The launch marks the latest addition to Armormax’s growing fleet of discreetly armoured luxury vehicles and is the first G45-shape X3 to be armoured in South Africa – a milestone for both BMW enthusiasts and safety-conscious families alike.

South Africa’s Favourite BMW, Reinforced

The BMW X3 has long been one of BMW South Africa’s top-selling models, praised for its balance of performance, versatility, and premium comfort. With the arrival of the new G45 platform, BMW has leaned further into a bold, confident design language – making it the ideal foundation for an Armormax armouring package that is both subtle and substantial.

This lightweight B4 build retains the X3’s core identity- dynamic, responsive, unmistakably BMW- while adding full protection against handgun threats up to .44 Magnum, without affecting the vehicle’s performance or handling.

Behind the Build: Function Meets Freedom

At just under 180 kg of additional weight, the Armormax B4 package features:

Patented synthetic armour integrated into all doors and panels, including the roof and sunroof.

Premium ballistic glass that maintains visibility, clarity, and security that replaces all OEM glass.

Run-flat tyre upgrades for continued mobility for models not already fitted with run-flat tyres.

A Push To Talk intercom system.

Operable front windows.

Discreet finish — no external clues that the vehicle is armoured.

The result? A vehicle that looks and drives like a BMW- because it still is one – but offers peace of mind in every kilometre. The added weight comes in just shy of 180kg, making any changes to driving dynamics indiscernible.

Living Unrestricted in South Africa

“This X3 isn’t just another project,” says Michael Broom, Sales and Marketing Manager at Armormax. “It’s a statement. South Africans deserve to drive what they love- safely, confidently, without compromise. We believe in enabling a lifestyle where protection doesn’t mean limitation. We have already completed four of these vehicles for clients with more orders in the pipeline. We expect it will become a very popular option.”

From the school run to Sandton traffic, long-distance travel to game farm weekends, this new BMW X3 B4 reflects Armormax’s mission to make safety seamless – so clients can get on with living.

Built in South Africa. Backed by Global Standards.

As with all Armormax conversions, the BMW X3 G45 armouring is done locally at our Johannesburg facility to international standards, with full after-sales support. This means faster turnaround, lower maintenance costs, and peace of mind- supported by the armouring partner for most luxury vehicle brands in the country. All armouring components and workmanship are further supported by a 3 Year Armormax Warranty.

Now Available for Order

The BMW X3 G45 B4 Package is available on a made-to-order basis, tailored to each client’s needs. Delivery timeframes vary depending on base model availability and specification preferences. The cost of the total package is R878 000 including VAT.

To find out more or begin the order process, visit www.armormax.co.za or contact Michael Broom directly.

Any enquiries can be directed to:

Michael Broom

Michael@armormax.co.za

011 462 6079

084 325 2744

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The brief was for a patrol and intercept vehicle that is capable of withstanding fire from assault rifles from multiple assailants in non-permissible terrain. The vehicle had to be able to handle difficult off-road situations, cope with additional weight of equipment and be equipped to provide operators with maximum visibility for night operations. The vehicle must also be as discreet as possible and not illustrate that it is a patrol/security/armoured vehicle in anyway, while remaining robust and capable of long-term reliability.

The requirement for a discreet armoured vehicle usually requires that the vehicle is not visibly armoured from the outside. The Armormax approach though means that it must not be intrusive to any of the vehicle functions, dynamics or aesthetics as far as is reasonably practical, both on the exterior and interior. This involves the use of lightweight armouring solutions, OEM-fit ballistic glass and the retention of all original OEM panels and surfaces. The requirement for a robust vehicle capable of permanently operating in non-permissible terrain while ensuring long-term reliability often contradicts the design of a discreet armoured vehicle. The challenge with this bespoke design was to integrate both approaches to vehicle armour, whilst not diluting the strengths or nature of either approach. Our dedication to lightweight solutions has meant that the total weight of the conversion and all accessories comes in at a minimal 519 kg.

Armour specifications:

For the opaque armour fitted to the vehicle, a combination of Ramor and Armox ballistic steel sourced internationally was used for all internal areas and surfaces including the doors, pillars, firewalls, front fenders, headers and full-side overlaps. These provide B6 level protection. Importantly, no structural mounting points or load-bearing chassis elements are altered or moved in the armouring process. Floor and roof armour are made up of lightweight composite materials in line with B6 EN 1036 levels of defeat. The fuel tank is coated and sealed with Armorcote, which allows for self-sealing in the instance of penetration or damage. The battery and ECU are protected with lightweight composite material.

