The “golden nineties” – the years between the fall of the Berlin Wall and 11 September 2001 – are a period of global optimism, seeing major positive changes in freedom, democracy, and economics.
SetraWorld Magazine
The 90s – a world in flux
A time of great change.
A time of great change.
The anniversary edition 1951 to 2021.
70 years of Setra, 45 years of the 200 series, 40 years of the double-decker bus, 30 years of the 300 series - the list could be continued. As part of our anniversary, we invite you to a very special trip. Get on board and ride with us. Through seven decades of Setra and the world events around it. What else would you do besides come on a trip with Setra?
The Setra 300 rolls out.
Rarely have such wide-ranging changes to the benefit of peace and democracy been experienced all around the world as in the nineties. These not only promote international understanding and support greater freedom for people across the world, but also lead to a global economic upturn. The world is moving closer together. Also in Ulm, the “golden nineties” entail innovation in terms of a new series, as well as the historic merger of two automotive legends.
“The interior of the 300 series is also packed with technical innovations and refined furnishings.”
A new series with an all-new face.
A “May bug”, “rabbit with floppy ears”, or even “Dumbo” ... when launched in 1991, Setra’s innovative integral mirror system, which gives the 300 series its new face, is greeted with smiles and a variety of nicknames. Ist practical benefits, however, quickly prove themselves, and within just a few years, the system becomes one of the key differentiating factors of the 300 series, along with the distinctive sweeping line behind the driver’s cockpit. The electrically adjustable mirrors, which can also be heated, allow the series to be recognised from a distance. Other manufacturers also acknowledge the advantages Setra’s mirror system offers – namely, that it significantly increases the driver’s field of view – and equip their vehicles with similar systems.
History:
- On 3 October 1990, Germans from East and West come together to celebrate the reunification of their nations. Peaceful mass demonstrations in East Germany precede this historic moment.
- The first commercial internet provider is introduced in 1990, paving the way for the WWW, originally developed by Tim Berners-Lee. It connects over 100 nations with more than 600,000 hosts and close to 5,000 networks.
- Mobile phone communication achieves widespread penetration, forever altering the world of electronic communication. From this point onwards, text messaging (SMS) is commonly used to communicate.
On the inside, the 300 series features several technological innovations and refined details. Passengers enjoy a constant interior climate, even when the exterior temperature changes, thanks to the cross-flow technology used in the air conditioning and ventilation system. The high functionality offered by the ergonomically designed cockpit, with a multifunctional display fitted as standard, optimises communication between driver and coach – making a further contribution to safety. The new series not only pampers its passengers, it also takes care of the environment, thanks to its use of recyclable materials. Experts are clearly impressed with the high-quality touring coaches in the series. A year after its launch, trade journalists honour the S 315 HD with the coveted “Coach of the Year” award.
Winds of Change in Ulm.
The change taking place on a large scale around the globe – with nations and economies coming together – also takes place, on a smaller scale of course, with the Mercedes-Benz and Setra coach and bus divisions, which join to form the EvoBus company. For after-sales activities, the shared service brand OMNIplus is created, offering reliable bus and coach servicing and much more added value for companies thanks to its expansive, pan-European bus-specific service network for Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses and coaches.
The first Setra Grand Prix.
In April 1992, Kässbohrer holds the first “Setra Grand Prix” in Ulm. 131 bus drivers from seven European countries participate in the event, demonstrating their technical expertise, knowledge of the new 300 series, and driving skills on a challenging track. The driving tests are completed by six Setra S 315 HD coaches – with precision and driver responsiveness in the foreground. The first Setra Grand Prix is a resounding success and, over the next decades, its popularity continues to grow.
Top, Comfort, Multi: classifying the Setra range.
To facilitate understanding of the range and its nomenclature, Setra structures its bus and coach range into three categories:
- TopClass is the designation for Setra’s luxury touring coaches
- ComfortClass stands for Setra’s cost-effective, comfortable touring coaches
- MultiClass covers regional-service and urban transit buses, referring to their multifunctional applications.
History:
- With the Love Parade in Berlin, a new kind of mass protest movement is born. Instead of demonstrating, the crowds dance to techno music.
- Also in Ulm, a major change is taking place. Not only is the 300 series introduced to the market, but the EvoBus company is founded as well.
