Three quarters of a century ago, the history of Setra began with the S 8. Since 1951, the traditional Setra brand has been decisive in the development of modern buses.
Magazine
Built on success – since 1951.
approx.
75 years of moving brand history.
If there is a moment in the history of bus construction that deserves the term turnaround, then it is the birth of the revolutionary S 8 in 1951. The construction of a bus with a self-supporting body was a milestone for the development of the modern bus with which Setra is associated like no other brand. Over the past 75 years, Setra has consistently set standards in the development of innovative buses in terms of comfort, safety and design.
75 years of Setra:
1950s: The S 8 revolutionised bus construction.
The 1950s were characterised by a spirit of breakthroughs and inventiveness, which is why bus construction is also experiencing a technological revolution. In Ulm, Otto Kässbohrer and his chief designer Georg Wahl created something completely new with the iconic S 8: the first self-supporting bus that founded the Setra brand in 1951. As early as 1959, the legendary 10 model series was introduced, which included the S 6 to S 15 models, the ST 110 scheduled-service bus and Europe’s first articulated bus, the SG 165. In 16 years, Setra sold around 7,500 units of the 10 model series, finally marking the breakthrough of the self-supporting body.
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Driven by the spirit of breakthrough and the inventive spirit of the 50s, the skeleton of the first self-supporting bus was created in 1951. A revolutionary principle that continued to prevail in the 10 model series until the end of the decade.
Driven by the spirit of breakthrough and the inventive spirit of the 50s, the skeleton of the first self-supporting bus was created in 1951. A revolutionary principle that continued to prevail in the 10 model series until the end of the decade.
Driven by the spirit of breakthrough and the inventive spirit of the 50s, the skeleton of the first self-supporting bus was created in 1951. A revolutionary principle that continued to prevail in the 10 model series until the end of the decade.
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1960s: the S 125 as a regular-service bus with corners and edges.
The 1960s are all about breakthroughs, modernisation and new chic. In 1963, Setra presented the S 125, the prototype of a new generation of scheduled-service buses in lattice-frame design, which was to become characteristic. The S 125 was the predecessor of the 100 model series presented in 1967, which is technologically at the height of its time in every respect and whose clear, objective lines continue to characterise the design philosophy of Setra scheduled-service buses to this day. Of the 22 models in the model series, a total of 12,339 units are sold – a milestone in the industrialization of bus construction.
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In the Swinging Sixties, the bus became a means of mass transport. Setra’s answer was a regular-service bus with corners and edges, while the S 125 was also the precursor to the 100 series, also known as the “modular series”.
In the Swinging Sixties, the bus became a means of mass transport. Setra’s answer was a regular-service bus with corners and edges, while the S 125 was also the precursor to the 100 series, also known as the “modular series”.
In the Swinging Sixties, the bus became a means of mass transport. Setra’s answer was a regular-service bus with corners and edges, while the S 125 was also the precursor to the 100 series, also known as the “modular series”.
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1970s: the S 200 – an unmistakable super‑high‑decker.
The distinctive style of this decade influenced music and fashion alike. This also applies to the S 200 super-high-decker, which Setra presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1973. With its streamlined exterior design, the 3.55‑metre‑high touring coach heralds a new era of comfortable travel. The S 200 also announces the new 200 model series, which will be produced from 1976, impresses with its particularly comfortable touring coaches and is considered one of Setra’s most diverse model series. In the anniversary year of 1976, the brand reached a milestone: since its foundation 25 years ago, over 20,000 Setra buses have been sold to enthusiastic customers.
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The 1970s are still considered a cult decade to this day, and they also mean a generational change to the 200 series with their unmistakable design for Setra.
The 1970s are still considered a cult decade to this day, and they also mean a generational change to the 200 series with their unmistakable design for Setra.
The 1970s are still considered a cult decade to this day, and they also mean a generational change to the 200 series with their unmistakable design for Setra.
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1980s: high up with the S 228 DT double‑decker bus.
The 1980s mark a decade full of breakthroughs and significant developments. At this time, Setra is also going high. The first Setra double-decker bus was presented in 1982 with the S 228 DT. It is the answer to the growing demand for vehicles with higher seating capacity. Its new, streamlined front section, without inhibiting roof protrusions and bodies, is becoming a trademark. From 1982 to 1993, a total of 1,104 units of this model were produced, which quickly became the new flagship of the Setra coach range. Setra also set standards in terms of safety in this decade: in 1984, Setra was the first bus manufacturer to equip all its touring coaches with ABS as standard.
