Mr Sgodda, first there was the pandemic, now supply chain problems, and energy prices are shooting up – bus companies and manufacturers have certainly been living and working through tough times for two years and more now. How do you look forward to how the future will pan out?
SetraWorld Magazine
“A harmonious overall concept”
Mirko Sgodda on the next generation of the Setra ComfortClass and TopClass.
“A harmonious overall concept”
Mirko Sgodda on the next generation of the Setra ComfortClass and TopClass.
With confidence, because it is always in times of crisis that great creativity is shown both by our customers and our engaged teams at Daimler Buses. Standing shoulder to shoulder, we want to and will overcome this cascade of crises. Because one thing is certain: for public transport and long-distance travel, buses and coaches are essential. With the next generation of Setra coaches, we give our customers the means to adapt to these times, supporting companies with a particular view to the efficiency of their fleet.
“We have carried out a vast number of fine adjustments of the overall design from the cockpit to the passenger compartment.”
What, in your option, is the outstanding feature of the next-generation coaches from Setra?
It's the harmonious overall concept. We have carried out a vast number of fine adjustments of the overall design from the cockpit to the passenger compartment. We really addressed many different aspects to bring the Setra ComfortClass and TopClass forward, for the benefit of bus companies, drivers and passengers. I particularly want to draw attention to a couple of things: the assistance systems, Active Drive Assist 2 and Predictive Powertrain Control.
Why these two in particular?
Because they open the door to autonomous driving and, at the same time, offer decisive improvements in terms of safety, efficiency and user-friendliness. I am thrilled to see how masterfully our coaches handle long journeys with Active Drive Assist 2. And also what benefits PPC offers on rural highways. It is impressive when, on an unknown road, the central display indicates that a curve is due to happen in 450 metres and will be passed at 58 km/h – which is exactly what then happens.
“Also in classic Setra style, the new generations do not make their predecessors look dated.”
What are the typical Setra features of the new coaches?
The harmonious mix of design, comfort, safety and efficiency - you can only get this level of interplay from Setra. Also typical: the new generation doesn’t let its predecessors look dated – meaning continued high value-retention for our customers.
Weren’t the new coaches supposed to get going a little earlier?
True – but then came the COVID-19 pandemic and our customers suddenly lost a huge part of their business practically overnight. For that reason, we decided to delay the market introduction, using the time we gained to good ends. For example, Active Brake Assist 2 is called that because in the meantime we have added an emergency stop function – our buses and coaches can brake and stop on their own if the driver has a health issue and is no longer capable of doing so.
“The TopClass is a real first-class upgrade.”
How are the next-generation Setra coaches positioned?
Naturally, at the pinnacle of their categories. With its broad range of uses and various different arrangements of doors, the ComfortClass presents outstanding versatility. The TopClass goes further into a realm of unparalleled luxury – it is a real first-class upgrade. But Setra also offers much more than buses and coaches – there are Service Contracts from OMNIplus and the digital services of OMNIplus ON, for example. Considering the great efficiency-improving potential of the new assistance systems, I would recommend ExpertHandlingTraining to our customers – so that all their drivers can make use of the new features to the fullest extent. It won’t just make driving fun, it will increase safety and efficiency in everyday deployment.