The B6 ballistic windscreen from Optima is an OEM-fit screen that does not appear cosmetically different to a standard windscreen. Side windows are a custom design fitted with Phoenix B6 ballistic glass integrated into a bolt-on/bolt-off frame made of ballistic steel. This option was chosen so that any maintenance required to the door internals can be carried out with ease. The standard OEM windows are retained, but are inoperable, to maintain the standard OEM appearance of the vehicle. The rear window is a custom design fitted with Phoenix B6 ballistic glass, bolted to a ballistic steel frame on a quick-release system that can be used as an escape hatch in the event of an emergency. This was chosen over the use of a roof-based escape system in the case of vehicle rollover, as the rear hatch can be used no matter the position of the rested vehicle.

The two rear doors and front passenger door have been fitted with bespoke sliding gun ports capable of accommodating the muzzle of any assault firearm and have been ergonomically positioned for an operator to comfortably discharge a weapon from inside the vehicle. These were chosen over the traditional glass-mounted round ports to keep the vehicle as discreet as possible.

Visibility:

Considering the nature of the environments these vehicles will likely operate in; due consideration was given to all possible situations that may be encountered by the operators. The following was fitted to the vehicle:

• High-powered LED light bars, mounted to a premium roof rack for the sides and rear of the vehicle, in instances where discretion is not required. This illuminates a large area around the vehicle.
• High-powered rotating spotlight mounted to the front of the roof rack at an elevated position. This spotlight is operated via a portable remote control that can be used inside or outside the vehicle and is capable of 360 degree movement to light up any specific area. It can be moved horizontally and vertically.
• White strobe lights that are hidden in the front grille and in the taillights of the vehicle where situations require a visible warning signal.
• Roof-mounted infra-red camera that can distinguish individuals from surroundings and is linked to a tablet mounted inside the vehicle. This is perfect for situations where the vehicle must not be detected, or where potential threats are not immediately visible or hidden from the rotating spotlight. This camera even allows for low-speed driving visibility in total darkness and can record incidents if required.
• These systems are all powered by a secondary battery with an integrated REDARC in-vehicle battery charger.

Communication:

The vehicle is fitted with a PA system with an integrated siren, as well as a close quarters Push To Talk system for two-way communication inside of the vehicle.

Mobility:

The vehicle is fitted with a top-of-the-range adjustable heavy-duty Old Man Emu suspension upgrade. The adjustable suspension allows for calibration and tuning to suit several specific environments and surfaces and is designed to improve stability and agility in off-road situations with a high vehicle load.

Each wheel has been fitted with a military-grade Duraflat run flat system, to prevent disbanding of the tyre from the wheel when fully deflated and allows the operator to continue driving without the wheel making contact with the road surface.

Marketing Manager Michael Broom remarks: “It is our strong belief that we have met the vehicle requirements and have successfully integrated both approaches to vehicle armour that results in a vehicle that is practical, discreet, functional and durable. This has hence provided our client with a solution that will meet its operational objectives while keeping its operators safe at all times. We do expect that potential clients in the security industry would find this vehicle incredibly versatile and appealing.”

The base vehicle for this project was the 2.0 Turbo Diesel XL 4×4 Automatic model, but the upgrade can be fitted to any Ford Ranger Double Cab, with the exception of the Raptor models due to their lower GVM. The conversion does not hamper or interfere with the standard Manufacturer warranty or service plans, such is the nature of the Ford QVM program. Even the additional fitments and accessories were sourced from other Ford QVM partners. The total cost of the package, including all the extra fitments and accessories is R1 043 478,26 excluding VAT and the base vehicle. A 3 year warranty is provided on the armouring components and workmanship.

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At Armormax, we live on both sides of that coin. Yes, we manufacture luxury armoured vehicles, but a business’s true nature isn’t defined by a product- it’s defined by its people. And for us, it’s all about people. At our core, we’re in the business of preserving life. But our mission goes far beyond keeping someone alive. There are plenty of ways to stay safe- some don’t even involve an armoured car.

We don’t want our clients to merely survive. We want them to live – free of fear, restriction, and uncertainty. To stay in South Africa, not flee to distant shores. To thrive in everything this country still has to offer. To live, work, and play – freely, fearlessly, and fully – right here at home.

And this isn’t just lip service. We believe in our product so much, we’re willing to be shot at inside it. That’s not hyperbole- it’s part of how we prove our commitment. And that’s where our roadshows come in.

These events bring us face-to-face with South Africans around the country, showing them a solution that goes beyond protection- it’s about possibility. Our vehicles are designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. They’re easy to live with, as dynamic as any standard car, and built to move with you, not against you.