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In the 80s, things went high and with the S 228 DT, Setra is launching its first double-decker bus on the market, which is becoming the attractive flagship for many bus companies.
In the 80s, things went high and with the S 228 DT, Setra is launching its first double-decker bus on the market, which is becoming the attractive flagship for many bus companies.
In the 80s, things went high and with the S 228 DT, Setra is launching its first double-decker bus on the market, which is becoming the attractive flagship for many bus companies.
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1990s: The 300 model series sets standards.
The 1990s are characterised by global upheaval and profound changes in politics, democracy and economy. Setra is setting new standards in this decade with the 300 model series. In 1991, the new ComfortClass was launched, the hallmarks of which included the striking swinging arm behind the cockpit area and the completely newly developed integral mirror system. Two years later, the TopClass 300 was added and in 1994 the MultiClass 300 intercity series celebrated its premiere. The 300 model series is also distinguished by a large variety of variants; a total of 15 models are produced. The wind of change is also blowing in Neu‑Ulm, where the bus divisions of Mercedes‑Benz and Setra merged into EvoBus GmbH in 1995.
2000s: The S 431 DT became the new flagship.
The urge for mobility continues to increase – whether virtually on social networks or in real life on the road. The completely redesigned 400 model series was launched at Setra in 2001. For a better overview, the vehicles are divided into the MultiClass, ComfortClass and TopClass product series in order to offer customers better orientation for their application and equipment. A total of 22 models of the 400 model series are produced. More than 6,500 vehicles of the ComfortClass 400 will be delivered to customers by 2014, and the TopClass will even be handed over more than 7,400 times. The flagship of the Setra premium range was the S 431 DT double-decker bus, which was introduced in 2002 and rolled off the production line more than 1,000 times.
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The turn of the millennium brings change and at Setra,
– with the combination of the integral mirror system of the 300 model series and the iconic rocker of the TopClass 400 – the birth of a trademark.
The turn of the millennium brings change and at Setra,
– with the combination of the integral mirror system of the 300 model series and the iconic rocker of the TopClass 400 – the birth of a trademark.
The turn of the millennium brings change and at Setra,
– with the combination of the integral mirror system of the 300 model series and the iconic rocker of the TopClass 400 – the birth of a trademark.
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2010s: the premiere fireworks of the 500 model series.
The 2010s stand for technological maturity and the aspiration to set new standards. Setra is also looking all the way up in these years. After 15 years, a new double-decker bus, the S 531 DT, was launched. It achieved top values in terms of aerodynamics and once again demonstrated with its spectacular design that a Setra is a bus like no other. The S 531 DT belongs to the new 500 model series, which will be presented in 2012 with the first models of the Setra ComfortClass 500. In the MultiClass, Setra is relying on a comprehensive facelift and is presenting the UL business inter-city bus, a bus tailor-made for inter-city transport. The delivery of the 2500th vehicle in the ComfortClass is just as important as the 100,000th Setra: an S 416 HDH.
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The 2010s embody rapid technological progress like hardly a decade before, and with the 500 model series, Setra is launching a new double-decker bus after 15 years. The ComfortClass is also celebrating a premiere, and as the perfect inter-city bus, the UL business of the MultiClass completes the program.
The 2010s embody rapid technological progress like hardly a decade before, and with the 500 model series, Setra is launching a new double-decker bus after 15 years. The ComfortClass is also celebrating a premiere, and as the perfect inter-city bus, the UL business of the MultiClass completes the program.
The 2010s embody rapid technological progress like hardly a decade before, and with the 500 model series, Setra is launching a new double-decker bus after 15 years. The ComfortClass is also celebrating a premiere, and as the perfect inter-city bus, the UL business of the MultiClass completes the program.
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2020s: with a new brand face into the future.
The 2020s are characterised by a growing awareness of safety, responsibility and sustainability. With the new ComfortClass 500 and TopClass 500, a new generation of touring coaches will also be launched at Setra in 2022. With their distinctive family face, the models set a new visual accent; state-of-the-art assistance and safety systems make travelling as safe as it is comfortable. With this comprehensive safety package, the Setra S 516 HDH is named Coach of the Year 2026. The prestigious award for the premium touring coach impressively demonstrates that Setra is at the forefront in the anniversary year in terms of comfort, profitability, design and safety and is also ready to set milestones in the future development of the bus.
