DES PLAINES, Ill. – Motor Coach Industries is celebrating its fifth anniversary as distributor of the Setra S 417 and Setra S 407 European motorcoaches.
In 2012, MCI developed plans with Daimler Buses to put more Setra coaches on U.S. and Canadian roads. The agreement also brought European luxury and German engineering to MCI’s portfolio and gave an important boost to the company’s multi-brand parts and service business.
To celebrate the milestone, MCI is offering a new low price on 2017 Setra S 407 coaches designed and equipped specifically for the contract shuttle market.
The new S 407s include optional front and rear bumpers that sport the same sleek, German-engineered design and taillights as the high-end S 417. It’s a fresh look that gives operators yet another way to differentiate themselves from the local competition — and maybe even attract those inbound European customers who recognize Setra as their continent’s premium brand.
Michael McLean, area vice president at Compass Transportation of San Francisco, is a Setra believer. A Transdev affiliate, Compass specializes in airport employee transit, university shuttles, student busing and Bay Area group charters. Compass purchased nine 2016 Setra S 407s.
“I like the look and simplicity of the S 407 – it has the workhorse performance of an MCI but the class of a Setra,” McLean said. “We specifically use it for our Amtrak Thruway service serving the San Francisco peninsula. We carry commuter passengers and train travelers from both Chicago and Seattle, and they appreciate the luxury.”
The company decided on Setra when it was replacing older models on that service.
“The ‘simple’ Setra was a nice replacement to a very tired fleet,” McLean said, adding that access to MCI parts, service and training are now one of the most attractive features of the Setra purchase decision.
“MCI’s training is broad and covers basic to complex repairs and systems. This is good for us, as our techs vary in skill set and ability,” he said. “These days, it’s not just the coach – it’s the service and training organization that can keep your machinery earning on the road.”
The S 407s are now available with the Setra-exclusive Voyage and Voyage Plus seats, offering a more upscale look that rounds out an ample range of options. Voyage seats are ergonomically designed for long-haul comfort. Optional tray tables bring an extra bit of elegance to the coach experience.
The S 407’s interior fabrics have been redesigned as well, delivering an upgraded look that extends to the parcel racks, sidewalls and lavatory. Operators can choose from several colors and seating materials including elegant, durable composition leather.
The “Vincent” line offers a direct color match to the previous Dralon fabrics — a bonus for operators who already have Setras in their fleets. Other options include wood-grain flooring and entryway covering. A Bosch Proline entertainment system completes the passenger experience, along with dual 110-volt outlets and USB ports at each seat.
Setra S 407 coaches also offer heated windshields; electronically controlled blinds and side shades; Knorr braking; variable ratio power steering; optimal axle ratio; cruise control; automatic traction control; full coach lift and lowering; and quick-recover kneeling.
Safety features include SmartWave® tire-pressure monitoring and a fire-detection system. Exterior lighting includes halogen headlights, LEDs, daytime running lights and fog, cornering and docking lights.
