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Can three layers of Kevlar stop an AK47 round?

SVI has released the ninth episode in its innovative Shoot Through series of videos, this time demonstrating whether three layers of Kevlar are together capable of stopping an AK47 round.

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Can 3 layers of Kevlar stop an AK-47 in its tracks?

Ever wondered how certain components would stand up to semi-automatic rifle fire? Local armoured car specialists SVI Engineering has. The subject this time is three layers of Kevlar…

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Bulletproof Ford Ranger now available to order

The armoured prior-generation Ford Ranger was popular and now a bulletproof version of the all-new mid-size pickup is available to order in South Africa from SVI Engineering.

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Bulletproof Ford Ranger now available in South Africa

South Africans will soon be able to purchase a next-generation Ford Ranger that can protect occupants from all small-arms fire. The bullet-resistant bakkie is the latest project from SVI. 

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Can a car battery thwart an AK-47?

In this episode — the eighth of 14 — the SVI Engineering team sees how a standard lead-acid car battery fares against a 7.62 x 39 mm conventional steel-core round. 

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Standard car battery takes on AK47

SVI Engineering has released ‘Shoot Through’ Episode 8, this time investigating whether a standard car battery is capable of stopping an AK47 round. Let’s take a closer look…

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Can a Ford Everest owner’s manual stop a bullet?

SVI Engineering has released the seventh episode in its Shoot Through series, this time testing the theory that a book – in this case, a Ford Everest owner’s manual – could be capable of stopping a bullet.

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AK47 ‘pages’ through owner’s manual with ease

SVI Engineering’s latest findings in its ‘Shoot Through’ series bring the AK47’s score of vehicle components it can penetrate out of seven, to four. This time, the target is an owner’s manual…

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AK47 bullet pulverises window lifter motor

If you think there might be something inside your standard car door that might stop an AK47 bullet from penetrating into the cabin, think again. Watch this footage from SVI Engineering…

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An AK47 round versus a car's window lifter motor

Armoured-car specialist SVI Engineering has released the sixth episode in its Shoot Through series of videos, this time demonstrating the devastating effect of an AK47 round on a window lifter motor.

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Shoot Through Episode 5: Seatbelt takes on AK47 fire

SVI Engineering, leading manufacturer of armoured products, has released the fifth episode in its ‘Shoot Through’ series of videos, this time scrutinising the effect of an AK47 round on a seatbelt mechanism.

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Buckle up! It’s time to see how a seatbelt handles AK47 fire

SVI Engineering, leading manufacturer of armoured products, has released the fifth episode in its ‘Shoot Through’ series of videos, this time scrutinising the effect of an AK47 round on a seatbelt mechanism

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Is a VW cylinder head strong enough to stop an AK47?

SVI Engineering has released the fourth episode in its innovative Shoot Through series of videos, this time investigating what happens when a Volkswagen Polo cylinder head takes fire from an AK47.

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Volkswagen Polo cylinder head takes fire from an AK47

In Episode 2, SVI shot a cast-iron Volkswagen Polo engine block, which stood up quite well. This time, the company turns its attention to the same vehicle’s cylinder aluminium head…

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How well can a Toyota damper handle an AK47 round?

SVI Engineering is back with another episode of the ‘Shoot Through’ video series and this time they want to find out what happens if a Toyota-branded shock absorber takes fire from an AK47.

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What happens when an AK47 round hits a shock absorber?

Armoured vehicle manufacturer, SVI Engineering, has released the latest video in its ‘Shoot Through’ series, and this time involving an AK47 being fired at a shock absorber.

How bulletproof is a VW engine block against an AK47?

SVI Engineering is putting OEM car components to the test to see how bulletproof they are against fire from an AK47, with the engine block from a Volkswagen Polo being the latest item to take on rifle fire.

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WATCH | Can a VW Polo engine block stop an AK47?

Ever wondered how automotive components would stand up to semi-automatic rifle fire? SVI has. In fact, the company is so fascinated by the subject they’ve released a new series called Shoot Through.

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SVI releases episode 1 of new ‘Shoot Through’ series

SVI Engineering, leading specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, has released the inaugural episode in its new “Shoot Through” series of YouTube videos, which is expected to comprise as many as 14 episodes.

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Can an AK-47 punch through a standard brake disc?

SVI’s new YouTube series is called Shoot Through and it aims to put all sorts of parts to the test using the AK-47 and a Photron Fastcam SA4 high-speed camera capable of shooting at an incredible 30,000 frames per second. 

