Mexico Crime Wave Leads To Record Numbers Of Bulletproof Cars

With Mexico experiencing historic levels of violent crime, the country’s car-armoring businesses have been working harder than ever, with some people predicting a double digit jump for bulletproof car production this year.

More than 25,000 murders took place across Mexico in 2017, reports Autonews, marking the highest annual tally since modern records began. Unfortunately, 2018 is on track to be even worse.

These types of numbers are what’s driving the 10% rise in car-armoring services this year to 3,284 cars, surpassing the previous all-time high from 2012, based on data from the Mexican Automotive Armor Association.

In fact, demand for bulletproof cars has grown so strong that automakers have began building these vehicles on their own Mexican production lines. Audi for example began making a bulletproof version of the Q5, which is priced at $87,000 locally – yet still cheaper than what it would cost to use an aftermarket company. One industry expert estimated that an aftermarket bulletproof Q5 would set you back more than $95,000, while also voiding your factory warranty.

After facing multiple assaults and being robbed multiple times, security company owner Arturo Avila says that he now travels exclusively in armored cars while in Mexico City.

“One of the crimes that hurts us most is kidnapping. That’s what we’re afraid of,” he said, while adding that he’s been changing his car every two years.

At the same time, Mexican security companies have also expanded their rental and leasing offers on bulletproof vehicles, as these types of services are starting to grow in popularity. Last year, Mexico was ranked as the second most dangerous country in the world by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Photos: BMW X5 Security Plus via Bimmertoday