South Africa has a rich and vibrant car culture. For many of us, cars aren’t just transportation- they’re passion, leisure, lifestyle. With such diverse scenery and unforgettable destinations within our borders, the road calls to be explored. But there’s one major obstacle: the very real threat of violent crime against motorists. It stops us from traveling freely.

Now imagine if that fear vanished. What could you experience if risk wasn’t part of the equation?

We don’t have to imagine- we’re doing it. And that’s the spirit behind the Armormax Prado Roadshow.

A sense of adventure

Remember those childhood holidays? Long roads, dodgy egg mayo sandwiches, and every tree was a bathroom? That was fun- at least, it was for me. Every trip felt like an adventure. Boredom wasn’t even part of the vocabulary. I could stare out the window for hours, watching the world pass by, constantly wondering what lay behind the next mountain or down that mysterious dirt road.

I was curious. Who lived in this tiny town? Why was it built here? How long did it take to carve that mountain pass? Those road trips sparked something in me- a love for exploration, for learning, and for South Africa itself. Over the years, I’ve had plenty of chances to travel abroad. But more often than not, I chose a map book and a thermos of coffee instead. I’ve been fortunate to see much of this country, and yet its vastness still surprises me. Even after a lifetime of road-tripping, there’s always more to discover.

Our roadshows have become a key part of what we do. They’re always successful, but to me, they’re also a joy. Most people might dread driving 17,000 kilometres across the country, but my love for the road and the people I meet along the way keeps me energized. I show up excited in every town and dorp. And sometimes, if the schedule allows, I’ll steal 30 minutes just to follow an unmarked road- just to see where it goes. That’s where the real magic of South Africa often hides.

For some, that might sound reckless. But to me, it’s not. I trust my instincts- and more importantly, I trust the vehicle. I know that when we build something, it works. And I don’t just say that- I push these cars to their limits. If anything’s going to go wrong, I want it to happen with me behind the wheel, not with a client behind theirs.

Take the time a friend- also a motoring influencer- called with a wild idea: to drive a beat-up old car over Sani Pass. He asked if I’d escort him, just in case. He hadn’t even finished the sentence before I’d already said yes. Unsurprisingly, his little Fox made it about 300 metres before it had to be strapped to the Prado with a very humbling tow rope. People coming down the pass laughed, telling me I’d never make it up with that deadweight behind me. But the Prado pulled through without breaking a sweat.

The next day, I had a choice: double back through the KZN Midlands or take the long route through Lesotho. I’d heard the warnings- rough roads, risky areas- but I wasn’t worried. I had the right gear, the right mindset, and a sense of curiosity. It turned out to be one of the most memorable drives of my life. I saw places most people never will.

That’s what happens when fear doesn’t hold you back. And that is why we do what we do.

Playing Responsibly

Our industry is growing- fast. New players are entering the market, all vying for the same customer’s attention. But we’re not making sandwiches here. We’re making a promise: to keep you alive if the worst should happen. And in South Africa, something terrible happens to motorists 65 times a day.

We take that promise seriously. That’s why, amid all the noise, it’s vital for South Africans to understand how- and why- we build our vehicles the way we do. This surge in industry activity has two main drivers: rising demand, and the long-term work of companies like ours- those who’ve spent years and millions building a globally relevant, trusted product. Ironically, that success has

shifted our role. These days, we spend less time justifying why we exist, and more time explaining what makes us different.

And that difference isn’t always easy to communicate through a brochure, website, or even a well-produced video. Sometimes, you have to show up in person- belly to belly- and let people experience it firsthand. The Prado’s vivid branding tends to draw attention wherever I go. More often than not, someone walks up and asks, “Is that really bulletproof?” Well, let’s just say I’d be pretty foolish to drive around advertising an armoured car that wasn’t. You never know who might want to test it! That question usually sparks a conversation- and often, an impromptu demo right there in the Woolies parking lot.

But what if you don’t bump into me outside a shop? Who do you ask about armouring your vehicle? Most people turn to their dealership- either the one they bought from, or the one they’re considering. The perception is that armouring is as simple as adding a few plates and thicker glass- almost like fitting a towbar. We know it’s far more intricate than that. But Mr. Customer is relying on the person on the showroom floor to explain the difference. And that’s where the roadshow comes in.

Its core purpose is simple: reach the dealers, show them the vehicle, demonstrate how they perform, and ensure that the next time Mr. Customer walks through the door, that conversation is handled with care and responsibility. This isn’t about sales tactics. It’s about accountability. We don’t expect dealership staff to become ballistic or armouring experts- they already have enough to manage. But we can give them the basics. And when they’ve seen the vehicles, touched them, and even tested them, they can speak with confidence. That confidence builds trust- and that’s where we take over, setting the right expectations and delivering on them.