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The SVI Engineering MAX 3 is an unstoppable force

Danie Botha, who is a veteran motoring journalist, publisher, television producer and off-road expert, spent a morning with the MAX 3 Six-Wheeler in Pretoria. Here’s what he thought after driving the B6-protected APC…  

Armored Nissan Patrol is one of the world's toughest SUVs

SVI has revealed what may just be the toughest Nissan Patrol in the world. Equipped with B6 discreet armor, this Patrol provides the maximum standard of civilian protection available without the need for a special permit.

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SVI exerts stringent armoured scrutiny on Nissan Patrol

Armoured vehicle manufacturer, SVI Engineering, has showcased its latest project based on the Nissan Patrol. Two different levels of armouring protection packages are offered by the local company.

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Nissan Patrol SUV gets SVI’s B6 discreet armour makeover

SVI Engineering has developed a new B6 discreet package for the Y62-generation Nissan Patrol, handing the luxury all-terrain SUV the highest level of civilian protection available without a special permit.

SA gets another armoured vehicle: an intimidating Iveco truck

Building on a long list of armoured products, Pretoria-based SVI Engineering has debuted its newest bullet-resistant offering, the Iveco Trakker truck (rated at a B6 protection level).

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SVI Engineering unleashes new B6-armoured Iveco Trakker truck

SVI has revealed a B6 armouring package for the Iveco Trakker, which swaps the vehicle’s standard cab for a version custom-fabricated from bullet-resistant steel and ballistic glass.

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SVI unleashes fierce B6-armoured Iveco Trakker truck model

SVI Engineering, the market leader in security vehicles, has revealed a new B6 armouring package for the Iveco Trakker, incorporating a full cab replacement to ensure the ultimate level of protection.

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SVI unleashes menacing new B6-armoured Iveco trakker truck

SVI Engineering has revealed a new B6 armouring package for the Iveco Trakker range of trucks, incorporating a full cab replacement to ensure the ultimate level of protection.

Toyota SA’s KZN plant now protected by SVI-armoured Hilux fleet

Vehicle armouring specialist SVI Engineering has armoured a fleet of Hilux double-cab bakkies deployed to help protect Toyota South Africa Motors’ vehicle-manufacturing plant in KwaZulu-Natal.

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Armoured Hilux double cabs to protect Toyota's Prospecton plant

Toyota has enlisted the help of SVI to build a fleet of armoured bakkies to protect its plant in KwaZulu-Natal. The fleet consists of Hilux 2.4 GD-6 Raider double-cab bakkies fitted with the B6 Stopgun V2.0 kit.

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Toyota’s SA plant now protected by SVI-armoured Hilux fleet

SVI Engineering, leading specialist manufacturer of armoured products, is proud to announce it has armoured a fleet of Hilux double-cab bakkies deployed to help protect Toyota South Africa Motors’ plant in KwaZulu-Natal.

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Toyota employs fleet of armoured Hilux bakkies at South African factory

SVI Engineering has outfitted the Toyota Prospecton vehicle-manufacturing plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal with a fleet of armoured double-cab Hilux bakkies. The manufacturer is one of the province’s key employers.

SVI develops bullet-resistant armour for Nissan Navara

SVI has developed a new, discreet armouring package for the Nissan Navara one-tonne bakkie The inconspicuous B6 protection represents the highest grade of civilian armour available without a special permit and offers the Navara’s occupants protection against assault rifles.

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Bulletproof Nissan Navara now on sale in South Africa – Details

The well-known SVI has taken another one of South Africa’s favourite bakkies, the Nissan Navara, and made it bulletproof. The discreet “B6 armour” that is now available for the Nissan represents the highest grade of civilian protection that can be installed without a permit.

SVI Engineering offers B6 armouring package for locally built Nissan Navara

Local armoured car experts SVI Engineering are now offering a full discreet B6 armouring package for the SA-built Nissan Navara range. This concealed B6 package offers occupants protection against projectiles fired from popular assault rifles.

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SVI Engineering hands Nissan Navara a discreet armouring kit

South African armoured-vehicle specialist SVI has announced it has developed a new discreet armouring package for the locally-built Nissan Navara. The armouring kit in question is of the B6 variety and provides complete protection against assault rifles. 

