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New THW vehicle in Eschweiler: technological miracle for emergency services!
THW Eschweiler emergency services receive a new Mercedes-Benz Atego 1530, manufactured by Binz, to strengthen emergency response.
New THW vehicle in Eschweiler: technological miracle for emergency services!
The end of November 2025 was a big day for the THW Eschweiler emergency services. You received a new vehicle that will serve for many years. The new Mercedes-Benz Atego 1530 replaces a 24-year-old Magirus equipment vehicle that has now been retired. The handover location was Plauen in Saxony, where nine other local associations from North Rhine-Westphalia also received their new equipment vehicle (GKW). This exchange is part of a nationwide initiative to modernize the THW vehicle fleet, as Filmpost reports.
“A new flagship,” you could say, for the helpers. The Atego is powered by a powerful 299 hp Euro 6 diesel engine and offers great performance with its eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle reaches a maximum speed of 90 km/h and offers enough space for the crew: The driver's cab has space for the driver and the group leader, while the crew cab is designed for up to seven emergency services.
Technical finesse and equipment
Technically, the Atego has a lot to offer. With dimensions of 2.55 m wide, 8.10 m long and 3.23 m high, it is a true space miracle. Particularly noteworthy is the large legroom of 70 cm that is guaranteed in the crew cabin - this is not an everyday occurrence. In addition to numerous holders for helmets, USB and 12 V charging sockets, charging cradle for hand-held radios are also installed, which provide crucial support in crisis situations.
A highlight is the newly integrated hygiene board, which is equipped with a hand washing station, towel, soap and disinfectant dispenser. This means that hygiene is ensured even in difficult times. The pull-out aluminum compartments in the equipment case offer sufficient space for equipment. And the integrated cable winch with a pulling force of up to ten tons is another powerhouse that is useful in various application scenarios.
A return journey full of responsibility
After a five-hour briefing, the drivers Arnold Willecke and Erwin Emmerich set off on the 580 km return journey to Eschweiler. Already on the return journey they came into a real emergency situation: They secured an accident on the motorway near Neuwied. An impressive example of how quickly you have to react in the THW and how important well-equipped vehicles are in such moments.
When they arrived in Eschweiler around 10 p.m., they were warmly welcomed by numerous interested helpers. This new vehicle will not only significantly improve THW Eschweiler's equipment, but also increase its ability to provide quick and effective assistance. The new price for the GKW without special equipment is around 280,000 euros and is therefore a sensible investment in the safety and protection of the civilian population, as MB Passion explains.
The THW has focused on strengthening civil defense structures through modern and powerful operational resources. The new GKW is a prime example of this strategy and offers important application options in the event of building collapses, floods, fires and large-scale damage events. This shows that the THW is well equipped to provide help efficiently and quickly in the future.