Our experience with Toyota dealers has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve seen firsthand how much they value trust, reputation, and responsibility- because South Africans love their products, and they hold Toyota’s “bulletproof” reputation close to heart.

Our solution doesn’t threaten that reputation. It enhances it.

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Marketing Manager Michael Broom says “We have always maintained a positive outlook and attitude towards South Africa, often stating it’s the best place in the world to live. We understand that violent crime is an issue, however our customers are able to mitigate at least some of the risks and live an unrestricted life. Our roadshows prove without doubt that owning an Armormax vehicle really doesn’t feel different to an unarmoured vehicle, and we can truly experience the beauty and lifestyle on offer with total peace of mind”

He adds “We still find there is a great deal of misinformation out there regarding armoured vehicles and have successfully proven in the past that the motor dealer networks are the best place to address this. Part of the roadshow includes demonstrating our product to dealers, as well as debunking the various myths that we usually encounter. With the exponential growth of this sector in recent years, dealer staff around South Africa are bound to encounter an enquiry from a customer sooner rather than later. We want to ensure that they are adequately informed to be able to advise their customers.”

In between visiting dealers and customers, the Armormax Prado will take in some of the country’s greatest natural highlights and activities where you would likely find like-minded Prado owners. The goal being to illustrate that the 180kg of extra weight on this B4 version does not restrict lifestyle or capability in any way.

As a start, the Prado has been chosen as a support and recovery vehicle to The Car Scene South Africa on an ambitious and somewhat daunting adventure. The popular social media page was challenged to buy the cheapest running and licenced VW in South Africa, drive it up the Sani Pass and onto to CampFest in Bela Bela- the biggest VW festival in South Africa. Sam De Fonesca, their fearless leader, settled on a first-generation VW Fox which he bought for less than R13 000. Upon further inspection on their newly acquired steed, it became apparent that ‘Voks’ as it has been dubbed may not even make it out of Joburg. You can follow the progress of their adventure on Instagram by searching for “@thecarscene_”.

Armormax will be posting regular updates of the Prado Roadshow on their social pages which can be found by searching for Armormax South Africa on Facebook and Instagram.

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Marketing Manager Michael Broom says, “It came time a few months ago to build a new demonstration model, and we had a tough time choosing which vehicle to develop next in a market that is filled with so much choice. We had seen the Prado at the Nampo show two months earlier and were blown away by the design, the space and functionality of the new light-duty off-roader. A quick look into the launch sales figures convinced us that this was the way to go. With waiting lists stretching into 2026, it almost didn’t happen but thanks to our friends at Toyota, we found a unit.”

The Prado has a loyal customer base in South Africa and has in recent years had its segment raided by a number of newcomers hoping to steal its place on the perch. The 5th generation Prado is a revelation in terms of what it offers for what it costs, especially when compared to what is on offer from the traditional premium manufacturers in this segment. The new 2.8 litre diesel powerplant matched to an all-new 8 speed automatic transmission is more than competent to haul 7 people plus the horse box, trailer or boat you’re pulling behind you. With the B4 armouring package fitted to the Armormax demo vehicle, it barely feels the additional 187 kg added by the lightweight armour, Armormax said.

“The Prado is built on the same GA-F platform as the Land Cruiser 300 Series of which we have now armoured 21 examples since it’s local introduction. So in terms of product development, much of the car was quite familiar to us. Typically the development of a new product can take up to 6 months – the Prado took 7 weeks from start to finish” adds Broom. “We are more than satisfied that the fit and finish of the completed vehicle meets the high standards that Armormax has set in the past for discreet, lightweight and unintrusive armour”.

The B4 package offers protection against handguns up to a .44 Magnum. All doors, panels, pillars and any other exposed area have been armoured with a lightweight ballistic composite providing an impenetrable barrier between occupants and would-be attackers. All windows have been replaced with OEM-matching 21 mm ballistic glass. Included in the package is the armouring of the roof, run-flat bands and a push-to-talk intercom system. With an added weight of just 187 kg, there is no noticeable effect on performance or dynamics, particularly off-road. The cost of the package fitted to the Prado is R754 000 excluding VAT. This includes a 36 month warranty on the armouring components and workmanship.

Broom concludes “we have no doubt the Prado is going to be a popular model amongst armoured vehicle owners. It offers so much for comparably less than you expect, and this 5th generation version is filled with features and modern tech to appeal to a much wider audience than it traditionally did. We love driving it and plan on taking it on tour in South Africa next year to show it to Toyota dealers and potential customers around the country”.

