OREANDA-NEWS. The Setra TopClass 500 has received the "Red Dot Award Product Design 2014". The award is a globally recognised seal of quality. Mathias Lenz, Head of Design at Daimler Buses, is proud that Setra is once again among the winners of the internationally renowned Red Dot product competition just a year after receiving an award for the Setra ComfortClass 500: "The accolade is impressive testimony to our work. With the TopClass 500 the Setra brand transforms its tradition and its passion of seeing people at the heart of its developments into a new balance of elegant, emotive appearance and maximum product quality."

It was a view shared by the jury made up of a panel of international specialists which closely scrutinized the Setra TopClass 500 alongside a host of other design products from over 53 countries. The justification for the award highlighted the following: "This touring coach exudes comfort and elegance as part of its overall appearance. This impression is continued in the interior thanks to the high-quality equipment and appointments."

Prof. Dr. Peter Zec, initiator of the competition, underlines the award's importance: "The 40 experts took the job of scrutinizing the quality of the products submitted very seriously, demonstrating dedication throughout. The jury only singles out the best products for an award."

The Setra TopClass 500 celebrated its world premiere last autumn and went into series production in spring 2014. With the superlative touring coaches the brand is showcasing a new touring sensation that combines luxury and functionality at the highest level. In the interior, passengers enjoy a very special touring experience on relaxing seats, under the broad optionally available TopSky panoramic glass sunroof with homogeneous air conditioning and a new lighting concept. Under the bonnet of the new vehicles an efficient Mercedes-Benz BlueEfficiency Power six-cylinder inline engine OM 471 with Euro VI emissions standard protects the environment and reduces the total cost of ownership for coach operators.

In short, the Setra flagships of the TopClass 500 boast elegance and dynamism while combining the ultimate in equipment and appointments with the outstanding fuel-efficiency characteristics of the 500 series.

The official prize-giving ceremony to the Setra brand will be held on 7 July 2014 as part of a gala ceremony attended by over a thousand guests in the Aalto Theatre in Essen. The Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen created one of the world's most prestigious competitions with the Red Dot Design Award. Its award, the Red Dot, is regarded around the world as one of the most coveted seals of quality for outstanding design.