative. In a close to year-long develop-ment phase, numerous ideas are assessed and optimised in close collaboration between the development department and sales. The designers always have the wishes and requirements of Setra customers in mind. As well, legal requirements need to be con-sidered, technical and aerodynamic para-meters are evaluated and preliminary sketches discussed in regularly scheduled internal presentations. It’s an exciting time, where the course is set for the design of the ComfortClass 500. Their ultimate goal is the combination of appealing, distinctively Setra design with aerodynamics targeted at reducing fuel consumption.

The stormy relationship between form and functionIt’s turbulent in the wind tunnel, to say the least. On the one hand, due to an enormous blower, and on the other, because two very different criteria need to be reconciled. While the aesthetes are focusing on all the design elements, for those passionate about aerodynamics, it’s all about the drag coefficient indicated by the flow. Every windstorm created by the blower brings more energy into the discussion of the Setra design experts. “For us, design is much more than simply good looks. We want to convey the impressive fascination of perfect functionality and timeless aes-thetics to the customer”, explains Mathias Lenz, referring to the whole team’s ambi- tious vision.


Maximum wind speed 250 km/h

Cross-sectional nozzle area 32 m²

Section of measurement length 12 m

Turntable swivel range +/- 180°

Maximum axle load 10 t

Maximum driving power 5,000 kW

In the wind tunnel, fine detail surface adjustments are made to an easily modelled 1:2.5 coach model. The aerodynamic air flow leads to a reduction in fuel consumption, a key dimension of cost-effectiveness. It also gives designers an opportunity to give the vehicle its own “face”

On the monitors in the studio, Uwe Jauch, a designer in Lenz’s team, follows the wind tunnel measurements of the various scenarios. The initial results are then immediately imple-mented on location onto the clay model. This way, for instance, fine detail adjustments can be made to surfaces and curves. This calls for high-precision work and demands the high-est possible level of meticulousness from the team as well as full dedication. “We only call it a day when the results are perfect and the whole team is satisfied”, says Jauch.

In great shape for a successful futureAt the end of a long day, the team heads back to Neu-Ulm with not only a great feeling, but also a lot of knowledge which will be painstakingly implemented through to the design fina-lisation of the ComfortClass 500. Four months later, the “Design Freeze” is achieved: fol-lowing approval by management, the design is frozen and ready for further development steps – from this point on, nothing further will be altered. But we’re still not quite at the end of development. At this point, the so-called Class A surfaces are created: these are the surface data which will be precisely reflected on the visible series surfaces. Finally, the data control model will be passed on to Quality Gate 5, the last quality testing in the design department. Following this key working step, the design development process of the ComfortClass 500 is finalised. And, from this point onwards, it will last almost two years of close collaboration with the other development areas, until a life-size coach with all its details comes into being.

“Our goal was to bridge the proven

with the state of the art.” Mathias Lenz, Setra Head Designer

Facts on the wind tunnel

For close to three years, the ComfortClass 500 test vehicles were put through everything a coach

life can entail – and much more. They survive scorching heat and bitter cold, were shaken up in

heavy-duty hydro-pulse testing, impressively mastered the ESP® tests in extreme curves and,


The ComfortClass 500 undergoes extreme testing:

Setra on iceduring the bad-road trials, they were submitted to seriously rough treatment. SetraFamily accom-

panied the coaches on a number of special trials, suffering along with them every step of the way.

Here are some highlights for you.


A s the thermometer indicates close to minus 40 degrees in Rovaniemi, Finland, the head of testing,

Andreas Dingler, and his crew exit the air-craft. The icy wind freezes their breath, burn- ing their lungs. Extreme cold is what the job is all about up here: ComfortClass 500 cold climate testing.

“Elk testing” in the snowAt the winter testing facilities in Finnish Lap- land, the ComfortClass 500 prototypes are put through unforgiving driving procedures: at bitter cold temperatures, on snow-covered

roads, they undergo “elk test” obstacle avoidance manoeuvres, the target being to remain in their lane in tight curves and dur-ing full braking. Then, as if that weren’t enough, the coaches spend two days and two nights in the cold with open flaps until the very last fluid container freezes through – a perhaps unrealistic scenario. “But this is exactly what it’s all about”, says head of testing Andreas Dingler, who, with his team of 120, oversaw all ComfortClass 500 testing over a period of three years. “During testing, the coaches are put through many times over what awaits them in real life. Only then can we say that they’re ready to take it on.”