Armoured, Six-Wheel Toyota Land Cruiser Debuts With Drone Destroyer

A company specialising in armored vehicles has launched one of the wildest conversions we’ve ever seen. Unveiled at AAD2022 in South Africa, SVI Engineering’s MAX 3 Six-Wheeler is based on the J79 chassis. As its name implies, it has a third axle…

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South Africa’s armoured Toyota Land Cruiser that can shoot down drones

SVI Engineering has announced the MAX 3 six-wheeler, a new variant of its bullet-resistant vehicle range. Like the standard version of the MAX 3, this new variant is built on Toyota’s trusty Land Cruiser 79 chassis and likewise retains the proven 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel powertrain.

This badass six-wheel military truck is actually built on a Toyota Land Cruiser

Bulletproof Toyota Land Cruisers are about a dime a dozen on the Internet already. This, however, is unique in the sense that it takes the idea of beefing up Toyota’s iconic SUV and kicks it up several notches higher. Meet SVI’s MAX 3 Six-Wheeler…

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You don’t need this armoured, six-wheeled, drone-killing Land Cruiser, but you want it

We’re not sure what you want an armoured Toyota Land Cruiser for, but you can have one. There is a catch, though. It’s got six wheels instead of the standard four. The point of six wheels? So you can cart around up to 5.5 tonnes of weight…

What it costs to make your truck bulletproof in South Africa

SVI Engineering, in its latest bullet-proofing feat, has created a new armouring kit for Hino 500 Series trucks to “counter [the] marked increase in truck hijackings” in South Africa, according to Nicol Louw, business development director at SVI.

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SVI launches new B6 Armouring kit for Hino 500 trucks

SVI Engineering, leading specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, has revealed an all-new B6 Stopgun V2.0 kit for the Hino 500 Series, developed in response to a sharp increase in truck hijacking incidents across South Africa.

SVI Engineering launches B6 Stopgun V2.0 kit for Hino 500 Series

South Africa’s armoured car experts SVI Engineering announced they are offering an all-new B6 Stopgun V2.0 kit for the popular Hino 500 Series of truck. Customers can look forward to protection from assault rifles thanks to features such as unobtrusive integrated door armour. 

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SVI Engineering is now armouring Hino 500 Series trucks

The new kit, which is usually associated with pick-ups such as the Hilux and Ranger, was created for the Hino 500 medium-heavy truck. The kit is aimed at companies transporting high-value goods and courier companies that have to send their trucks into high-risk areas.

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We Meet The Team Building The World's Toughest Armored Vehicles

South African-based armoring company SVI Engineering invited CarBuzz to its state-of-the-art facility to get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making a vehicle bulletproof.

Here’s an in-depth look at what goes on at the Bashewa-based company’s production facility on a daily basis…

SVI’s first bullet-resistant Toyota LC 300 leaves the chamber

Local armoured car experts SVI Engineering has completed its first bullet-taming Toyota Land Cruiser 300.

This state-of-the-art off-roader features the firm’s discreet B6 package that offers occupants full protection against projectiles fired from popular assault rifles such as the AK47, R5 and R1. 

SVI’s first bullet-resistant Toyota Land Cruiser 300

After a meticulous development process, SVI Engineering, leading specialist manufacturer of armoured products, has completed its first Toyota Land Cruiser 300 armoured to level B6, the highest grade of civilian protection allowed without a special permit.

Let’s take a look at what this entails…

Bullet-proof Toyota Land Cruiser 300 now available – Details

SVI has produced an armoured Toyota Land Cruiser 300 capable of providing full protection against small arms fire.

The company has previously made modified versions of the LC200 series, which the new model is said to improve upon in several ways.

SVI makes Toyota’s Land Cruiser 79 truly bullet proof

SVI Engineering, the manufacturer of armoured products, has developed a new version of its B6 Stopgun V2.0 package specifically for the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 range.

The kit is available for single- and double-cab Land Cruiser 79 body styles, and offers protection against assault rifles, including the AK47 and R1.

SVI releases lighter and more cost effective ballistic package for Toyota Hilux

Armoured vehicle specialist SVI is offering a lighter and more cost effective ballistic protection package for the Toyota Hilux bakkie.

However, it’s worth noting that this is not a discreet package of the type generally preferred by private buyers – note the split windscreen and smaller windows.

SVI Engineering expands into Saudi Arabian market

SVI Engineering, which manufactures a range of commercial and military armoured vehicles, has expanded into Saudi Arabia, where it plans to develop and manufacture a variety of armoured vehicles and military solutions.

SVI Saudi Industries marked its official launch at the inaugural World Defense Show 2022 in the Saudi capital of Riyadh.

