Setra Logo PNG
The Setra logo reflects the reverence with which the brand’s buses are perceived: they are so popular among professionals that they rank among the world’s top ten. The emblem has a unique design, shaped to resemble these comfortable buses.
Setra: Brand overview
The groundwork for Setra was laid in 1951 with the launch of the groundbreaking S 8 model by German bus manufacturer Kässbohrer. Derived from the German word “selbsttragend,” which means “self-supporting,” the name “Setra” alludes to the inventive body structure of this bus.
By the middle of the 20th century, Kässbohrer, established in 1893 as a producer of horse-drawn carriages, had gained considerable expertise in the automotive industry. However, the S 8 model, which debuted the new brand, signaled a sea change in the company’s history.
The first bus in Europe to have a self-supporting body, the S 8’s8 enhanced its performance attributes and significantly reduced its weight. Transport businesses were rapidly drawn to this innovation, which became standard in the bus manufacturing sector.
The manufacturer kept expanding its bus lineup in the 1950s. In 1955, the company debuted the S 6 model, which quickly gained popularity among small transportation companies and tour operators because of its efficiency and small size.
The brand experienced unprecedented expansion during the 1960s. The business debuted the 100 series, which had buses with different lengths and applications, in 1964. In the industry, this series raised the bar for comfort and security. In particular, the S 125 type gained widespread use for intercity travel.
The manufacturer first adopted bus air conditioning in 1967, greatly improving passenger comfort, especially on lengthy journeys.
The 200 series debuted in 1976 and had additional safety features, such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and enhanced aerodynamics that reduced fuel consumption.
Throughout the 1980s, the company innovated in comfort and safety. In 1981, it introduced the 300 series, which included enhanced driver ergonomics and cutting-edge passive safety features.
In 1991, the manufacturer joined the Daimler-Benz AG (now Daimler AG) group. This transaction gave the company more resources and technologies, advancing the brand’s growth.
When the company debuted the 300 TopClass series in 1992, it revolutionized the luxury coach market and established new benchmarks. These buses featured cutting-edge safety technologies and improved passenger comfort.
In 2001, the 400 series was introduced, carrying on the brand’s legacy of innovation. This series included enhanced safety features, more effective engines, and better aerodynamics.
The 500 series, unveiled in 2013, signaled a new phase in the brand’s growth. This series boasts better comfort, design, and much lower fuel economy thanks to cutting-edge innovations.
2014, the company added TopClass and ComfortClass vehicles to the 500 series. Compared to earlier models, these buses’ enhanced aerodynamics resulted in 5-6% fuel savings. Additionally, they added new safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
An upgraded S 431 DT model from the TopClass 500 series was introduced in 2015. This double-decker bus was enhanced with a new air conditioning system and an eco-friendly engine that complied with Euro 6 regulations.
The newest generation of city buses, the MultiClass 400 LE, was introduced in 2016. These buses combine operational economy and passenger comfort in their urban and suburban transportation design.
A revised iteration of the flagship double-decker bus, the S 531 DT from the TopClass 500 series, was unveiled in 2017. Among the many technical advancements on this bus was the Active Brake Assist four system, which could recognize bikes and pedestrians on its own.
2018, the company celebrated manufacturing its 5000th bus in the 500 series, marking a significant milestone in its commercial success and popularity.
In 2019, the manufacturer kept refining its models, emphasizing environmental sustainability. The business unveiled upgraded engines in new bus models that comply with the highest environmental regulations.
2020 brought even more breakthroughs in safety systems. A new iteration of the Active Brake Assist five system improved its ability to identify possible road hazards and reduced the risk of collisions.
Despite industry-wide difficulties in 2021, the company kept developing creative solutions. The business concentrated on creating greener technology, such as electrification and using alternative fuels.
In 2022, the manufacturer upgraded its bus digital technology. The business improved passenger comfort and bus operations using new management and monitoring technologies.
In 2023, the company planned to increase the use of digital technologies in its buses. This included integrating mobile applications to improve the convenience of public transportation, better passenger information systems, and cutting-edge driving assistance technologies.
The brand has consistently upheld its commitment to comfort, quality, and innovation. The company has maintained a strong position in the touring and intercity bus market by continuously introducing new technology, improving the design, and increasing the efficiency of its buses.
Meaning and History
What is Setra?
Established in 1951, Setra, the eminent German bus brand birthed by Daimler Truck, has been transforming human transportation. The brand rapidly gained acclaim for its superior quality and reliability within the transport sector and continues to be a trailblazer in the field. Setra has epitomized superiority for many decades, continuously challenging engineering limitations and fostering innovation. As a proud offshoot of EvoBus GmbH, under the prestigious Daimler Truck AG umbrella, Setra takes pride in furthering the illustrious legacy of its lineage.
Before 2010
At the beginning of its career, the German company Setra used a very concise logo so potential buyers would simply be aware of its presence in the professional bus transportation market. The main task at that time was popularization. Thanks to its unique visual identity (simple and two-dimensional), supported by innovative developments and high craftsmanship, it gradually gained recognition among the public. Its emblem consists of:
- The name;
- A personal mark.
The inscription is done in a rectangular font: massive glyphs are stretched horizontally and placed at a minimal distance from each other. Thanks to good contrast and large intra-letter spaces, they do not merge, maintaining good readability on any medium.
The font is extra-bold, sans-serif, and in uppercase. Its distinctive features are clear edges, perfect evenness, and pleasant soft rounding of the corners, which demonstrate the comfort of the bus interiors. The most thematic letter is “A”: it resembles a bus—a front or rear view. The intra-letter space acts as a windshield, and the lower parts of the legs are perceived as wide wheels.
The company’s logo is round. This shape is very symbolic, as it is associated with a wheel, a steering wheel, the globe that the Setra bus is ready to travel around, and the brand’s global popularity, as its products are recognized worldwide. Inside the ring is a single “K”—the first letter from the old name Kässbohrer. It is ornate, elegant, and old-fashioned.
2010 – today
The Setra logo is shaped like a bus when viewed from the side. It is long, wide at the back, and narrow at the front. However, these aren’t the only associations the emblem evokes: it also resembles a rearview mirror, highlighting the German manufacturer’s vigilance, increased attention, and desire to control everything related to bus production. This represents Setra as a responsible professional.
The horizontal trapezoid is enclosed in a double frame with two thin stripes—one white and one red. The same colors are used for the inscription and background. This combination symbolizes honesty, confidence, activity, and movement. Additionally, white signifies openness, while red signifies love for customers and those who ride the buses.
The name is written in a soft block font with rounded corners. The corners are now smaller than in the old logo, making the glyphs look more elegant. The spacing between the characters has also changed – it has increased significantly, improving text readability.
