Innovation for civil protection:
We are developing a Unimog prototype for the BBK
Innovative vehicle concepts emerge where experience, technical expertise and close collaboration come together. This is precisely what our current project demonstrates: we have developed a prototype based on a Mercedes-Benz Unimog for the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK).
With its exceptional off-road capability, the Unimog provides the ideal platform for operations in challenging terrain. Building on this, we have created a specially designed box body tailored to the requirements of civil protection. The result is a modern vehicle concept that supports emergency services where reliability and mobility are crucial.
Premiere at Interschutz 2026
The prototype made its public debut at Interschutz 2026 in Hanover. As the world’s leading trade fair for fire services, rescue services, civil protection and security, it provided the ideal setting to present our new vehicle to an international specialist audience for the first time.
Interest was high throughout the exhibition. Numerous visitors took the opportunity to view the vehicle up close and discuss the concept, the technical solutions and the potential areas of application with our team. The positive feedback has shown us that the demand for high-performance, all-terrain vehicle solutions for civil protection remains high.
A look behind the scenes
A project of this scale does not go unnoticed for long: over several weeks, Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) followed us as we developed the vehicle.
The cameras were there as initial ideas gradually gave rise to a fully operational prototype – from production and fitting out right through to test drives. The result is a feature that not only showcases the vehicle, but also the people who contributed their expertise and passion to its development.
The NDR Nordreportage was be broadcasted on 15 July 2026 at 6.15 pm. Here's the YouTube link:
Shaping the future of civil protection together
Projects such as this one demonstrate what sets us apart as WAS: we develop specialised vehicles that are consistently tailored to our customers’ requirements and the challenges of real-world operations. In doing so, we combine many years of experience with innovative solutions and a commitment to building vehicles that emergency services can rely on at all times. We are proud to be able to contribute to the further development of civil protection with this Unimog prototype – and we look forward to now introducing the vehicle and its development to a wider public.
WAS 500 Mercedes-Benz Unimog ambulances
The WAS 500 4x4 4-stretcher ambulance is a high-off-road-capability emergency vehicle for civil protection and disaster relief. Based on the Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5023, it enables the provision of medical care and the evacuation of up to four recumbent patients in hard-to-reach or devastated areas. With 4x4 drive, a wading depth of up to 1,200 mm, robust equipment and comprehensive medical technology, the vehicle is specifically designed for flood situations, natural disasters, forest fires and extreme terrain conditions.
Customised ambulances: built for the realities of your operations
Every location presents its own challenges. That is why, at WAS, we do not develop off-the-shelf vehicles, but rather bespoke ambulances that are precisely tailored to your requirements, your environment and your operational procedures. Whether in a city, the countryside or on an island – we deliver tailor-made solutions that make all the difference in an emergency.
Your contact person
Simone
Bergmann
Head of Marketing/Communications
![[Translate to English:] Simone Bergmann, Head of Marketing, WAS](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/1/csm_Simone_Bergmann_Head-of-Marketing_WAS_b2002fe1ff.webp "Simone Bergmann")