The history of WAS – progress and innovation in special-purpose vehicle construction - Wietmarscher Ambulanz- und Sonderfahrzeug GmbH

20
24

Ground-breaking ceremony for the joint venture EMS Panels GmbH

The groundbreaking ceremony for the production hall of the joint venture EMS Panels GmbH, a 4,500-square-metre facility of WAS and Dülmer

GEWA-Fahrzeugbau
becomes WAS subsidiary

WAS is taking over the Essen-based company GEWA Fahrzeugbau on 1 January 2024 and integrating its special-purpose vehicle construction business under one roof. Both companies will remain independent, but will benefit from shared synergies and new marketing opportunities.

20
23

Innovation
WAS ambulance table

Another innovation – the WAS ambulance table WAS Hydro Universal – is launched on the market.

Awarded
ECOVADIS

We have been awarded the ECOVADIS silver medal for the first time.

20
22

The e-ambulance is going
into series production.

In various cities, the E-RTW with box body has been tested under real-life conditions by rescue organisations and emergency services. The result: E-mobility from WAS is ready for series production in the emergency services!

The company's move
to Emsbüren

In over 30 years of company history, not only the order book has grown, but consequently also the space required for the processing of orders. The solution is the relocation of the headquarters, including production, administration and warehousing, from Wietmarschen to Emsbüren.

20
21

WAS becomes part of
the LUEG Gruppe

With the merger, WAS will retain its independence while gaining an experienced shareholder from the automotive industry to continue the successfully initiated realignment.

20
20

WAS 500 case KTW

Now patient transport also benefits from the advantages of a basic vehicle with a box body. More space in the patient compartment, less weight, lower fuel consumption and lower life cycle costs – and it can be driven with a class B driving licence.

20
19

E-ambulance

WAS surprises trade fair audiences at home and abroad with a concept for an e-ambulance – with success: the following year, Dubai and Vietnam order the first e-ambulances for prestigious events.

20
18

New security features

At RETTmobil, WAS is presenting new safety features. These include penetration-resistant windows, wheel nut labelling, patient compartment and reversing view in the mirror monitor, and integrated camera monitoring with the WAS PanicAid safety feature.

20
17

Driver safety training

Organised by WAS, the driver safety training is going into series production after being awarded for the first time as a prize for a photo campaign.

Customer magazine Safety First

The first issue of the WAS customer magazine ‘Safety First’ is published to coincide with RETTmobil and is so well received by customers and partners that from now on a new issue will be published annually.

WAS Service in the UAE

The proven WAS ambulance service and repairs for all makes and models are now also available in the United Arab Emirates.

20
14

Assist systems

The WAS Assist Systems – WAS Door Assist, for quiet closing of all doors, and the WAS Multi-Load Assist loading system make loading the vehicle safer and more relaxed for both patients and rescuers.

The 25.000th WAS vehicle

The 25.000th vehicle will be completed in Wietmarschen at the beginning of the year. The ambulance with a box-type van body is making a big impression at the RETTmobil trade fair with a pioneering vehicle concept.

20
12

Service plus

WAS offers maintenance modules that get vehicles back on the road in 48 hours – from testing and measuring all of the technology to full-service maintenance management. All made possible by one of the largest service units in the industry.

20
10

Approved by the highest authority

WAS has received the first and only type approval for ambulance vehicles in Germany. This means that an ambulance vehicle from WAS has been approved by the highest authority in Germany in accordance with EU Directive 2007/46/EC. Annual inspections by the Federal Motor Transport Authority ensure continued compliance with the guidelines.

20
05

forward roll

Another step forward: the case frames made using the WAS-VacuTherm® process pass the first rollover test ever for cases. Certification according to DIN 13500/ECE R66 is a first and further proof of the stability and safety of our developments.

20
04

Security across Europe

The enthusiasm for the quality from Wietmarschen is matched only by the growing demands for safety in WAS special vehicles. WAS is enjoying international recognition – confirmed by independent institutes such as VCA England, UTAC France and TÜV Rheinland in Germany.

20
03

More light

Safety on the roads is increasing – thanks to bright LED lights for warning systems. Presented for the first time in ambulance vehicles in Wietmarschen. Now a standard feature in the mass-produced vehicles of well-known car manufacturers.

20
01

A suitcase for the rescue services

On the basis of aircraft construction technologies, WAS is launching the first box body for emergency vehicles – using a specially developed process called WAS VacuTherm®. The result: a box body that meets the highest safety standards in Europe.

20
00

Crash tests for all

WAS is the only German manufacturer to subject its entire range of vehicles to crash tests in accordance with DIN EN 1789. The testing of all models gives occupants the greatest possible protection in the event of an accident – and customers the certainty of relying on the highest quality and safety.

19
97

Quality with a system

WAS has introduced a quality management system in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001. The certified criteria ensure that WAS special-purpose vehicles, as well as the advice, planning, design, etc. that goes into them, are of the highest and most consistent quality. They help to ensure that WAS maintains its position as a Europe-wide market leader for special-purpose vehicles in the long term.

19
94

The stable supine position

WAS develops an ambulance table with hydraulic suspension that automatically adjusts to the weight of the patient being transported. From now on, injured and sick people in a WAS special-purpose vehicle will be spared the bumps in the road – on any surface, at any speed.

19
91

The germ-free interior

WAS makes rescuers strong – in terms of hygiene too. In close collaboration with furniture experts, the first ambulance vehicles are being built in Wietmarschen with an interior whose furnishings are waterproof and resistant to disinfectants.