With criminal rates increasing year by year, are bulletproof cars the right move for you? If this question has been floating in your mind lately, this blog might have the answers you have been looking for.
Let’s find out if bulletproof vehicles are worth the investment.
Unless you have been living under a rock, I’m sure you are aware of all the increased crime and safety issues South African motorists and civilians experience on a daily basis.
Crime stats in the country have increased over the years, from carjackings to murders. According to the latest police reports for the third quarter (2023/2024), Police Minister Bheki Cele informed the public that there were approximately 84 people murdered per day during the third quarter period, showing a total of over 7,000 people being murdered.
These stats, coupled with 22,742, the total carjacking numbers of 2023, have given several South Africans the opportunity and the funds to improve their chances on the road by purchasing bulletproof vehicles or upgrading their vehicles with bulletproof modifications.
Bulletproof vehicles are categorised as armoured cars decked out with bulletproof glass, reinforced doors, run-flat tyres and other materials. These parts allow them to protect their occupants from bullets and explosives. Unlike military armoured vehicles, modified bulletproof cars are designed to look exactly like normal cars so they don't attract unwanted attention.
What makes these vehicles popular and stand out on the road is their ability to be bulletproof. Pretty self-explanatory, right?
These vehicles are often used in dangerous areas or as a safety precaution by the police, government entities, high-profile individuals and even celebrities. And we can see why, as they can provide a sturdy barrier between a bullet and high-profile figures like the president or cabinet ministers.
At the launch of Volvo’s very own R2.5 million bulletproof SUV, the company mentioned the popularity and added security of bulletproof vehicles as motivation for its manufacturing and design.
“We’ve noted a rising demand for armoured vehicles both globally and here in South Africa, with the Volvo Cars Special Vehicles division having received numerous requests to develop an XC90 with ballistic protection over the past few years. The addition of this special derivative to our local range means we can now provide a factory-backed solution to select individuals who desire that extra layer of protection,” said Greg Maruszewski, Volvo Car South Africa Managing Director.
Here are some answers to popular questions about bulletproof vehicles:
There are only two armour types on the market that South Africans can invest in.
The B4 vehicle is known for its Kevlar-reinforced ballistic glass, which protects against bullets like 44 Magnum rounds, rocks, and smash-and-grab attempts. B6, on the other hand, is a bit more equipped with ballistic steel and ballistic glass that can withstand bullets from AK47s, R1s, and sniper rifles.
You might be wondering if your vehicles can be modified with this amour and still keep their warranty. A similar question was asked of a few South African companies like Armormax and SVI Engineering that specialise in bulletproofing vehicles, and this is what they had to say. Armormax explained that they have full endorsements from the following vehicle companies: Audi, BMW Group, Haval, Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover.
While SVI Engineering expressed that they offer OEM certificates from Ford, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Toyota.
Overall, it seems that no matter the vehicle you want to modify with these high-level security materials, these companies, along with many others, often work with several vehicle brands to provide you with the secured vehicle of your dreams. However, keep in mind that your warranty might not always be intact.
For the amount of military-grade materials these cars have, they go for a pretty penny in the market. Depending on the vehicle, the B4 accessories can cost you between R479,900 and R849,900, and the B6 protective materials can cost you between R499,900 and R1,55 million.
If you need a specific number, it all depends on your vehicle type and the modification you need. SVI Engineering has a cost configurator feature on its website that can show potential clients the exact amount they would need to pay for their secure vehicles.
Like any other car you see on the road, criminals can also target and steal bulletproof vehicles. As much as these vehicles are capable of protecting passengers, the protection often only extends to bullets, explosions and window breaking for hijacking attempts, not carjacking.
There’s more than one way to steal a car, and while smash-and-grab attempts will not work against this type of car, criminals might use other methods that are successful.
If you want to take a look at these modern vehicle theft tactics in detail, you definitely need to take a look at our blog discussing the future of car technology and security.
Considering how much bulletproof vehicles are worth and the materials they are made of, criminals might view them as a jackpot and often target them. However, despite these weak points, bulletproof cars are still an effective way to provide personal protection; you just need extra safety features from a trusted vehicle tracking company like Cartrack.
As amazing as these armoured vehicles are, they are not the most affordable safety hack. The average South African driver may not be able to afford a bulletproof vehicle that costs R479,900 to R1,55 million and even R2,5 million if you have your eyes set on the Volvo SUV. But, fortunately for many motorists, premium vehicle safety at a low price is still within reach for your vehicle with Cartrack.
Cartrack stands as a beacon of reliability and vehicle safety, and with an impressive above 90% stolen vehicle recovery rate, it's clear why. Their technology, along with their dedicated recovery agents, work diligently together to find and retrieve your vehicle—yes, even if it's bulletproof.
Along with their skilled team, they offer proven safety solutions for your vehicle.
As impressive and secure as bullet-proofing your vehicle is, it doesn't guarantee that your vehicle won't be stolen. Fortunately for South African motorists, there's a simpler and cheaper solution that won't break the bank. Cartrack vehicle tracking solutions offer affordable vehicle safety from just R99 a month.
Cartrack is here for bulletproof vehicle owners and motorists who can’t afford to buy a bulletproof car or modify their vehicle with armour.
See what bulletproof vehicles can offer South African motorists and how Cartrack features can further safeguard your vehicles, even if they are bulletproof.