The post The Prado that turns heads and stops bullets appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Vehicles require Level B6 ballistic protection against 7.62×39 mm full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds at 10 metres, and 7.62×51 mm rounds. Further, the armour must be upgradeable to STANAG Level I on all vertical sides. Vehicles must retain their standard factory appearance, with armouring concealed and discreet.

Vehicles must be fitted with 360-degree Level B6 protection, including the vehicle floor. The windshield, rear glass and side glass must be armoured to Level B6, with spall mitigation capability, but side windows must be able to slide down halfway into the door. The electrical window system must be able to sustain the weight of protective glass, and a heavy-duty window mechanism must be installed to open the windows.

All doors must be lockable to prevent outside access, with reinforced hinges to handle the weight of the armoured doors. The vehicle pillars and roof must additionally meet Level B6 protection, with the fuel tank, radiator and battery also covered with ballistic protection.

Front and rear suspension must be upgraded with heavy-duty shocks and an adjustable coil spring, with additional leaf springs if the vehicle is designed with such a system. A high-performance custom brake system must be incorporated to accommodate the additional weight, with high-performance brake pads able to sustain high heat and high-speed braking.

Vehicles must be provided with five heavy-duty rims and five heavy-duty tires with run flat capability. Further, a heavy-duty jack for the vehicle must be provided.

All ferrous metal parts must be protected against corrosion in an acceptable and suitable manner. All repairs pertaining to the armouring must be concluded within 30 days.

Several companies on the market offer discreet vehicle armouring to Level B6, notably Armormax and SVI Engineering. Both companies are recognised as a Qualified Vehicle Modifiers (QVM) by the Ford Motor Company.

The QVM programme is a global standards recognition structure that intends to gauge the ability of a final stage manufacturer to produce a consistent quality level throughout the product line, through control over the engineering, fabrication and vehicle delivery processes. The process of assessment is similar in some respects to the ISO 9001 Quality Management programme that Armormax has been certified for in the past.

Armormax has built several Ford Ranger examples in both B4 and B6 guise. Their approach to vehicle armouring of using the lightest, highest grade ballistic materials available globally means that even the B6 package on the Ranger is only fractionally heavier than B4 packages offered.

Bids close on 10 December 2024.

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Michael Broom, Armormax Marketing Manager, explains: “Ford SA approached us in the beginning of the year to take part in the QVM programme, at the request of their Government and Fleet Sales department. It was rather serendipitous in fact as we had already armoured several units of the new Ranger and Everest models for some of our existing clients. We found that since the launch of these two models, many of our existing clients that had owned vehicles from premium manufacturers were now purchasing these vehicles for business and private use. We feel that’s a testament to just how good a vehicle the Ranger and Everest are.”

In March this year, Armormax were awarded the QVM status by Ford SA shortly after delivering their 3rd Everest model armoured to B4 specification. Since the launch of the new Ford Ranger, Armormax has built several examples in both B4 and B6 guise. Their approach to vehicle armouring of using the lightest, highest grade ballistic materials available globally means that even the B6 package on the Ranger is only fractionally heavier than B4 packages offered by the competition. This means that the vehicle owner still has much of the maximum permissible weight at their disposal to carry loads without the need for altered suspensions or braking systems.

“We are very pleased to be part of the QVM programme and be able to offer customers our solution with the added peace of mind of a warranty and service plan that is unaffected. You can order your Armormax package through any one of the dealers or come to us directly. Together with Ford SA, we have a sound strategy to work together to introduce ourselves to Ford customers and dealers and provide them with a refreshing level of quality and service from the top drawer,” Armormax said.

The post Armormax Certified as Qualified Vehicle Modifier by Ford appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

“For us, safety is more than a feeling. Safety is a fact, and you can only truly know how safe you are when you know all the facts. That’s what Armormax Care is there to do. We are passionate about safety and security in general, not just when it comes to vehicles.”

“Our network and our business put us on the pulse of the threats and risks we are all exposed to. We have learnt that some of us are at greater risk than others, and often unintentionally. Through the assistance of seasoned and competent professionals, Armormax Care aims to assess and highlight unique potential risks and make sound recommendations on how to manage them.”

The company says: “Because this is bespoke and unique to every client, this is an individual process we undertake, not just a one-size-fits-all solution. We begin with a thorough threat and risk assessment of you, your family and your environments. We will include some basic skills training with you and your loved ones, and based on our findings make recommendations on how you can live a safer and more secure life in our beautiful country. Even if you have an existing security protocol or personal security detail, there is much we can offer to strengthen and improve what you already have.”