SVI-armoured Toyota Hilux bakkies save lives on a weekly basis

SVI says its B6 Stopgun V2.0 kit for the Toyota Hilux has become the preferred choice in South Africa’s security industry, saving lives on virtually a weekly basis.

The popular Stopgun V2.0 package provides security forces with a cost-effective B6 armouring solution to combat crime.

How SVI Engineering stops bullets sneaking into your car’s cabin

TimesLIVE earlier reported SVI had started developing an armouring kit for the new Toyota Land Cruiser 300. Once installed, it will provide B6 protection against assault rifles such the AK47.

Although the EN1063 B6 standard covers the specification of the materials used in providing protection against the 7.62×51 mm Nato round, it doesn’t tell you the quality of the armouring job.

SVI’s ‘battering ram’ Toyota Land Cruiser revealed

With its current project being an armoured version of the new Toyota Land Cruiser 300, local engineering firm SVI has unveiled a unique battering ram attachment for the Land Cruiser 70 Series.

Its latest specialty model based on a Toyota, the new snowplough-like ram is dubbed the anti-riot scraper and has been integrated into the central section of the front bumper.

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 SVI bullet-resistant package under development

The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 will soon be getting a bullet-resistant modification at the hands of SVI Engineering. The new package will provide the large Japanese SUV with B6 protection against assault rifles such as the AK47.

The Bashewa-based company took delivery of one of the first Toyota Land Cruiser 300 units in South Africa.

SVI develops bullet-resistant Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ford Ranger Raptor is the latest recipient of an armouring package from SVI Engineering.

It is the first Raptor armoured under the Ford-approved armouring scheme that allows clients to order the protection package straight from the Ford dealerships. The B4 package offers bullet-resistant protection against handguns up to a .44 Magnum

SVI Engineering reveals ‘anti-riot’ armoured Toyota Hilux bakkie

Gauteng-based armoured vehicle specialist SVI has announced a new Toyota Hilux conversion, which is designed to serve as a more nimble and cost-effective alternative to larger, older-generation armoured personnel carriers.

The vehicle’s possible applications include controlling riot action, as well as extracting people from dangerous situations and transporting guards.

Now you can bulletproof your bakkie or SUV in Cape Town as SVI

SVI Engineering, a specialist manufacturer of armoured products, has opened its second national office in Cape Town.

Interested customers can visit the premises situated at Killarney Junction in Table View, which is open by appointment. Customers can choose from discreet or the cost-effective non-discreet options in B4 or B6 armoured specification. 

Eight-seat Toyota Land Cruiser 79 eats land mines for breakfast

SVI Engineering, a South African armoured vehicle specialist, has released a follow-up to the MAX 3 we saw last year. While the previous version was practically a truck, SVI’s latest release is a multi-purpose vehicle that can carry up to eight passengers aboard.

Meet, the SVI MAX 3 Troopy – bulletproof and ready to face the end of the Earth. Just like the truck version, the Troopy is also based on the 70 Series.

SVI Engineering launches new armoured guardhouse

SVI Engineering, specialist manufacturer of armoured products, has recognised the need for an armoured guardhouse solution. It is unrealistic to expect a guard in a fiberglass hut to offer any resistance during an attack. In many cases, multi-million-rand assets are left vulnerable as the guard has no time to react when facing a ballistic threat.

The armour not only buys the guard time to call for back-up but also provides the confidence to turn defence into offence.

SVI engineering announces bullet- proofing for VW Amarok

Armour specialists expand their protection services to model with V6 TDI motor.

n a recent report SVI engineering announced a collaboration with Ford SA to offer OEM backed bullet-proofing of its Ranger models. Now the Pretoria-based company says it offers its two levels of armour – B4 which allows the vehicle to withstand the fire power of handguns and B6, which offers protection against assault rifles, including the notorious AK-47 – for the Volkswagen Amarok V6 bakkie.

Ford now offering armoured Ranger bakkies through SVI partnership

You never thought you needed a bullet-proof car until you get the opportunity to drive one.

It’s quite cool actually, driving around like a boss imagining you’re some kind of VIP or wild gangster knowing that your competition can whip out as many guns as they want but the chances of sleeping at home are almost guaranteed.

Armoured Ranger bakkie? You can now order from Ford SA's dealerships...

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa says customers can now order OEM-approved armoured Ranger bakkies from its dealerships nationwide.

The Blue Oval brand has partnered with SVI Engineering, a Pretoria-based vehicle-armouring firm, to bring the option to local customers.

SVI offers two levels of “Ford-approved” armoured protection for the popular bakkie, available across the whole Ranger line-up (so, all three body configurations and all powertrains).

