Latest news with #Westwell
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Westwell Unveils E-Truck S2 and Q-Truck at TOC Europe 2025
New electric and autonomous heavy-duty models deliver enhanced performance, comfort, and scalability—advancing Westwell's vision for intelligent, sustainable freight operations. ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Westwell returned to TOC Europe, held this year from June 17–19, where the truck maker debuted its next-generation E-Truck S2 and flagship autonomous Q-Truck, alongside its full-stack intelligent logistics solutions under the theme "AI YOUR LOGISTICS." The E-Truck S2 is a fully electric, upgradeable, autonomous-capable heavy-duty vehicle, developed entirely in-house by Westwell. Building on the success of its predecessor, the E-Truck S1—already in service at global hubs including Thailand's Laem Chabang Port, Peru's Chancay Port, and Pakistan's Karachi Port (SAPT)—the S2 addresses legacy pain points like vibration, noise, and emissions. Driver-centric features include an air-ride seat and a high-output overhead air conditioner, while a transmission-free design and centralized lubrication system cut down on maintenance complexity and cost. E-Truck S2 Delivers A New Level of Innovation and Performance: The advanced AI-VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) uses multi-modal AI algorithms to actively optimize performance, energy efficiency, and component longevity in real time—adapting to operating conditions, driving behavior, and system status to make the vehicle smarter with every mile. A wheel-side reduction axle paired with air suspension and a V-type thrust rod helps absorb impact from container loads and improves roll stability by 25%. A dual-action hydraulic lift system powered by PTO streamlines loading cycles for faster turnaround. The cab, measuring 1540×1550×1750mm, is designed for maximum space and ergonomic comfort. Outfitted with high-capacity 282kWh and 310kWh LFP battery options, the truck delivers over 16 hours of runtime on a single charge. The E-Truck S2 runs on Westwell's next-gen steer-by-wire chassis (2.0), which also powers the Qomolo autonomous platform—enabling a smooth path to driverless operation and future-ready scalability. Ainergy Strategy in Motion: Global-Scale Smart Logistics, Fully Integrated In alignment with Westwell's Ainergy Strategy—blending AI and energy innovation—the company introduced ReeWell, its all-scenario dispatch and coordination platform. ReeWell offers a fully integrated solution to help logistics operators evolve from siloed automation to a unified intelligent ecosystem. Also on display was the field-tested Q-Truck, a returning highlight of Westwell's TOC lineup. Built around a proprietary multi-task, multi-view perception engine with fused front sensing, Bird's Eye View (BEV), and Transformer-based decisioning, the Q-Truck delivers unmatched situational awareness and autonomous precision. Already deployed in full commercial use across several global ports, the Q-Truck is redefining what's possible in autonomous logistics. At the Port of Felixstowe in the UK, the first Q-Truck fleet now powers round-the-clock unmanned operations, fully integrated into the port's daily workflows. Meanwhile, CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal has scaled up with 12 additional Q-Trucks this year—advancing the site's end-to-end autonomous operations. These projects are now global benchmarks in autonomous port logistics, proving both efficiency gains and operational repeatability at scale. Speaking at the event, Westwell President Zhang Rong stated, "The future of logistics is smart, sustainable, and collaborative. AI is rearchitecting logistics infrastructure, and environmental responsibility is no longer optional. Across seaports, airports, and freight networks, we're seeing the rise of self-optimizing, sustainable systems that are reshaping the global supply chain." View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Westwell Sign in to access your portfolio
Cision Canada
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
Westwell Unveils E-Truck S2 and Q-Truck at TOC Europe 2025
New electric and autonomous heavy-duty models deliver enhanced performance, comfort, and scalability—advancing Westwell's vision for intelligent, sustainable freight operations. ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- Westwell returned to TOC Europe, held this year from June 17–19, where the truck maker debuted its next-generation E-Truck S2 and flagship autonomous Q-Truck, alongside its full-stack intelligent logistics solutions under the theme "AI YOUR LOGISTICS." The E-Truck S2 is a fully electric, upgradeable, autonomous-capable heavy-duty vehicle, developed entirely in-house by Westwell. Building on the success of its predecessor, the E-Truck S1—already in service at global hubs including Thailand's Laem Chabang Port, Peru's Chancay Port, and Pakistan's Karachi Port (SAPT)—the S2 addresses legacy pain points like vibration, noise, and emissions. Driver-centric features include an air-ride seat and a high-output overhead air conditioner, while a transmission-free design and centralized lubrication system cut down on maintenance complexity and cost. E-Truck S2 Delivers A New Level of Innovation and Performance: The advanced AI-VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) uses multi-modal AI algorithms to actively optimize performance, energy efficiency, and component longevity in real time—adapting to operating conditions, driving behavior, and system status to make the vehicle smarter with every mile. A wheel-side reduction axle paired with air suspension and a V-type thrust rod helps absorb impact from container loads and improves roll stability by 25%. A dual-action hydraulic lift system powered by PTO streamlines loading cycles for faster turnaround. The cab, measuring 1540×1550×1750mm, is designed for maximum space and ergonomic comfort. Outfitted with high-capacity 282kWh and 310kWh LFP battery options, the truck delivers over 16 hours of runtime on a single charge. The E-Truck S2 runs on Westwell's next-gen steer-by-wire chassis (2.0), which also powers the Qomolo autonomous platform—enabling a smooth path to driverless operation and future-ready scalability. Ainergy Strategy in Motion: Global-Scale Smart Logistics, Fully Integrated In alignment with Westwell's Ainergy Strategy—blending AI and energy innovation—the company introduced ReeWell, its all-scenario dispatch and coordination platform. ReeWell offers a fully integrated