GERMANY
Three German coach operators are celebrating their milestone years of service with new Setra ComfortClass coaches. Bottenschein Reisen, Christoph-Reisen, and Schörnig Reisen are all celebrating important dates in 2024.
Bottenschein Reisen has taken delivery of a new S515 HD, the 25th Setra that the company and its subsidiary Süddeutsche Verkehrslinien have added to their fleet within a year.
The coach offers space for 48 passengers, who can relax on seats with adjustable comfort headrests on the company’s trips across Europe. To show his appreciation of their work, the company’s Managing Director Horst Bottenschein gave his employees free rein when it came to designing the ambience of the new bus.
This two-axle vehicle has the latest driver and safety assistance systems fitted, including Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC). The coach is powered by Daimler OM470 six-cylinder in-line engine rated at 315kW (428hp), coupled to a fully automated eight-speed GO 250-8 MPS manual transmission.
Bottenschein was founded in 1952 and has been a customer of the Ulm-based brand since the first Setra model was released. Today, the company offers premium, hiking, city, and wellness trips as well as gastro and adventure travel.
Meanwhile, with the arrival of an S516 HD, Christoph-Reisen has taken delivery of its fifth new Setra vehicle in five years. This four-star three-axle vehicle has 49 seats. Also powered by a Daimler OM470 engine, this coach uses the 335kW (456hp) high power output variant.
Christoph Ecke acquired his first Setra, an S517 HD, as Germany’s newest bus operator in 2018, and has gradually expanded his travel programme and built a business which offers customised student and group travel and rail replacement services.
To mark its 100th anniversary, Hanover-based Schörnig Reisen has purchased three ComfortClass S516 HD buses, expanding its fleet to a total of 16 luxury coaches. During its lifetime, the company has operated a total of 103 vehicles. The new 13-metre tri-axle vehicles are each equipped with 38 touring seats with embroidered seat numbers as well as adjustable comfort headrests and leg rests, and a seat pitch of one metre.
The three new Setra coaches will be used for trips to destinations including Morocco, Andalusia, and Lapland.