Dance on the iceOnce the vehicles successfully master the challenges in the Finnish snow, they jour-ney further on to Sweden. In contrast to the snowy, icy conditions they previously expe-rienced, the coaches now have to go

“We put the coaches through the toughest extremes,

so that in the end, they can take on anything.” Andreas Dingler, head of testing


“Driving a 24-ton coach on a frozen lake

takes a little getting used to.” Michael Reis, technical writer at Daimler Buses


through testing of chassis control and driver assistance systems, mastering road conditions that are worse than anything a coach will ever have to face in the real world. You can hardly even talk about “road conditions”, because now we’re working on frozen lake surfaces. Even on the ice, the ESP® has to make sure the coach doesn’t skid when braking. In the Swedish munici-pality of Arjeplog, lakes freeze over with up to 80 cm of ice from February through May, but nonetheless, it seems like a risky venture to drive over them with a 24-ton vehicle. Michael Reis, responsible for technical doc- umentation during the cold climate trials,

appears confident. The thickness of the ice is definitely enough to carry a coach. And he has experienced enough tests to know what he’s talking about. “When a coach is driven over a frozen ice surface, the vehicle creates a moving bow water wave ahead just below the ice. At first, you may feel a little queasy if you’re standing on the ice too.” On the lake itself, you experience an amazing and very exciting performance, as the prototypes drive on mirror-like ice on tracks created by steering robots. Why is high-tech required here? Why not just have someone behind the wheel? “Of course, people are in the coach as well. But we use high-tech because only with the steering robots can we make sure the coaches fol-low absolutely identical paths and curves, repeatedly. Only then can we ascertain that the exact same mechanical forces act on the vehicle to give us reproducible and usa-ble comparative values”, explains Michael Reis.

Off to the south – endurance testing in heat and dustOK, so the ComfortClass 500 successfully mastered the icy cold. How will it deal with the heat of the Spanish summer? At high temperatures of over 40 °C in the Spanish Sierra Nevada, during the hot climate trials, we test whether the air conditioning and ventilation systems can handle the scorching heat, and verify that the fine dust doesn’t infiltrate the system where it could do serious damage. Here, at a height of 3,367 meters, you’ll find Europe’s highest mountain pass, which the prototype follows to a height of 2,500 meters, at which point the road is blocked. Fully loaded, the coaches are driven up to a level of 2,500 meters, up to 35 km at a stretch up to the steepest pass. This is a test that demands everything from the drive train and the engine. The air conditioning, braking, steering and absorber systems are then put to the ultimate test on the narrow coastal roads between Malaga and Gibraltar. In spite of extreme temperatures, the effects of dust and dirt, as well as exceptionally high levels of humidity, a uniformly pleasant atmosphere has to be maintained in the passenger compartment. And then, in downtown Seville, the air condition-ing system needs to keep performing at a high level in spite of urban temperatures of 45 °C and constant traffic congestion.

A coach’s life in “fast forward”At the end of the cold and hot climate trials, the prototypes will have survived heat, cold, salt and dust. In other words, they will have lived a coach life fast-forward and at high speed. Andreas Dingler and his team are very satisfied with the results of their efforts. They have acquired extremely useful information which will flow into further testing and ongoing vehicle evolution. For the 20 hard-working prototypes, the trip to the North and the South has come to its end. But for the ComfortClass 500, the journey is just beginning.


Long before it’s time for cold and hot cli-mate testing, high-tech comes into play. In highly complex computer simulations, it is tested whether new components are equip-ped to deal with extreme conditions. In addition to the trials in the heat and ice, extensive test runs on German test tracks guarantee that each and every part of the coach can handle conditions that are con-siderably harder than what they’ll encounter in everyday use. Here are some of the most important tests:

Tipping test: on our platforms developed in house, EU guidelines regarding sloping positions of at least 28 degrees are simu-lated – and passed.

Bad road testing grounds: on the test track in Wörth, we have reproduced the most notorious potholes in all of Europe. Over a period of 80 days, body, chassis and drive train are submitted to extreme struc-tural testing over the equivalent of 12,500 km of very bumpy roads.

Corrosion testing: corrosion protection is examined on gravel tracks filled with water and crushed stone and in the salt spray chambers.

