I knew there was a decent amount of violence in Mexico, but I had no clue that there was such a high demand for OEM bulletproof cars.


http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-11-15-bulletproof15_ST_N.htm

Mexico's $80M boom industry: Bulletproof cars
A growing number of Mexicans — including many from the middle class — see bulletproofing their vehicles as a necessity and not a luxury.

Extortion is now commonplace in some regions of Mexico. Kidnapping has soared by more than 300% over the past five years and since December 2006, more than 28,000 Mexicans have died in killings blamed on drug-cartel violence.

Although exact figures for the industry are unavailable to the public, the Mexican Association of Automobile Armorers, an industry group, reports an annual growth rate of 10% in recent years and values the market at $80 million per year. Automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Volkswagen sell bulletproof models in Mexico dealerships. A bulletproof Volkswagen Bora, a model similar to a Jetta, sells for $70,000.

Some armoring companies report backlogs for a process that takes up to 12 weeks and costs up to $80,000.

If you have a lot of money and live anywhere south of Texas, you NEED to have an armored vehicle. Had a neighbor years ago who's dad owns the clothing company that owns Seven Jeans ($$$$$) and they lived in Guatemala I think. He showed me a picture of his Nissan Xterra after he rolled it down a hill, the body was beaten up but completely intact due to all the armor and 2" thick glass. The whole family owns armored vehicles, they'd be up shit creek without them.

Just another reason why we need to secure our borders, they're crazy down there.

The amount doesn't seem to be much of anything, bet there's more business in the US proportionally. Hell I'd even do it if I could get it to last for 10k(have I seen too many movies? No I've played too many videogames)

But the 10% increase is the keynote. Seems like something to invest in if you can.

I won't lie, some of the armored full size SUVs ol' Barry rolls around in are pretty cool. Not exactly the shining example for the green movement, but nonetheless, they are cool.

80M seems like pocket change. I'll bet California alone clears more orders for armored cars.

I won't lie, some of the armored full size SUVs ol' Barry rolls around in are pretty cool. Not exactly the shining example for the green movement, but nonetheless, they are cool.

Who wants to merely survive an attack:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhwJyKO2TXg&feature=related

Reminds me of the flamethrower equipped BMW they used to sell in South Africa to prevent car jackings.

And by comparison, the adult film industry in the US makes around $100B a year. Now there's a boom if you want one.

And by comparison, the adult film industry in the US makes around $100B a year. Now there's a boom if you want one.

:nono1: That's not a boom, that's a bang.

Talk about "Big Bang Theory". :lol:

Reminds me of the flamethrower equipped BMW they used to sell in South Africa to prevent car jackings.

Imagine having the flamethrower with the bulletproof car.

Can anyone say "READY FOR THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE?!"

Imagine having the flamethrower with the bulletproof car.

Can anyone say "READY FOR THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE?!"

I have often lamented the fact that zombies are not real. Just think how exciting life would be with a constant zombie threat. Instead we have a zombie government to deal with, only their mindless quest is to feed on the hard work of the citizens.

Imagine having the flamethrower with the bulletproof car.

Can anyone say "READY FOR THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE?!"

Well it'll keep those damn beggars/fund raisers off my car when i'm at a stop signal. :evil: