Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Ulm/Stuttgart, Germany, Sep 05, 2008

* S 415 NF from the MultiClass 400 series impresses automotive journalists
* International jury praises the bus’ forward-looking passenger comfort
* New generation of Setra low-floor buses performing successfully on the market for two years now


Setra Buses, a Daimler AG brand, has captured the renowned international “Bus of the Year 2009” award with a low-floor bus. The honor marks the second time the company has been presented the award, which it last received in 1996. The S 415 NF from the MultiClass 400 series finished well ahead of its rivals in the “Bus Euro Test 2008” competition that was held in Berlin. The judges focused on the vehicles’ suitability for everyday use, as well as their workmanship, design concept, and economy.

With the S 415 NF, Setra has succeeded in creating a bus that sets new quality standards for local public transport, according to the 19 European automotive journalists who served on the jury. The bus’ extraordinary finishing and forward-looking passenger comfort reflect the Setra brand’s competence and passion when it comes to buses, the judges added. A bright interior, clear design lines, and unrestricted views of the outside greatly impressed the panelists, as did the vehicle’s outstanding ride comfort and the harmonious interaction of its state-of-the-art engine and transmission technology.

Setra brand spokesman and managing director Werner Staib is proud of the award: “Winning the Bus of the Year 2009 award shows Setra is right up there on top in the segment for comfortable intercity buses as well. In addition, the award underscores the brand’s low-floor bus expertise.”

Successful market performance for two years now: Setra low-floor buses

The intercity low-floor buses from the MultiClass 400 series celebrated their world premiere at the 2006 IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover. The new low-floor buses ideally complement the MultiClass 400 UL high-floor buses. Equipped with state-of-the-art drive system technology that ensures outstanding fuel economy, as well as the latest high-tech systems for complying with Euro 4, Euro 5 and EEV-standard exhaust emission limits, these buses provide demanding operators of intercity lines with comfortable vehicles whose low-floor design makes it easy for passengers to easily enter and exit.

More than 570 units of the new-generation Setra low-floor buses have already been sold since the vehicles were launched on the market.

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