Driving comfort: each and every coach detail is put through maximum testing dur-ing steering, stabiliser, shock absorber checks, as well as assessments of drive

The ComfortClass 500 testing programmetrain, vibration characteristics, interior noise levels, heating and driving performance.

Hydro-pulse testing: engine and axle suspensions, interior equipment and all tanks in the coach are shaken in all possi-ble directions over a two-week period. The containers are filled with their respective liquids and have to withstand this abuse, without suffering from excessive pressure or leaks – and without detaching or loosen-ing from their mounts.

Cold wind tunnel: the coach is completely frozen, to verify and ensure that doors and windows still function under these condi-tions, when, for example, a bag or even a hand gets stuck in them.


The new Euro VI OM 470 and OM 471 engines:

BlueEfficiency Setra ComfortClass 500 | 19

Power

P eter Schumacher proudly opens the rear flap of the brand new ComfortClass 500, offering an

impressive look onto a powerful high-tech engine. Another convincing example of Daimler’s technological leadership – from which Setra also benefits. Schumacher is Euro VI Project Manager at EvoBus and responsible for integration of the Blue- Efficiency Power OM 470 and OM 471 en-gines into the new ComfortClass 500 – engines that today fulfil emission standards which will be effective in 2014. Using a sophisticated exhaust after-treatment process, nitrogen oxide is reduced a further 80 percent versus Euro V, and particulates a further 66 percent. “Its secret, however, is its unique BlueEfficiency Power Euro VI drive technology, which is used everywhere fuel and resultantly CO2 emissions can be saved”, explains Schumacher. And even though he has been working closely with this development, you can still feel his ex-citement for the technological masterpiece. And it’s also nice to know that the new Euro VI engine generation has already proven itself successfully in Daimler’s truck division.

The most ecologically valuable way to saveAlong with fulfilling legal requirements, a priority for operators is of course a coach’s cost-effectiveness. “The challenge we face is, in spite of Euro VI and the EU guidelines with regard to roll-over protection in effect as of 2017, to satisfy our customers’ expec-tation regarding reduced fuel consumption”,


explains Christian Rudigier, Manager Emis-sion Strategy at EvoBus and responsible for product planning of the new drive trains. “To achieve this goal, engine technology obvi-ously plays a key role. In combination with the new aerodynamics, as well as support-ing structure weight and rigidity optimisation, we succeeded at tapping into considerable saving potential with the ComfortClass 500.” The engines feature controlled exhaust gas recirculation and extremely accurate com-mon-rail injection with pressure amplifica-tion (X-PULSE), which enables high effective injection pressures of up to 2,300 bar, as well as a freely modulated injection process. An additional solution was to downsize the engine – instead of 12 l of cubic capacity, only 10.7 l are now called for. Moreover, the exhaust gas purification with diesel particle filter and selective catalytic reduction have been optimised for low exhaust gas back-pressure and high filter service life, there-fore contributing to advantageous overall vehicle lifecycle costs. In fact, the engine’s maintenance intervals were increased from 90,000 to 120,000 km compared to Euro V.Adding on the fact that the Comfort- Class 500 already fulfils upcoming environ-mental and safety norms – which will guar-antee access to green zones and a higher resale value over the long term – it becomes crystal clear that operators can rely on the new state-of-the-art BlueEfficiency Power engines to work hard for them for a long time to come.

Euro VIAn overview of changes

• In effect beginning in 01/2013 for all vehicle models

• In effect beginning in 01/2013 for all new vehicles

• Further reduction in nitrogen oxide of 80 % versus Euro V

• Further reduction in the quantity of particulates of 66 % versus Euro V

• New standardised testing process to determine pollutant emissions

• Compliance with defined limit values over mileage of 700,000 km or a time-frame of seven years for touring coaches, whichever occurs first


Safety to the maxIt’s beautifully toned and well equipped – with inner strengths and skills that are not necessarily obvious

at first glance. If it senses danger, it reacts instantly, effectively warning the driver. If required, it

quickly brings its charges away from the danger zone. You always feel safe and secure in its company.

It takes good care of you – and is absolutely reliable at all times.