solution to help logistics operators evolve from siloed automation to a unified intelligent ecosystem. Also on display was the field-tested Q-Truck, a returning highlight of Westwell's TOC lineup. Built around a proprietary multi-task, multi-view perception engine with fused front sensing, Bird's Eye View (BEV), and Transformer-based decisioning, the Q-Truck delivers unmatched situational awareness and autonomous precision. Already deployed in full commercial use across several global ports, the Q-Truck is redefining what's possible in autonomous logistics. At the Port of Felixstowe in the UK, the first Q-Truck fleet now powers round-the-clock unmanned operations, fully integrated into the port's daily workflows. Meanwhile, CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal has scaled up with 12 additional Q-Trucks this year—advancing the site's end-to-end autonomous operations. These projects are now global benchmarks in autonomous port logistics, proving both efficiency gains and operational repeatability at scale. Speaking at the event, Westwell President Zhang Rong stated, "The future of logistics is smart, sustainable, and collaborative. AI is rearchitecting logistics infrastructure, and environmental responsibility is no longer optional. Across seaports, airports, and freight networks, we're seeing the rise of self-optimizing, sustainable systems that are reshaping the global supply chain."
The Independent
19-04-2025
- The Independent
‘Almost blind' motorist, 81, blamed fatal crash on pedestrian, coroner says
Elderly motorist Neil Pemberton is a 'prime example' of why eyesight self-certification for driving licences does not protect road users, a coroner has said. Pemberton, 81, was jailed for 32 months for causing the death of Peter Westwell, 80, by dangerous driving in Langho, near Blackburn, Lancashire, on March 17, 2022. The motorist, who was described as almost blind, had a long history of eye disease, had been warned by different clinicians not to drive and repeatedly failed to declare his sight deficit on multiple licence applications to the DVLA, the inquest into Mr Westwell's death heard. Despite this, when giving evidence to HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire Dr James Adeley, Mr Pemberton said he did not understand why he had pleaded guilty, that Mr Westwell had caused the collision by suddenly appearing in the road and that he had no eyesight problems. The hearing in Preston was told Mr Westwell had been seriously ill during the Covid epidemic, but had rebuilt his fitness and returned to his hobbies of hiking and salmon fishing. He had driven for most of his life without a traffic endorsement to his name, but due to difficulties with his own eyesight, he surrendered his licence to keep other road users safe. On the day of his death, he left home dressed in a bright red jacket for a walk on a clear day. As he crossed Whalley Road, he was struck by Pemberton travelling in his Honda Jazz at 48mph in a 30mph limit and was thrown into the air and died from spinal column and chest injuries. In March 2013, Neil Pemberton was told by a consultant ophthalmologist at Royal Blackburn Hospital that he should not drive and this was recorded in the medical records. Six months later, a specialist registrar in ophthalmology recorded telling him not to drive due to sight deficit in both eyes, although Pemberton told the medic he was not driving anyway. Pemberton failed sight tests at a routine optician's appointment in March 2016 but again stated he was a non-driver. He went on to self-certify that his eyesight was sufficient for him to drive in licence applications to the DVLA in 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2020. An expert optometrist told the inquest that Pemberton's vision was 'extremely poor' to the extent that it was 'not far off the level required to be registered blind'. Police told the inquest that had Pemberton been able to see Mr Westwell, even at the speed he was travelling, the collision would have been avoided by braking and steering. Giving evidence at the inquest, Pemberton also claimed he had never misrepresented his sight difficulties to the DVLA and that he had never been informed by a medical professional that he was unfit to drive. He also said he was only travelling at 30mph at the time of the collision. At the request of his solicitors, Pemberton was assessed by a forensic psychiatrist before he gave evidence to assess if he was suffering from dementia but no signs were found although he had mild cognitive impairment but this did not affect his memory. HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire Dr James Adeley said: 'I conclude that Neil Pemberton shows no understanding of his responsibility for the collision causing Peter Westwell's death and for which he was entirely responsible. 'Furthermore, Neil Pemberton appears capable of believing events contradicted by dash-cam footage and optometrist assessment, and is a prime example as to why self-certification for driving licences does not protect the lives of those on UK roads.' Following the inquest, the family of Mr Westwell said Pemberton had been 'repeatedly told by medical professionals for well over a decade that his eyesight was not good enough to drive'. 'He chose not to listen to this advice and continued to drive. He lied to doctors, he lied to the DVLA. 'During this inquest, he has also lied to the coroner and tried to put blame for Peter's death on Peter himself. 'Ironically, Peter had reluctantly accepted that his own driving days were over after being persuaded by family members that this was the right thing to do due to his age and some medical conditions. 'Peter was a much-loved brother, dad, granddad, father-in-law, uncle and friend. He is missed every day. The way he died was shocking, unnecessary and totally preventable. 'We have heard during this inquest of systematic failings that allow drivers with deficient eyesight to continue to drive by simply lying to the DVLA. 'We have heard statements from various independent experts that suggest that the problem of driving with substandard eyesight is much worse than what the authorities would like you to believe. It is evident that changes need to be made to the systems that allowed this to happen. 'We strongly urge the DVLA and the relevant bodies to do something urgently to address this matter. 'We also urge all drivers to take regular eyesight tests and follow any advice given, otherwise sadly further fatalities will inevitably happen. 'It could be your partner, parent or child.'
