[IMAGE]U-of-Maryland-Front-View-2.jpg[/IMAGE]The University of Maryland's Department of Transportation (UMD) purchased five Setra TopClass S 417 motorcoaches from Daimler Buses North America. These replaced the Setra motorcoaches that have been in the university's fleet since 2003 and were delivered in June.

"We started offering motorcoach service to our students and staff in 2003, and immediately, the Setra coaches captured attention and demand," said David Davitaia, senior associate director at the UMD. "We have been very pleased with the design, reliability and dependability of the Setra brand. Our eight years of experience with the fleet confirmed our decision to replace our aging fleet with the new Setra TopClass S 417, this time with a newer, bolder exterior graphics design."

With the Maryland Terp as a focal point, the exterior livery combines the familiar university flag with the fierce mascot looking down on passing traffic.

Inside, the Setra S 417 TC offers 56 Setra exclusive seats, with seatbelts, in a black and red color scheme. The coach is equipped with Wi-Fi and offers electrical outlets throughout the interior that provide power for electronic devices, as well as a Bosch entertainment system that provides six, 19-inch monitors throughout the cabin.

[IMAGE]U-of-Maryland-Interior-II-2.jpg[/IMAGE]The 2011 Setra TopClass S 417 motorcoaches are powered by a Mercedes-Benz BlueTec engine that meets the 2010 EPA emission standards. This provides a significant reduction of particulate matter and NOx gases from the tailpipe, not to mention an improvement in fuel economy.

The BlueTec system by Mercedes-Benz is a one-box configuration that combines the diesel oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter and SCR catalyst into one component. This cleaner diesel initiative is used in Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses worldwide.

"There is no better university to partner with than the University of Maryland, and we were pleased of their decision to return to Setra for a fleet replacement," said Patrick Scully, chief commercial officer for Daimler Buses North America. "Setra motorcoaches are unlike any coach on the market today, and we stand behind our product to deliver only the best service and value."