The ComfortClass 500’s new safety systems:

A focus on new safety systems: Attention Assist (ATAS), Active Brake Assist 2 (ABA 2) and Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM)

N o, this isn’t a job description for a bodyguard. It describes a coach. More specifically, the new

ComfortClass 500 with its very unique safety concept. Its advanced active and passive safety systems that are way ahead of the rest. If you buy a ComfortClass 500 today you can be confident that, even several years down the road, you will own a vehicle that still meets current safety requirements.In addition to the existing safety systems, the Attention Assist (ATAS) driver warning system was developed to identify an overly tired driver based on, for instance, the tiniest somewhat hectic steering correc-tions. The Active Brake Assist 2 (ABA 2) feature now also recognises non-moving obstacles ahead, such as the tail end of a traffic jam. And, last but certainly not least, to ensure a safe journey, the tire pressure

monitoring (TPM) which is integrated to the central cockpit functions, continuously measures tire pressure using a sensor posi-tioned on the inside of the wheel rim. Should the values turn critical, for instance in the case of decreased tire pressure due to tire damage, the system warns the driver with a clear signal.The ESP® feature intervenes in dangerous driving situations with high-level reliability, helping the driver keep control of the coach. Setra customers now capitalise on testing and development work performed in this area over many years. As technology leader, Daimler is the expert in perfect, vehicle-specific ESP® implementation, e.g. by ac-curately determining exactly where the sen-sors should be positioned in terms of centre of gravity. Offered with the new Comfort-Class 500, this represents significant added value in terms of safety for everyone. Of

course, the new ComfortClass 500 also en-sures its passengers’ passive safety. Far ahead of its time, the EU directive regarding rollover, which will become effective in 2017, has already been taken into account, incorporating increased anti-roll protec-tion. High-strength steel, with new node elements and optimised column cross-sec-tions targeted at protecting passengers, was used to optimise the coach shell. In addition to the proven features, the further advanced Front Collision Guard (FCG) now ensures even better driver and attendant protection in the case of an accident.So, all in all, this unmatched safety concept almost acts like a perfect bodyguard. With the only difference being that the Comfort-Class 500 protects not only one person, but all its passengers as well as other road users.


Here’s a peek of what your future holds.

The future is yours.

In this overview, we highlight twelve of the many innovations which all together take the

ComfortClass 500’s design, cost-effectiveness, safety and comfort to an all-new level. This is how


The new series’ Euro VI OM 470 engine features extremely precise common-rail injection with pressure amplification (X-PULSE), a requisite for low fuel con-sumption, reduced emissions and quiet engine operation.

The intelligent lightweight construction concept with high-strength steel ensures more rigidity at a lower weight. It guaran-tees effective passenger protection and entirely fulfils the more stringent European ECE-R 66/01 legislation which will go into effect in 2017.

Separate heating control in the passen-ger compartment is split into two zones, which can be controlled individually. This, combined with improved circulation in the rear of the coach, results in uniform temperature distribution inside the coach.

The three-step entrance, thanks to an extension of the front section, has been made significantly wider, so that it welcomes passengers with an inviting ambiance. The standard-equipment step lighting ensures enhanced safety when boarding the coach.

The standard-equipment kneeling function makes entering the coach a pleasure. By adjusting air pressure, the new ComfortClass 500 lowers itself by 40 mm.

The cockpit features a new instrument panel with a further advanced multifunc-tion steering wheel, a heightened seating position, suspended pedals, high-quality surface design and several storage possibilities for the driver.

the new generation of coaches from Setra fulfils tomorrow’s legislation today. All targeted to bringing

together finely tuned exclusivity and exceptional cost-effectiveness.


Active Brake Assist 2 (ABA 2) comple-ments the functionality of the well-known ABA, by initiating partial braking also in the case of non-moving obstacles. The unique ceiling concept with its

one-piece, textile-covered interior ceiling creates more space, while the elevated exterior ceiling area impressively extends the view to the outside.

The Aquablade flat-blade windscreen washer system, a world innovation, directly leads the washer fluid to the front of the lip of the wiper blade, therefore resulting in improved air resistance. By integrating the water flow into the wiperblade, even spreading of the washer fluid on the windscreen is guaranteed.

Attention Assist (AtAS), by recognising driver fatigue, makes an important contribution to avoiding accidents and recommends that the driver take a break by displaying a cup of coffee.

The newly designed headlamps are equipped with LED daylight lamps and H7 dimmed headlamps. The direction indicator lamps also feature proven LED technology, which make light bulbs obsolete.

The new tail lights are equipped with rear lighting in the form of a “light curtain”, with an “edge light” as braking light as well as a passive side element. This ensures highly distinctive design at night.

