This statement is echoed by the personal reasoning behind the decision of Jean-Sebastien Barrault, President of Groupe Lacroix, to purchase the premium S 517 HDH: “We are investing in the TopClass 500 to enable us to offer our private or local government customers a VIP standard of travel service. This also allows us to organise high-quality travel services through our travel agency. A touring coach like this contributes to the image of Lacroix and also motivates our employees, who are extremely proud of working in a company which deploys the Setra TopClass touring coach as its flagship vehicle.” As the largest independent private bus operator, Groupe Lacroix operates in the areas of school transport, a very important segment in France, as well as urban and rural regular service passenger transport and the tourist sector. For the past five years Lacroix has been expanding the public local transport routes in the Tunisian capital of Tunis. In addition, a subsidiary company has also recently been established to deal with the servicing and maintenance of bus stops.
S 517 HDH featuring exclusive equipment
A total of 26 options required by the customer were implemented in the new vehicle, which is fitted with the powerful 350 kW/476 hp Mercedes-Benz BlueEfficiencyPower in-line six-cylinder OM 471 engine and 8-speed automated GO 250-8 transmission. The customer options include the TopSky panoramic glass sunroof, 6-seat lounge seating layout in the rear and high-quality Voyage Plus seats featuring a Lacroix design incorporating the company logo. Further noteworthy features required by the discerning customer include seven additional safety systems: adaptive cruise control with additional stop-and-go function, Active Brake Assist (ABA2), Attention Assist (ATAS), Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) including acceleration skid control, an Eco Driver Feedback (EDF) driving style assist system and finally a Lane Assistant. This equipment helps to enhance the level of safety for travellers and the vehicle significantly beyond conventional levels. The vehicle is also still to be fitted with an extremely high-quality Funturo infotainment system, which will be installed by audio and video system specialist Tempé in Bonhomme near Colmar.
