Setra
is a Neu-Ulm Germany-based manufacturer of commercial buses and touring coaches, which has been a
Daimler AG since 1995.
The name "Setra" comes from "Selbsttragend" (self supporting). This refers to the integral nature of the construction of the vehicles back in the 1950s when competitor vehicles still featured a separate chassis and body (often manufactured by separate companies). It is also possible that, with an eye to export markets, the company was mindful that for non-German speakers, the name "Kässbohrer" is difficult to pronounce. Until 1995 the firm operated under the name Kässbohrer-Setra, but in that year economic difficulties enforced its sale to DaimlerBenz (between 1998 and 2008 known, especially in the US, by the name of its holding company DaimlerChrysler). Since 1995, Setra has been a member of the Daimler Benz subsidiary, EvoBus GmbH.
The North American distribution for Setra by Daimler is set to be partnered and taken over by Motor Coach Industries on April 25, 2012 as Daimler restructures its North American bus operations in 2013.