In creating the ComfortClass 500, Setra considered everyone who would be travelling in the coach.

Bus drivers can look forward to working in a cockpit that provides superb ergonomic design and

passengers, to travelling in a coach that offers an unprecedented feeling of spaciousness.

Comfort makes all the differenceEven more comfort for drivers and passengers:

The interior no ise reduction is music to the ears

The new brilliant colour display pampers the eyes

The h igh -qual ity cockpit design wi l l set many a pu lse racing

It simp ly feels good to ho ld on to the mu lti function

steering wheel

The suspended pedals help keep your feet fit

Al l operationa l contro ls are easi ly accessible and that

feels good

The h igher seat position ensures an enhanced view over

th ings

The extended ad justment options on the steering co lumn and driver ’s

seat not on ly relax the neck, but a lso the enti re posture


The Voyage Plus seat ’s improved comfort is great for the back

Al l passengers can stra ighten up and en joy the interior height of 2.10 m

Thanks to step l ighting and the standard -equ ipment kneel ing

function (40 mm), it ’s easier than ever to board the coach


The un ified design throughout the whole interior is beauti fu l and

calm ing

Un iform temperature d istribution and ideal a i r ci rcu lation throughout the whole interior space keep you cool and

comfortable – from head to toe

The standard -equ ipment Coach Mu ltimed ia System (CMS) combines enterta inment and

information to p lease your ears

Generous 9 cubic meters of storage vo lume can carry a lot of

passenger luggage

Driver comfort – a workspace conceived for wellbeing The ComfortClass 500 provides an all-new dimension of driver wellbeing – and the cockpit excels with superb ergonomics. The driver can now flexibly adjust the steering column and driver’s seat, and the new suspended pedals are more pleasant to use. The layout of the instrument panel is user-friendly and, thanks to consistent operative logic, it couldn’t be more intuitive. The driver’s task has been further simplified via functional groupings of switch settings. The new Coach Communication Center (CCC) offers dual-mode control for driver and passenger compartment adjust-ments.Moreover, it is equipped with radio as well as multimedia, infotain-ment, intercom and navigation with vehicle-specific settings. And, it is all incorporated into a harmonious, high-quality colour scheme and surface design, which underscores the high standard of driver comfort. In an environment like this, you can’t help but feel good!


The ComfortClass 500’s new high-tech cockpit captivates drivers with its finely tuned aesthetics and functionality

The Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) is ignition switch and remote control all in one

Maximum comfort and convenience for passengersThe entrance area in the ComfortClass 500 welcomes passengers with open arms. It is wider than ever before – pleasantly open and spacious. Thanks to the 40 mm kneeling function, entering the coach is more convenient than ever, as the step lighting shows the way. The 2.1 m interior height easily competes with most luxury touring coaches. And amazingly, the ComfortClass 500 feels even larger and more spacious from the inside than the outside! The innovative ceiling concept not only creates more room, but the elevated outer ceiling area opens up an extended view through the panorama windows. New dual-zone air circulation control in the passenger compartment ensures first-class climate comfort. To-gether with improved ventilation in the rear, it results in uniform temperature distribution throughout the coach. The open and very spacious luggage racks can accommodate even larger hand luggage. The harmonious LED lighting concept in the passenger compart-ment makes for pleasing overall lighting. The Voyage Plus seats are so comfortable, passengers won’t want to leave them. And, signifi-cant noise reduction – thanks to the optimised chassis – rounds out the feeling of comfort and relaxation passengers enjoy in the ComfortClass 500.


With an interior height of 2.1 m, the new ceiling concept creates a generous feeling of space

Now wider than ever: the ComfortClass 500’s entrance area

“The ComfortClass 500 embodies the future”Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses, and Till Oberwörder, Head of Marketing, Sales and Aftersales,

spoke with the SetraFamily about the ComfortClass 500’s technological lead, the future security it

delivers, and what it takes to develop and deliver the best-ever coach concept on the market.

Interview with Hartmut Schick and Till Oberwörder:

Mr Schick, Mr Oberwörder, from the outside the ComfortClass 500 suggests absolute state of the art. And, appropri-ately, the slogan is “The future is yours.” Tell us about it.

