Demand for armoured vehicles skyrockets in South Africa

In response to growing crime rates in South Africa, the demand for armoured vehicles in the country has skyrocketed.

Speaking with the Sunday Times, Armoured Mobility’s Marketing Manager, Yusuf Moolla, said the company received over 100 orders in 2023.

The company’s clients include private individuals, businesses, and government entities — all of whom were responding to a surge in organised crime and kidnappings.

Moolla said two of the most popular armour types are B4 and B6.

• B4 comprises Kevlar-reinforced ballistic glass and protects against handguns, rocks, and smash-and-grab threats.
• B6 is reinforced by ballistic steel and ballistic glass, and can withstand AK47s, R1s, and sniper rifles.

B4 pricing is between R479,900 and R849,900 depending on your vehicle, while B6 protection ranges from R499,900 to R1.55 million for multi-purpose vehicles like the Mercedes V-Class.

“More individuals are looking at purchasing B4 armour for themselves and their families to travel in safety, while businesses, government, and security services are fortifying their fleets with B6 armouring solutions to give them the best advantage against criminality,” said Moolla.

Another armour vehicle company, MMI Armoured Cars, said it is aware of over 40 instances where its clients have been attacked – and protected by their armour vehicles.

“As long as crime continues unabated, as it has [done], the demand will naturally increase. The prevalence of armoured cars has increased substantially in the last six years.”

Armormax MD Grant Anderson added that criminals are getting more brazen — which is why there is more demand for armoured vehicles.

“We see a far higher incidence of assailants pulling the trigger when they commit crimes,” said Anderson.

“We have a far higher incidence of our vehicles being attacked.”

Industry growth

Companies like Armormax, Armoured Mobility, and SVI Engineering offer protection for a wide range of vehicles in South Africa.

TopAuto recently asked these companies which vehicles they can armour while retaining their factory warranty.

Armormax said it has either full endorsement, approval, or acknowledgement as a reputable armourer, from the following companies:

• Audi
• BMW Group
• Haval/GWM
• Jaguar Land Rover
• Nissan

Armoured Mobility had one product that came with an OEM-backed warranty — the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max.

SVI Engineering offered OEM certification from three major manufacturers — Ford, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Toyota.

Most recently, SVI launched armoured versions of the new Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux Single Cab — both of which can be bought directly from Ford dealers.

All of these companies can work with several other brands, but do not have agreements that will keep your warranty intact.