Many clever minds were involved in the development of the next generation of ComfortClass and TopClass for Setra. Project Manager Martin Jendrusch invited his team to experience the new coaches live and in person.

Marlin Buchele is thrilled: “Otherwise, we are always so far away from the product.” Now, the project controller finds herself right in the thick of things. For the first time in her life, she sits at the wheel of a high-deck coach – which is protected in a cordoned-off area. On the final day of the project group, the participants circle around slalom cones under the guidance of bus professionals such as Bernd Gutmann (Testing) and Fabian Reuter (Development), experience Active Brake Assist 5 and park a coach with the support of the 360° camera system.

In advance, Frank Mandel and Ralf Pleichinger from Project Training provided intensive training. The duo know the TopClass and ComfortClass right down to the smallest body joint and seat crease. Confidently and humorously, they convey their extensive know-how to the project team of around 20 people. Even those who were previously only involved in individual topics are now able to experience the complete work of art of the next generation of coaches. In the background, the buses in the hall are ready for a test drive. And before that, the project team is delighted with the compelling result of its work – a project that started six years ago.

As prototype manager, Can Gültaslar was very close to the new coaches from the start. We meet him in front of the ComfortClass. What does a prototype manager do? “We made sure that the first five vehicles passed through production seamlessly,” he explains. New buses also mean new components. “Even with the prototypes, you have to take a close look to ensure that the right parts are installed from the outset.” It's a task that is as exciting as it is responsible. With 'prototypes', you mean the colourfully painted buses with lettering from Cleo to Cera? “Exactly,” smiles Can Gültaslar, "an idea from Project Manager Martin Jendrusch.”

Dirk Thielebein's profession involves things that you can't see – but you can definitely feel. He is a suspension developer, which is fitting, because while we talk to each other on board, a colleague drives the S 515 HD vigorously over the test tracks. Thielebein has been working on the application of the new front axle. “The track width of bellows and shock absorbers is new, which requires a different setup.” The effect is noticeable: “The feeling of safety remains unchanged, but the comfort of the new front axle is considerably higher.” He sums it up like this: “I am very satisfied with the result.”

The outstanding components of the new generation of coaches include the new electrical and electronic structure. Developer Bernhard Hagmeier knows what they are needed for: "More and more systems interact. You have to define which data goes back and forth and how. For example, the adaptive cruise control reports that an object has been detected at a defined distance and requests the necessary deceleration from the brake." The new architecture can transmit a much higher number of data, in part in the millisecond range. This is the only way that unique assistance systems such as Active Drive Assist 2 are possible.

Christine Mathis represented the interests of Production in the project. This involves topics such as buildability, assembly and production times, and estimating investments. “We transfer know-how from production to the project and, in the other direction, experience from project work to production,” she explains. Now she has taken a relaxed seat on the steps of the TopClass. In terms of forward-looking quality management, there will be a gentle start-up curve in autumn 2022 for the production of the new model series. “We have already taken a close look at the prototypes.” The result? “The premium quality is right where it should be!”

As the person responsible for product planning and product management, Egemen Aydin has a special view of the new coaches: He always wears his "customer glasses". “For us, the focus is on the customer and their needs and future business models.” Egemen Aydin was and remains in intensive dialogue with the employees of Sales and the bus companies. And the positive response is already being felt: “The new coaches are safer, more comfortable and enjoy noticeably further fuel economy.” In view of the persistently high diesel prices, this point is of existential importance for bus companies.

On the aerodrome track, Vincent Thess sweeps through the lane of pylons with the ComfortClass. The designer jokes at the nimbleness of the high-deck coach: “Why do you actually need a bus driver’s licence for this Setra?” The day of training and gathering experience winds down. “This is probably the last time that we will meet as this group,” says Project Manager Martin Jendrusch in the meeting room, officially completing work on the next generation of Setra coaches. He will continue to accompany the start of series production in the coming months.

Even though the next tasks have long been waiting for him and his colleagues – “that’s still under lock and key” – a little sentimentality is noticeable. The last lap with the new Setra coaches, then back to the factory.