Hartmut Schick: Setra has always been known for its innovation – which has been intrinsic to its heritage. Thinking back, the first ever self-supporting coach was in fact a Setra. The ComfortClass 500 is now the first completely new touring coach to be built with Euro VI. Setra is clearly setting the course for the future – and the long-term future at that. For both the brand and the company. We are committed to deliver-ing the best overall coach concept to the market. And the ComfortClass 500 most definitely embodies the future for opera-tors.

Till Oberwörder: The personal, direct address used in the slogan also clearly ex-presses what our customers can expect from the ComfortClass 500: a coach cus-tomised to their specific needs as oper-ators, and with which they can ideally shape their future.

You refer to the “best coach concept ever”. The statement sets a very high expectation, doesn’t it?

Till Oberwörder: The ComfortClass 500 is the first completely new coach generation

developed entirely for the Euro VI era and ECE-R 66/01, which will be the roll-over protection guideline in effect as of 2017. This not only means that the coach offers an outstanding overall concept in terms of fulfilling legislation, it also means that Setra sets unprecedented standards in terms of its classic Setra values, like cost-effective-ness, value retention and reliability. It’s a coach that meets our high standards, and especially those of our customers.

Hartmut Schick: Setra isn’t only a coach specialist. It’s also part of the Daimler company. And this means that Setra greatly benefits from group-wide technologies and innovation. We have brought together all our experience, our expertise and the engineer-ing talents of both Setra and Daimler to pro-vide the customer with the best-ever coach concept on the market. A customised coach solution to optimally support our customers in reaching business success. But obviously, you can only achieve this if you know a customer’s individual need and are well positioned to fulfil them.

Mr Oberwörder, you spoke of a new coach generation. What exactly do you mean?

Till Oberwörder: The ComfortClass 500 is an absolutely new coach development. On the inside, the outside and in the engine compartment. Nonetheless, the result is a

real Setra through and through. After all, customers’ individual needs were consist-ently taken into account in developing what is the sixth coach generation. With this coach, each and every operator can bring to life his or her individual business model – perfectly. The ComfortClass 500 is abso-lutely future-proof.

What do you mean by future-proof?

Till Oberwörder: Setra has always done everything to fulfil tomorrow’s standards today. For example, the ultimate safety concept was further developed: higher rigidity well before required legislation, the unique Front Collision Guard and new driver support systems, both of which make coach travel even safer. Future security means investment security. Over and above low lifecycle costs, we offer the certainty that the coach will still fulfil legal require-ments in the years to come. And even be-yond that, the ComfortClass 500, with its superb, high-quality design, will continue to be an attractive “pre-owned” partner for an operator.


Mr Schick, does this mean that the purchase of a ComfortClass 500 is above all a rational decision?

Hartmut Schick: As far as we know, Setra coaches are purchased for two reasons. On the one hand, the brand radiates an incredible fascination. In other words, a Setra repre-sents a real image plus and increases the appeal of a fleet. On the other hand, buying a Setra is a business decision that makes a lot of sense. Let’s take for example the new Euro VI engines with their unique Blue- Efficiency Power drive technology. In spite of Euro VI, we succeeded in considerably reducing fuel consumption – although many seem to have expected higher consumption. We were also able to lengthen maintenance intervals while reducing downtimes. The ComfortClass 500 is an innovative ve-hicle which provides the best possible an-swers to our customers’ requirements to-day and in the future: in terms of technology, cost-effectiveness and, of course, travel comfort. This all contributes to making the ComfortClass 500 an investment that equally satisfies the heart and the mind.

Since April 1, 2012, Till Oberwörder (41) has been Head of Marketing, Sales and After-sales at Daimler Buses. The marketing and sales professional with many years of ex-perience in the commercial vehicle sector has been loyal to the Daimler organisation since the very beginning of his career. He has held several management and execu-tive positions in sales with the organisation in Germany and abroad. He was responsible for sales and market management of the truck division in the central and eastern European region, before he took over management of Mercedes-Benz Ceská (Czech Republic) in 2006. In February 2011, Till Oberwörder returned to Stuttgart taking on responsibility for sales and market management in the Mercedes-Benz Vans division. In April this year, he joined EvoBus management and is now responsible for the marketing, sales and aftersales areas.

“The ComfortClass 500 is an investment

that equally satisfies the heart and the mind.” Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses (r.)



A coach in its elementAt the 64th IAA for Commercial Vehicles between September 20 and 27, Setra will finally be introducing

the ComfortClass 500 to an international audience. Here is a compact preview of what you can expect

at the Setra stand.