The programme is not just about theory though, it includes practical self-defence training for the whole family as well as a driver training programme specifically showing the differences of how to handle attack situations with or without an armoured car. This includes how to use the vehicle correctly in aggression to evade a situation when required. Broom says, “Some of our clients are regular travelers, where an armoured car is not available for transport. Knowing how to handle situations with or without an armoured car is crucial on South African roads.”

The programme is administered by external professionals that Armormax has vetted in depth as leaders in their field. Armormax itself does not conduct any of the assessments or training and will not even have any access to the assessments or its findings. “Confidentiality and discretion are key, and in line with our driving ethos of being as safe as possible, that means not even we should know about whatever security protocols are put in place for our clients. Our role is to facilitate the process, and serve the client where needed with our particular product and skills.”

The programme is included with every vehicle Armormax armours, either as a personal or enterprise programme. Certain terms and conditions do apply. In due course, the programme will be offered as a stand-alone product with a money back guarantee should the client feel there was no value added.

About Armormax

Armormax was formed as a partnership with a leading American luxury vehicle armourer almost 20 years ago. It is now wholly South African owned and has used the lessons learned in international best practice to provide the highest quality, bespoke armouring solution in the country.

Armormax blends the art of bespoke vehicle manufacturing and conversion with the science of high-tech ballistic materials. Its luxury bulletproof vehicles protect families, business professionals and high-profile individuals.

The company’s use of lightweight synthetic armour, in combination with the most advanced ballistic steel, results in an added substantially less than that of competitors. This means longer service intervals than are normally needed for an armoured vehicle, longer vehicle life, and a superior driving experience. Attention to cosmetic detail is another defining aspect of Armormax conversions.

Armormax is proud to be acknowledged as OEM partners to most of the luxury brands represented in South Africa. To date the company has armoured more than 1700 luxury vehicles from these brands and others and has not had a single penetration or injury in any of its vehicles. Its facility is based in Northriding, Johannesburg, South Africa.

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Please introduce your company and yourself.

Broom: Armormax has been around now for 19 years. We started as a partnership with International Armoring Corporation from Utah, USA and are now wholly South African owned. We specialise in the up-armouring of civilian vehicles focussed primarily on the premium sector. My background is in several sales and marketing management roles in the motor industry for more than two decades, specialising in the premium and luxury sector.

Louw: SVI is an original equipment manufacturer that has specialised in armoured vehicles since 2004. The company is a market leader in Africa, serving the private, corporate, security, mining and governmental segments. SVI holds a Level 2 B-BBEE certification and its quality management system is certified to ISO 9001:2015 by TÜV Rheinland. I am an engineer (M.Sc) and worked on major OEM vehicle programmes both locally and in Europe over a 10-year period. I then entered the media world with a 10-year stint as technical editor at CAR magazine.

Is there currently any South African standards organisation that regulates the armouring of civilian/passenger vehicles?

Broom: Sadly not.

Louw: On the civilian side (armouring levels including B6 and below) unfortunately not.

Why is this the case?

Broom: Considering the low volume of these vehicles produced, primarily by a small number of specialists in the past it possibly was not necessary. The principles applied by those few were based on international practice, sound engineering and a thorough understanding of ballistics. With the massive growth the market has experienced in the last 6 years, our focus has needed to shift from educating the public on the need for an armoured vehicle to educating potential customers on armouring standards and quality.

Louw: Local civilian armouring volumes, as recent as five years ago, were minimal compared to what it is now. Therefore there was less of a need to educate the public on armouring quality. Today the volumes are considerable (and rising) with more companies competing for a slice of the growing pie. The international full vehicle certification standards are too expensive for most local armouring companies to adhere to. A South African armouring standard will go a long way to ensure the public can make an educated discussion before choosing an armouring company or product.

Is there a global standards organisation that regulates the armouring of civilian/passenger vehicles?

Broom: Not specifically for the way a vehicle is armoured, but more so on the grades of materials used. These materials are then tested in a laboratory or in field tests and need to conform to a standard. We work according to the EN1063 and EN1522 standard, which measures the ability of the material to withstand ballistic impacts in a pre-determined set of parameters. This in no way guarantees that despite certified materials being used, that they are applied in a manner that provides 100% ballistic integrity, or applied suitably to defeat a certain threat.

Louw: Many international standards only focus on the ballistic properties of the armouring materials. This includes the BR levels commonly used in South Africa as per EN1063 for ballistic glass. This unfortunately does not confirm how well the vehicle is armoured and there may be bad workmanship or even worse, ballistic gaps. There are some standards that involves full vehicle certification like VPAM and NIJ. SVI has recently certified a BMW X3 to level NIJ IIIa at a cost of R2m.

