Setra Logo

In 1951, the world was introduced to Setra, birthed by the renowned coachbuilder Karl Kässbohrer. Originally, it was positioned as a subsidiary under the name Kässbohrer Fahrzeugwerke, marking its entry into the bus manufacturing landscape with the Setra S8 model. Just six years later, in 1957, Setra pioneered a significant advancement in European coach design by releasing the Setra S6, a coach featuring a self-supporting structure. This innovation is encapsulated in “Setra,” translating to “self-supporting” in German.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Setra solidified its reputation in Germany and Europe as a frontrunner in creating luxury coaches and touring buses. The Setra S140 model, for instance, won many accolades and became a favorite among many. In a testament to their engineering prowess, the 1980s saw Setra unveiling its premier articulated bus model.

However, the mid-90s brought financial turbulence for Kässbohrer, leading to the divestment of Setra to Daimler-Benz, which would later rebrand as Daimler AG. This acquisition proved fortuitous for Setra. By 1999, a milestone was achieved when the 10,000th Setra bus was manufactured, underscoring the brand’s undeniable market presence.

Under the guidance of Daimler in the 2000s, Setra began emphasizing both high-end touring coaches and public transit buses, with new models replete with luxurious features. 2008, an extensive historical exhibition was organized at Setra’s main production plant. The brand’s commitment to luxury, comfort, and style was further exemplified with the 2013 unveiling of the Setra 500, the company’s latest pinnacle coach model.