The new ComfortClass 500 at the IAA for Commercial Vehicles:


“C ommercial vehicles: Tomor-row’s engine” is the theme for this year’s leading interna-

tional trade show for mobility, transporta-tion and logistics in Hanover. A more than suitable framework for the world premiere of the ComfortClass 500 and Setra’s many other innovations. Our in-house Setra graphic designers have once again created a masterpiece. Setra’s seven impressive coach exhibits – designed along a “Fire”, “Water”, “Earth” and “Air” theme – will be welcoming visitors into the world’s four fun-damental elements. The elements of life are used here as a metaphor for the Setra brand which established the fundamental corner-stone for coaches as we know them today.

Setra coach exhibits at the IAA:

The ComfortClass 500 coaches on exhibit include an S 515 HD, S 516 HD/2 and an S 517 HD. The three coaches have been graced with the “Fiery Volcano metallic” brand-new paint colour, a spectacular dark red tone. New colour-coordinated fabrics were selected for the interior. And, in terms of technology, the coaches feature spec-tacular innovations. All three vehicles are equipped with the new driver support sys-tems Adaptive Cruise Control (ART), which

maintains a predetermined distance to the vehicle in front of it, Active Brake Assist 2 (ABA 2), whose radar sensor now also rec-ognises non-moving obstacles, and Atten-tion Assist (ATAS) which monitors the driver’s attentiveness. Another new feature is the tire pressure monitoring (TPM), which independently monitors tire pressure dur-ing the drive, informing the driver via a dis-play on any tire pressure problems. Lane Assist, a rain/light sensor, ESP®, LED inte-rior lighting, BiXenon lights and the stand-ard-equipment Coach Multimedia System (CMS), which delivers outstanding enter-tainment, information and functionality, are just a few of the equipment details featured in these coaches.

Special equipment versionsIn addition to the equipment that all three coaches feature, the exhibit models also offer individual highlights. The “Air” design version of the S 515 HD is equipped with the new Euro VI OM 470 engine with 315 kW (see article on Euro VI on pages 18–21). It also features FleetBoard, the coach-spe-cific fleet management system, which makes it easier for operators to efficiently deploy and manage their coach fleet. Drivers can look forward to the ISRI driver’s seat which, thanks to its multi-setting back rest, en-sures pleasant seating comfort and relaxed driving. Another plus: both the driver’s and attendant seats feature a height-adjustable 3-point safety belt.The S 516 HD/2, featuring the “Earth” design, also comes equipped with the new driver assistant system which supports the driver when starting and stopping.

For the S 517 HD, the “Fire” paint theme is elegantly complemented on the interior by matt black bird’s eye maple design. The coach is equipped with 295/80 R 22.5 Continental tires. Visitors are invited to try out the electrically adjustable ISRI driver’s seat and single attendant seat.Over and above the new ComfortClass 500, coaches from the TopClass 400 and the MultiClass 400 series are also on exhibit at the Setra stand. Here too, there is a lot to explore and discover. The two TopClass coaches feature first-class safety equip-ment with, for instance, ART, ABA, Brake and Lane Assist as well as ESP®. The S 431 DT, painted in “Water” design, offers all new possibilities for upwards advance-ment. One of the double-decker’s real high-lights is the front-right stairway, a com-pletely newly designed construction which allows you to incorporate room for two more passengers on the upper deck in a 3-star vehicle. The glass roof offers a superb view into the imposing ceiling con-struction in the Daimler hall. The lower deck features two impressive premium Club tables. The “Air” version of the S 416 HDH stands out with its 5-star equipment. The 30 new Ambassador seats, which are wider and more comfortable than ever, guarantee truly exclusive seating comfort.Engine fans will also be delighted with the MultiClass this year. The S 415 UL Over-land bus, with its exterior “Water” design, houses a Euro VI OM 936 engine with 220 kW under its innovative bonnet. The S 415 NF, with its “Earth” design, presents the OM 457 hLA, 220 kW EEV engine without diesel particle filter.

A Club Corner exhibit beautifully exemplifies the outstanding selection of equipment available with Setra coaches. Six new Setra Ambassador seats and a premium Club table are framed by a both elegant and practical corner structure with room for a refrigerator and storage

OMNIplus, the service brand for Setra and Mercedes-Benz buses and coaches, is also ex-hibiting at the Setra stand at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show. You can look forward to enjoying what may well be the best cup of coffee available on the exhibition grounds – and, even more importantly, excellent and comprehensive advice on the brand’s service offering.

