Daimler brand Setra attains record market share of buses in Turkey

Mumbai: Setra Buses, a Daimler AG brand, has sold more thsn 100 units in Turkey in this calendar year. The 2008 sales will increase the German company's market share of buses to a record-setting ten per cent from its average six per cent market share of the last few years in Turkey.

Daimler stated that, the unit sales figure includes 30 double-decker S 431 DT touring coaches. This 13.9m long coach with 78 seats in a four-star layout is a cost-effective alternative for many operators in view of high diesel fuel prices.

Setra Buses has sold more than 450 units in Turkey since the market launch of the TopClass 400 premium model series in 2002. The top-selling model on the Turkish market is the three-axle Setra S 417 HDH, which despite fierce competition from local competitors has won over customers with its technical robustness, diverse safety features, and outstanding passenger comfort.

Meanwhile, Daimler has introduced the Setra ComfortClass 400 buses in Turkey. The new series has already recieved purchase orders from local private bus company Varan Turizm Seyahat AS.The ComfortClass 400 series will be used mostly for long-distance journeys in Turkey.

Setra buses have been running across the length and breadth of Turkey for almost 24 years. Its major customers in Turkey include Metro in Istanbul, Özkaymak in Konya, Kamil Koc in Bursa, and Pamukkale in Izmir.