Ford and SVI team up to build armoured vehicles

Ford partners with SVI to offer factory-approved armoured vehicles for civilian and corporate use.

Ford Motor Company South Africa has partnered with SVI Engineering to offer a range of personal protection solutions in their Ford Ranger range. Whether you’re a high-profile executive, an attorney, or member of the state, you’ll be able to find a solution that suits your individual needs.

Armoured Ford Ranger (2021) First Drive

Vehicle-armouring specialists SVI Engineering and Ford South Africa have signed an agreement to build factory-approved bulletproof Ranger bakkies. We headed out to the SVI facility in Gauteng to put the vehicles through their paces and see what the armouring process entails.

Bulletproof!

This Is What It Takes To Convert A Production Vehicle Into An Armoured Car

The AK47 assault rifle rests heavy in my hands … this is definitely not a normal day in the life of a CAR journalist. The weapon – and, yes, it is legal – belongs to Jaco de Kock, managing director of SVI Engineering (svi.co.za) and we’re standing in his facility’s self-contained shooting range outside Pretoria.

SVI Op Wiele2Wiele

Die egpaar Carl en Jeanette Kritzinger bespreek weekliks in Wiele2Wiele die jongste motornuus, van bekendstellings en padtoetse to algemene nuus en handige wenke. Die week ry hulle onder andere met een van SVI se panservoertuie! Luister vanaf 07:45 om meer oor koeëlvaste motors te leer.

Só Ry ‘n Koeëlvaste Cruiser

In ‘n land waar misdaad op vele plekke hoogty vier, is ‘n Cruiser wat teen vuurwapens bestand is, nie ‘n slegte idee nie. Landbouweekblad het SVI besoek, ‘n onderneming naby Pretoria wat gewone rygoed ombou om koeëlvas te wees.

Pantser-bielies Vir Al

Dis lank nie meer net die pous en die president van Ameriak wat in versterkte voertuie die wêreld deurkruis nie. Al hoe meer Suid-Afrikaners wend hulle tot ‘n spesialis in Pretoria, waar ‘n gesinsmotor in ‘n pantserwa omgeskep kan word.

Unstoppable Force Meets Immovable Object

The notion of driving around in bulletproof vehicles might seem like the stuff of popes, political dignitaries, and the movies. But think again – a proudly home-grown company is creating world-class armoured-vehicle solutions for anyone who is interested.

Building a Military Vehicle

Forget your modified 4×4 bakkie with its tweaked suspension, body kit, aftermarket wheels and bull bar with an integrated winch. Compared to the SVI Max 9 armoured personnel carrier (APC) standing in front of me, the pick-up resembles a Dinky toy. Just getting into the Max 9 takes two steps up the side holding onto the open door that is locked into places.

SVI Op RSG

RSG het by SVI kom kuier en met Nico Louw, Besigheidsontwikkelings Bestuurder, oor ons verskeidenheid van gepantserde voertuie gesels.

Hoor hoe klink dit binne-in n SVI Max 3 koeëlvaste voertuig

Luister: Hierdie week het die Wiele2Wiele-span ‘n giggelgeel-laggie van lekkerte wanneer hulle gaan ry met die Porsche 718 Cayman GT4. Hulle vertel jou ook oor Renault se Sandero-reeks wat opgeknap is met ‘n Stepway Techroad-model, hoor hoe klink dit binne-in ‘n SVI Max 3 koeëlvaste voertuig en gee raad vir 2-wiele

SVI enhances MAX 3 armoured vehicle

The notion of driving around in bulletproof vehicles might seem like the stuff of popes, political dignitaries, and the movies. But think again – a proudly home-grown company is creating world-class armoured-vehicle solutions for anyone who is interested.

Radio 702 Car Feature - Bulletproof Vehicles

With Guest: Nicol Louw – Business Development Manager at SVI Armoured Vehicles

SVI sees armoured vehicle sales grow as crime increases

Crime is on the increase and Covid-19 has not helped, particularly as the pandemic has pushed up unemployment figures.

The country’s rising crime is reflected in a surge in the sale of Special Vehicle Innovation Engineering’s (SVI’s) armoured vehicles, as well as the sheer amount of enquiries about its products, says business development manager Nicol Louw.

“With our vehicles, you won’t be afraid to go out at night.”

Ever thought of selling armour as an optional extra?

Months of waiting and millions in added costs have made selling an OEM armoured vehicle almost impossible, but local firm SVI says it has the solution.