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Is the demand for bulletproof vehicles increasing?

Bulletproof vehicles are in demand but not like the way they were during the former president Musharraf’s regime. The increase is recorded worldwide. Today, there are about 200,000 to 300,000 armored vehicles worldwide. Marketers interested in the automotive industry are expecting the numbers to increase especially in the politically unstable regions.

Brazil - Leading the List

Brazil leads the list of the highest per capita number of armored vehicles worldwide. According to the figures shared by Texas Armored Corp, Sao Paolo receives about 800 armored vehicles every month.

Booming Across the United States

The business is also booming across the United States. LA Times, the leading US newspaper shares a report stating that various manufacturers expect growth in double digits in the upcoming years.

Sentinel by Range Rover

Range Rover is the top brand competing when it comes to armored vehicles. Sentinel, a luxurious SUV was released by the company in the year 2015 has helped a great deal in the market growth for armored vehicles. The upcoming Sentinel for the year 2020 is capable of withstanding a pipe bomb and AK-47 and AR 15 gunfire.

The growth is increasing due to fear among people of random violent acts. People from the business industry are worried about their wives and families to be present at the wrong place at the wrong time.

More about Armored Vehicles

Building an armored vehicle is not an easy process. The car may look normal from the front, but the armoring that includes the bulletproof panels add a lot of cost and weight to the vehicle. It requires a totally unique approach that has to be engineered. For example, the Sentinel by Range overweighs twice more than a regular Range Rover, about 10,000 pounds. The SUV then comes equipped with a powerful engine V-8 to deliver 510 horsepower and deliver a speed of 120 MPH.

The tyres can be driven for 30 extra miles even after puncture or piercing. It also includes a rear escape through the luggage compartment in case of an emergency when the doors are blocked or locked. There is a built-in PA system that helps passengers to communicate without exposing themselves during times of emergency.

Popularity & Demand in Pakistan

Though the cars are popular in demand in unstable regions worldwide including Pakistan, many Hollywood celebrities are also not behind when it comes to their sale. For instance, Kanye West, TI, and Sacha Baron Cohen bought armored vehicles during the year 2013.

In Pakistan, the demand for armored vehicles is highest in the port city of Karachi. That's because of the ever-fluctuating law and order situation in the city. About 15 to 20 orders were placed each month during Musharraf's regime. There are three factories manufacturing bulletproof cars - one in Lahore, one in Islamabad and Peshawar. Businessmen have also started using armored vehicles which were previously only ordered by politicians and law enforcement agencies. There is a 20 to 30% cost difference in the local and imported vehicles.

The decrease in the Sales

The fuel consumption also increases by 50% along with the weight. In Islamabad, the vehicles are mostly ordered by international agencies such as the United Nations, etc. The tax ratio has increased a lot from what it was during Musharraf’s time and the cost of an armored vehicle has increased from 400 million to 800 million. This has dented the sales of armored vehicles across the entire country. Also, the political condition has improved a great deal. This is also a reason why sales have dropped.

However, foreigners visiting Pakistan for government or business reasons are advised to take security measures. These agents hire bullet-proof vehicles often with chauffeur and security personnel.