What about the ballistic grading standards, does that not get controlled locally in any way?

Broom: Not currently. Previously South Africa had ballistic testing capability through the SABS. It is however not currently required in our case as we do not source any materials locally, and would be massively expensive to undertake for each and every type of vehicle we build.

Louw: The capability exists to confirm both material and vehicle ballistic standards (Armscor/CSIR) but it is rarely called upon as is not legally needed and very costly. Unfortunately, it allows some armouring companies to get away with sub-standard solutions.

How much of the ballistic grading standards is open to interpretation or what tolerances are acceptable?

Broom: By definition a standard should not be open to interpretation. It either meets the grade or it doesn’t. There simply is no grey area and considering the nature of what we do, there shouldn’t be.  However, if the correctly graded materials are not applied correctly ensuring no ballistic gaps and in a manner that will defeat real-world threats locally, a consumer would not know the difference and has to blindly accept the certificate they are issued to certify it as a B4 or B6 vehicle.

Louw: Ballistic material and vehicle standards are fixed. The problem lies with applying a material standard on a vehicle application as is happening locally. Therefore a vehicle with massive ballistic gaps may still be classed as a B4 or B6 vehicle and the customer would be none the wiser

There are a number of new players in the market that have entered in the last 5 years, is this a threat to your businesses?

Broom: It’s not a threat to our business. We have been thriving long before the market expanded the way it has because we have a zero-compromise approach which will resonate with a consumer that feels the same way about their safety.

It is a threat to the industry however if they produce sub-standard products. Should the unfortunate happen where a consumer loses their life in an armoured car due to sub-standard practices, built in South Africa, it shines a bad light on the entire industry and not just the company involved.

Louw: Yes and No. Yes, if they produce sub-par products as it would give the whole industry a bad name. No, as we welcome new players in the field if they can help lift the industry to a next level from a quality and protection point of view.

What assurance is there to the consumer, that all armoured vehicles in South Africa are being built to the correct standard?

Broom: There isn’t so unfortunately this would require some research from the consumer. The obvious things to ascertain right up front are the amount of experience the armourer has; are they internationally certified to ISO9001 quality management standards; do they have any OEM recognition and certifications and most importantly, are they completely transparent with you about what they do and how they do it?

Louw: Currently none and therefore we urge potential buyers to first vet the company they plan on using. Are they ISO 9001 certified from a quality management point of view? Do they have Armscor clearance? How many fully approved OEM products do they offer as the OEM approval and certification processes do a good job in sifting potential armouring companies.

Do your businesses comply with any other global standard?

Broom: Yes, we are certified with TUV for the ISO9001 Quality Management Standard as well as the National Conventional Arms Control Committee.

Louw: Yes, ISO9001 quality management system  and SVI is registered with the National  Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) which is part of the  international Wassenaar arrangement overseeing the sale and export of dual use goods.

What is required to be recognised by an OEM as an armourer of choice?

Broom: The term approved can be a misleading one, and often used incorrectly. An OEM is not a ballistic grading or certification entity and so ‘approved’ may imply that the OEM is the authority on whether you armour vehicles correctly. They can however inspect your management systems, quality control, certifications, build quality, aftersales support, customer experience and real-world results. This would then allow them to recognise, validate or approve you as an armourer of choice. We are recognised and approved by several manufacturers.

Louw: The process varies between manufacturers as SVI has experience in passing the criteria for certain models from:

• Ford
• Toyota
• Mercedes-Benz
• BMW
• UD trucks

It mostly involves a full company audit including a build inspection. It may also include durability testing and a ballistic certification test.

What control or standard is there in terms of technical training or qualifications required for armouring a vehicle?

Broom: Only the basic NQF standards for various functions within the armouring process. 

Louw: Most important is a police clearance for all employees as armouring is part of the security sector. Other qualifications is as per job description in terms of welders, fitters, engineers etc.

What transparency is available to a consumer to be assured of the ballistic quality of their vehicle once armoured.

Broom: This is entirely the responsibility of the armourer. From our perspective, we encourage every potential customer to visit our factory where we demonstrate in depth our materials, our processes, our results and what to expect from an aftersales perspective. Additionally, we encourage them to visit our competitors and ask the same of them so they can make an informed decision.

Louw: SVI invites all its potential clients to visit our facility for a factory tour to see the manner in which the vehicles are armoured. All the related certificates are available for the material used in armouring a specific vehicle. If the vehicle is part of our OEM approved products, then further certification is available.

To form a regulatory body, what would be required?

Broom: It has to be formed independently of the role players to ensure objectivity and credibility. It would be suggested that role players provide input on what the standards should be and how they are measured, and implemented in a way that is achievable and realistic financially and in practice.

Louw: It would require bodies like Armscor and the CSIR that are experts in the field of ballistic protection to join hands with the leading armouring companies to form a standard that is relatively simple cost effective and possible to assess in a short timeframe to start. The level of the standard can be increased with time as lessons learned gets implemented.

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Armormax, one of the country’s top-rated armouring companies approved as OEM partners to leading car brands, said there are “most definitely” more armoured cars on South African roads than a year ago.

Armormax sales and marketing manager, Michael Broom said the number has exponentially increased over the last few years.

“The obvious contributing factor is that our roads remain some of the most dangerous in the world in terms of violent crime. Historically, high-profile attacks have always been committed in the form of vehicular assaults simply because while driving we are constantly moving between transitory spaces.”

“In terms of protection and security, these situations are difficult to manage with regular security protocols whereas an armoured vehicle puts an impenetrable barrier between occupants and assailants. The massive increase in kidnapping has also contributed to this for much the same reason- this is when we are most at risk while moving between destinations and areas that are easier to secure against threats.

“The reason we are experiencing the growth that we have is because the awareness of civilian armoured vehicles is far more widespread than it was previously. The myth that these vehicles are only for politicians and gangsters has long been debunked. South Africans that have the means have realised that we are all at risk of the threat of hijacking, smash and grabs, kidnappings and in extreme cases, assassinations,” he explained.

“The rise in kidnapping cases is alarming and causing businesses and communities to sit up and take notice. This has become one of the leading sources of enquiries and purchases in recent years.”

Michael Broom

At any one time, Armormax builds around 25 vehicles.

“We can build more than this but we have found this to be the happy medium to keep our quality standard over a realistic production time frame. Our waiting period for a production date is on average three to four months,” said Broom.

Often, a client approaches Armormax for protection following a traumatic incident such as a hijacking or kidnapping.

“So often we all think ‘it will never happen to me, I am not a target’ but when something does happen, we quickly realise that the threat is not about targeting but most often about opportunism. Criminals do not discriminate on who their victims are, neither do they care for your life as is evident in our crime stats.” 

“We also do have many clients where their risk profile requires an armoured vehicle as part of a larger security protocol, or they are already highly safety conscious in all areas of their lives and are mitigating every risk they can. These most often are entrepreneurs, expats on a working contract in South Africa or those in an industry that carries a high level of threat such as precious metals, moving of valuable assets and so forth,” said Broom.

“In a nutshell, our clients are private citizens, male and female, who want protection on our roads.”

Michael Broom

As the armoured vehicle industry is growing, so are technological advances.

“The technology has always been available globally and the advances in lightweight armouring technology have been the greatest area of focus for the last two decades. While manufacturers’ vehicles are seemingly becoming heavier and heavier, the need to drive down the weight of our solution is a critical issue for us, while most importantly, ensuring that ballistic integrity and protection are the best available,” said Broom. 

However, as in any segment experiencing growth new market entrants are bound to appear looking to take advantage of the opportunities, he added.

“Often the drive for these entrants is to do it cheaper and faster, hoping to get an edge on the market, but in reality if you are doing it properly the words cheaper and faster should not be in the vocabulary. We are dealing with the subject of saving lives and in our world, there is no space for corner-cutting or compromise. To give an analogy, if you needed a triple bypass operation you would go to the best cardiac surgeon you can find, and not your vet. In theory, both of them are able to do the procedure but which would you prefer?”  

Armormax’s attitude sets it apart from others in the industry.

“Yes, we have been around substantially longer than most but if we had the wrong attitude, our business would not have already been thriving before the massive segment growth. The attitude simply put is we do it the best or we don’t do it. That attitude applies to the components and materials we use- we use only the best of what is available globally which does come at a price.”

“The attitude also applies to our standard of armouring. In all cases, we over-spec our armour to protect our clients against real-world threats, not just the bare minimum standard of the testing lab or ballistic grade guidelines. We are actively invested in ballistics and keep our finger on the pulse of how attacks are carried out in relation to weapons, ammunition, modus operandi and results.”

“We often say we don’t have customers, we just have a really big family!  The fact that more than 70% of the work we do every year is for existing customers or referred customers is a testament to this.”

Michael Broom

“What we learn here is applied to our armouring to combat an ever-evolving threat.  This attitude most importantly applies to how we treat our clients, particularly after the vehicle has been armoured. Most of our time and effort spent with clients is ‘after the sale’ where we are available to them 24/7 for repairs, maintenance and advice on their general safety.” 

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