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
‘Almost blind' killer driver shows no understanding of responsibility
Killer motorist Neil Pemberton was a 'prime example' of why eyesight self-certification for driving licences does not protect road users, a coroner has said. Pemberton, 81, was jailed for 32 months for causing the death of Peter Westwell, 80, by dangerous driving in Langho, near Blackburn, Lancashire, on March 17 2022. Pemberton, described as almost blind, had a long history of eye disease and was informed on several occasions by different clinicians that he should not drive, the inquest of Mr Westwell heard. He also repeatedly failed to declare his sight deficit on multiple licence applications to the DVLA. However, when giving evidence to HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire Dr James Adeley, Pemberton said he did not understand why he had pleaded guilty, that Mr Westwell had caused the collision by suddenly appearing in the road and that he had no eyesight problems. The hearing in Preston was told Mr Westwell had been seriously ill during the Covid epidemic but had rebuilt his fitness and returned to his hobbies of hiking and salmon fishing. He had driven for most of his life without a traffic endorsement to his name but due to difficulties with his own eyesight he surrendered his licence to keep other road users safe. On the day of his death he left home dressed in a bright red jacket for a walk on a clear day. As he crossed Whalley Road he was struck by Pemberton travelling in his Honda Jazz at 48mph in a 30mph limit and was thrown into the air and died from spinal column and chest injuries. In March 2013 Neil Pemberton was told by a consultant ophthalmologist at Royal Blackburn Hospital that he should not drive and this was recorded in the medical records. Six months later a specialist registrar in ophthalmology recorded telling him not to drive due to sight deficit in both eyes, although Pemberton told the medic he was not driving anyway. Pemberton failed sight tests at a routine optician's appointment in March 2016 but again stated he was a non-driver. He went on to self-certify that his eyesight was sufficient for him to drive in licence applications to the DVLA in 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2020. An expert optometrist told the inquest that Pemberton's vision was 'extremely poor' to the extent that it was 'not far off the level required to be registered blind'. Police told the inquest that had Pemberton been able to see Mr Westwell, even at the speed he was travelling, the collision would have been avoided by braking and steering. Giving evidence at the inquest, Pemberton also claimed he had never misrepresented his sight difficulties to the DVLA and that he had never been informed by a medical professional that he was unfit to drive. He also said he was only travelling at 30mph at the time of the collision. At the request of his solicitors, Pemberton was assessed by a forensic psychiatrist before he gave evidence to assess if he was suffering from dementia but no signs were found although he had mild cognitive impairment but this did not affect his memory. HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire Dr James Adeley said: 'I conclude that Neil Pemberton shows no understanding of his responsibility for the collision causing Peter Westwell's death and for which he was entirely responsible. 'Furthermore, Neil Pemberton appears capable of believing events contradicted by dash-cam footage and optometrist assessment, and is a prime example as to why self-certification for driving licences does not protect the lives of those on UK roads.' Following the inquest, the family of Mr Westwell said: 'He (Pemberton) had been repeatedly told by medical professionals for well over a decade that his eyesight was not good enough to drive. 'He chose not to listen to this advice and continued to drive. 'He lied to doctors, he lied to the DVLA. 'During this inquest he has also lied to the coroner and tried to put blame for Peter's death on Peter himself. 'Ironically, Peter had reluctantly accepted that his own driving days were over after being persuaded by family members that this was the right thing to do due to his age and some medical conditions. 'Peter was a much loved brother, dad, granddad, father-in-law, uncle and friend. 'He is missed every day. The way he died was shocking, unnecessary and totally preventable. 'We have heard during this inquest of systematic failings that allow drivers with deficient eyesight to continue to drive by simply lying to the DVLA. 'We have heard statements from various independent experts that suggest that the problem of driving with substandard eyesight is much worse than what the authorities would like you to believe. 'It is evident that changes need to be made to the systems that allowed this to happen. 'We strongly urge the DVLA and the relevant bodies to do something urgently to address this matter. 'We also urge all drivers to take regular eyesight tests and follow any advice given, otherwise sadly further fatalities will inevitably happen. 'It could be your partner, parent or child.'