SETRA

ACCESS

HALL 11PASSAGE

FUSO

MERCEDES-BENZVans

MERCEDES-BENZBus

MERCEDES-BENZVans

MERCEDES-BENZTruck

MERCEDES-BENZSpecial Truck

HALL 14/15


The Setra exhibition stand at the IAA:

OMNIplus at the IAA Exhibition

Brace yourselves for an unmatched experience at the Setra exhibi-tion stand with the world premiere of the new ComfortClass 500 in Hall 14/15! Three models from the new series will be presenting a cutting-edge combination of design, comfort, safety and cost- effectiveness – pure fascination! The TopClass and MultiClass ex-hibits are no less impressive with their sensational livery displaying the “4 elements” theme.Make sure to acquaint yourselves with the innovative Euro VI technology featured in the ComfortClass 500 as well as in our current overland bus. Or, make yourselves comfortable in the new Ambassador Club Corner with its premium Club table or in the ex-clusive 2+1 VIP seating – where Setra will be presenting an all-new dimension in travel comfort!

We are truly looking forward to your visit!

Let the future come!

Bus and coach-specific service is what OMNIplus is all about – extensive premium service form a single source dedicated to your coach’s profitability. With maintenance and repair services, quick original replacement part supply, efficient driver and workshop training, unique and customised financial services, OMNIplus ensures that operators save both time and money.At this year’s IAA, OMNIplus employees will be presenting Europe’s largest coach-specific ServiceNetwork, with its more than 600 authorised service points, absolutely unique in Europe, also in terms of quality, reliability, speed and closeness to the customer. With advanced diagnostic systems, standardised workshop processes and highly trained employees, the service points guarantee high-level availability and cost-effectiveness.Stop by and visit the OMNIplus stand during your visit to the IAA. The OMNIplus team is looking forward to seeing you there!

10/10–12/2012,Kielce (Poland), TRANSEXPO: International trade show for public trans-port and touring buses and coaches.

10/17–20/2012,Bordeaux (France), AUTOCAR EXPO: Meeting venue for trade visitors and bus and coach manufacturers, suppliers, with a supporting programme of professional events.

10/18–20/2012,Rimini (Italy), International Bus Expo: Leading trade show for the international coach travel sector to strengthen business relationships in the area of commercial vehicles and the tourism industry. On 10/18, an EvoBus evening event “Misano by night” will be held in Misano, Autodromo.

10/23–26/2012, Madrid (Spain), FIAA Madrid:International trade show for touring and line buses and coaches.

11/01–02/2012, Kloten (Switzerland), Omnibus 2012:Setra’s in-house exhibition in Switzerland.

11/05–10/2012, Maastricht (The Netherlands), test drives with the ComfortClass 500 in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Setra get-togethersDirect, personal contacts are vital in the bus and coach sector. Exhibitions, trade shows and Setra-

Shows represent great opportunities to strengthen them, to find out what’s new out there and to get

inspired. Here, we have put together an overview of the most important Setra family get-togethers just

for you.

A look at upcoming shows and exhibitions:


11/06–07/2012, Cesis (Latvia), Setra Baltic Days:Event for customers from the entire Baltic region, including an evening event.

11/08–10/2012, Vienna (Austria), Best Bus Vienna: Bus & Coach Exhibition put on by EvoBus Austria GmbH.

11/09–11/2012, Roldskov (Denmark), Årsmøde Danske Busvognmænd: Bus & Coach Exhibition in Denmark.

11/16–17/2012, Langenthal (Switzer-land), Calag Bus- und Carhaltertage: This year, for the first time, the exhibition will be held in the new Calag premises located at Chasseralstr. 7 in Langenthal.

11/17–18/2012, Neu-Ulm (Germany), SetraShow: Just like every year at the Setra Customer-Center in Neu-Ulm, please note the new dates! This year: “Driving” is the focus.

11/27–29/2012, Göteborg (Sweden), Persontrafik: Trade show for passenger transport.

01/18–19/2013, Vetlanda (Sweden), Setra-Träff: Get-together of the Swedish Setra family in Småland.

magazine for customers and friends of the setra … · 2016-11-03 · also driver support through...

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