The next generation of Setra coaches bristles with innovative assistance systems. In this, Setra is continuing a long tradition. And the development towards even greater safety continues...
SetraWorld Magazine
A passion for safety.
Highly engaged engineers at Setra have developed the brand’s coaches even further.
A passion for safety.
Highly engaged engineers at Setra have developed the brand’s coaches even further.
Setra and safety – the two are inextricably linked. This is made clear once more by the next-generation TopClass and ComfortClass. Peter Schumacher, Head of Chassis/System Development at Daimler Buses, is a true safety expert by nature. He knows the present – and keeps a keen eye on the future. The motto he and his team swear by: “our passion for improving existing systems – that are already excellent – knows no limits.”
Mr Schumacher, what significance does safety have at Setra?
For Setra, safety is right at the top of the list of priorities. The new TopClass and ComfortClass buses and coaches are able to execute a full braking procedure if pedestrians move out in front thanks to Active Brake Assist 5, which is fitted as standard. They are the first models in Europe to be able to do so. Active Drive Assist 2 and Predictive Powertrain Control also mean more safety, as does the 360° camera system. So it's clear: the safety of the driver and passengers is paramount at Setra.
“The first buses and coaches with a Level 2 system.”
So new safety assistant systems played a big role in development?
Absolutely, yes. We continuously assess all the systems and are constantly working on improving them. As we move towards autonomous driving, the Setra TopClass and ComfortClass have become the first buses and coaches to be fitted with a Level 2 system. Level 1 involved Adaptive Cruise Control, that is, longitudinal control with the ability to independently accelerate and decelerate. At Level 2, transverse control is also available. The driver no longer needs to steer to keep the vehicle in its lane; Active Drive Assist 2 handles this on the motorway.
“We collaborate closely with our colleagues from Daimler Trucks.”
Why do so many assistance systems appear first in Daimler Trucks and only somewhat later in buses and coaches?
This is the way it works. That is why we work so closely with our truck colleagues, and are intensifying this cooperation. Active Drive Assist 2 is a recent example of this. The number 2 represents our Emergency Stop Assist. If the driver is unable to get his hands to the wheel, we trigger an automatic emergency stop. Adapting the system to buses and coaches is demanding, however, which is why it takes a certain amount of time.
We talk a lot about assistance systems. Are they the be-all and end-all of optimised safety?
We see safety holistically and like to speak of having an integrated safety concept aiming, ultimately, for accident-free driving. The entire sequence consists of four items. We start with prevention: therefore we provide the driver with a perfectly ergonomic cockpit to work in. Item two is reaction, helping to avoid accidents: this means active support through regulated intervention by assistance systems which do what the driver would not be able to do with the necessary speed or control. If an accident nevertheless occurs, we want to protect the driver and passengers as best possible – this is item three. Here, I could point to the Front Collision Guard and roll-over strength fulfilling UN ECE R66.02. The fourth item involves the worst-case scenario, when passengers need to be rescued, and involves providing comprehensive information to the emergency services.
Can you give us an idea of what the next steps might be?
We have plenty of ideas as to how we could change the technical basis of Sideguard Assist to better support the driver by braking or turning. Further improvement to ABA 5 is also possible. Already today, cars can detect cross traffic and integrate it in their braking strategy. With a view to autonomous driving, Level 4 solutions are to be expected in the distant future. There, technical systems take over every driving task and the vehicle can run for long stretches without intervention. You see: our passion for improving existing systems – that are already excellent – knows no limits.
