Background on the Industry and Key Players
Rodrigo Cota, a member of the Intercontinental Armored Vehicle Association (AIB), reports that Mexico’s armored vehicle industry is expected to grow by 30% by the end of 2025. This growth is attributed to rising insecurity issues faced by authorities, business owners, and citizens seeking protection. Cota highlights that the industry has seen consistent growth for over a decade, with double-digit increases.
Key Players and Their Impact
Some of the most popular vehicles being armored include the Chevrolet Suburban, Stellantis’ RAM line, Ford pickups, BYD vehicles, and Tesla models. Cota, who is also the CEO of BLX Armoring, emphasizes that his company and other legitimate businesses adhere to government regulations and high-quality standards, unlike “patito” companies run by criminals that offer subpar protection and materials.
Market Demand and Geographical Distribution
Mexico is one of Latin America’s most significant markets for armored vehicles, second only to Brazil, which consumes around 30,000 such vehicles annually. The majority of armored vehicle demand comes from Mexico City, Jalisco, the State of Mexico, and northern regions.
Protection Levels
Cota explains that Mexico follows international standards like the NIJ (National Institute of Justice) for armored vehicle protection levels. These levels range from NIVEL II to NIVEL V, each designed to counter various threats based on individual user profiles.
Local Manufacturing and Materials
There are over 100 authorized companies and individuals in Mexico producing armored vehicles using imported materials such as ballistic steel. Although ballistic steel plates aren’t manufactured domestically, there are local factories producing bulletproof glass. Cota mentions that his association includes a couple of such glass manufacturers.
Cost of Armoring a Vehicle
Q: How much does it cost to armor a vehicle?
A: The cost varies depending on the level of armoring and vehicle type. You can expect to pay anywhere from $35,000 to $100,000 for armored vehicles.
