Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Orlando, FL(Embargoed for January 21, 2009), USA, Jan 26, 2009 – Daimler Buses North America kicks off its 25th Anniversary in North Americaby showcasing both past and present Setra motorcoaches at the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Expo in Orlandofrom January 21-25, 2009. A Setra S 417 luxury motorcoach is displayed beside an original 1955 Setra S 6.


“Since the first Setra motorcoach came to North Americain 1984, we have worked very hard to establish the Setra brand here,” said Patrick Scully, chief commercial officer for Daimler Buses North America. “We are very proud that the Setra S 417 has established itself as the benchmark in the premium segment of the market. The Setra S 417 embodies what luxury travel is all about.”

Setra S 417

With the motto “Expect More,” the Setra S 417 is the epitome of luxury, value, service, innovation, quality and dependability. The featured Setra S 417 boasts an innovative and eye-catching linear fade paint scheme that goes from black to maroon. The coach also has the new Ambiente seating style, which only adds to the overall luxurious feel the Setra S 417 provides. Continuing that feel is the hardwood flooring that greets passengers as they enter the coach. The rear galley and table tops are perfectly matched, making for a very cohesive appearance. Passengers will also enjoy the new overhead LED reading lights. A perfect compliment to these luxurious appointments is the Satellite television offered on this Setra S 417, allowing riders to enjoy all their favorite programming on Setra’s five 19-inch flat screen LCD monitors. A subtle update in the luggage bay is the addition of a shelf, allowing smaller luggage and other freight to be up and out of the way of larger cargo.

“Differentiating yourself from your competition is a challenge every motorcoach operator faces today,” said Tom Chezem, vice president of motorcoach sales for Daimler Buses North America. “We offer a great number of exclusive options to make your passengers’ travel experience even more special – and your coaches even more distinctive.”

Beginning in 2009, another new innovation for the Setra S 417 is that each new coach will come standard with two-point lap belts.

“In recent years, customer demand for seat belts in motorcoaches has risen dramatically, and customer safety has always been at the forefront of our decision making,” said Tom Chezem, vice president of motorcoach sales for Daimler Buses North America. “We are fortunate that we are able to leverage our Setra and Mercedes-Benz resources in Europeto take advantage of seat belt testing that has already taken place.”

Safety remains paramount for Daimler Buses and the Setra brand. Combining the seat belt option with other standard features on the S 417 like all-wheel disc brakes, an ABS braking system, a transmission retarder, a rugged self-supporting frame structure, and a fire detection system make the Setra S 417 one of the safest vehicles on the road today.

Daimler Buses Service Centers

Daimler Buses North America has long been committed to the Setra motorcoach market in North Americawith the Setra Customer Assistance Network (Setra CAN). Over the past five years, Daimler Buses has bolstered the service network across North Americafor its customers. Daimler Buses now provides state-of-the-art Service Centers for Setra CAN with locations throughout North America. Locations include: New York City, Greensboro, Orlando, Los Angelesand Chicagometro areas.

The Daimler Buses Service Centers provide unmatched customer service; emergency roadside assistance; same-day service on most scheduled maintenance; and immediate exchange or repair services. This is service that can be expected from the world’s largest bus manufacturer – Daimler.

In 2008, Daimler Buses North America certified it newest authorized service centers. In the Midwest, a series of Daimler Buses Service Centers located outside of Chicagoand in Wisconsinand Indianaarea have come on-line. A strategic service partnership with Inland Power Group provides a one-stop shop as each facility is fully outfitted with the most efficient, state-of-the-art equipment, a full stock of parts for all makes and highly experienced professionals.

All certified bus and motorcoach service center locations for Daimler worldwide require initial and on-going factory training, and will have routine quality inspections.

About Daimler Buses North America

Daimler Buses North America, headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., combines three trusted commercial bus brands under one corporate structure: Orion transit buses, Setra motorcoaches, and the Dodge Sprinter shuttle bus. Backed by the advanced technological expertise and financial strength of its parent Daimler, the global leader in commercial vehicles, the division provides the commercial bus market with a powerful combination of product knowledge, resources, and service/support systems.