The Independent
17-04-2025
- The Independent
‘Almost blind' killer driver shows no understanding of responsibility
Killer motorist Neil Pemberton was a 'prime example' of why eyesight self-certification for driving licences does not protect road users, a coroner has said. Pemberton, 81, was jailed for 32 months for causing the death of Peter Westwell, 80, by dangerous driving in Langho, near Blackburn, Lancashire, on March 17 2022. Pemberton, described as almost blind, had a long history of eye disease and was informed on several occasions by different clinicians that he should not drive, the inquest of Mr Westwell heard. He also repeatedly failed to declare his sight deficit on multiple licence applications to the DVLA. However, when giving evidence to HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire Dr James Adeley, Pemberton said he did not understand why he had pleaded guilty, that Mr Westwell had caused the collision by suddenly appearing in the road and that he had no eyesight problems. The hearing in Preston was told Mr Westwell had been seriously ill during the Covid epidemic but had rebuilt his fitness and returned to his hobbies of hiking and salmon fishing. He had driven for most of his life without a traffic endorsement to his name but due to difficulties with his own eyesight he surrendered his licence to keep other road users safe. On the day of his death he left home dressed in a bright red jacket for a walk on a clear day. As he crossed Whalley Road he was struck by Pemberton travelling in his Honda Jazz at 48mph in a 30mph limit and was thrown into the air and died from spinal column and chest injuries. In March 2013 Neil Pemberton was told by a consultant ophthalmologist at Royal Blackburn Hospital that he should not drive and this was recorded in the medical records. Six months later a specialist registrar in ophthalmology recorded telling him not to drive due to sight deficit in both eyes, although Pemberton told the medic he was not driving anyway. Pemberton failed sight tests at a routine optician's appointment in March 2016 but again stated he was a non-driver. He went on to self-certify that his eyesight was sufficient for him to drive in licence applications to the DVLA in 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2020. An expert optometrist told the inquest that Pemberton's vision was 'extremely poor' to the extent that it was 'not far off the level required to be registered blind'. Police told the inquest that had Pemberton been able to see Mr Westwell, even at the speed he was travelling, the collision would have been avoided by braking and steering. Giving evidence at the inquest, Pemberton also claimed he had never misrepresented his sight difficulties to the DVLA and that he had never been informed by a medical professional that he was unfit to drive. He also said he was only travelling at 30mph at the time of the collision. At the request of his solicitors, Pemberton was assessed by a forensic psychiatrist before he gave evidence to assess if he was suffering from dementia but no signs were found although he had mild cognitive impairment but this did not affect his memory. HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire Dr James Adeley said: 'I conclude that Neil Pemberton shows no understanding of his responsibility for the collision causing Peter Westwell's death and for which he was entirely responsible. 'Furthermore, Neil Pemberton appears capable of believing events contradicted by dash-cam footage and optometrist assessment, and is a prime example as to why self-certification for driving licences does not protect the lives of those on UK roads.' Following the inquest, the family of Mr Westwell said: 'He (Pemberton) had been repeatedly told by medical professionals for well over a decade that his eyesight was not good enough to drive. 'He chose not to listen to this advice and continued to drive. 'He lied to doctors, he lied to the DVLA. 'During this inquest he has also lied to the coroner and tried to put blame for Peter's death on Peter himself. 'Ironically, Peter had reluctantly accepted that his own driving days were over after being persuaded by family members that this was the right thing to do due to his age and some medical conditions. 'Peter was a much loved brother, dad, granddad, father-in-law, uncle and friend. 'He is missed every day. The way he died was shocking, unnecessary and totally preventable. 'We have heard during this inquest of systematic failings that allow drivers with deficient eyesight to continue to drive by simply lying to the DVLA. 'We have heard statements from various independent experts that suggest that the problem of driving with substandard eyesight is much worse than what the authorities would like you to believe. 'It is evident that changes need to be made to the systems that allowed this to happen. 'We strongly urge the DVLA and the relevant bodies to do something urgently to address this matter. 'We also urge all drivers to take regular eyesight tests and follow any advice given, otherwise sadly further fatalities will inevitably happen. 'It could be your partner, parent or child.'
