WeeklySA_AdminPROTECTION SOLUTIONS: Armormax continues its product development to ensure locals drive safely with more models now available
By Ali Mphaki
There is one thing which SA’s leading luxury vehicle armorer Armormax strives to avoid at all cost – sitting on its laurels.
Formed 20 years ago in a partnership with a leading American luxury vehicle armorer, it is now wholly South African owned and has used the lessons learned in international best practice to provide the highest quality, bespoke armouring solutions in the country.
Based in Northriding, Johannesburg, to date Amormax have amoured more than 1800 luxury vehicles thanks to its being acknowledged as OEM partners to most of the luxury brands in South Africa.
Continoously evaluating South Africa’s vehicle sales trends and customer demand to identify platforms best suited to armouring, the rapid growth of established Chinese automotive brands is a compelling opportunity for buyers seeking protection solutions.
It could be that many of these vehicles are offered in HEV, PHEV, and full EV configurations, Armormax says it is ready for the task backed by its history as the first company to armour a full-electric vehicle in South Africa in 2022.
The company prides itself that to date their armoured vehicles from various brands have not had a single penetration or injury.
What sets Armormax apart from the competition is that they blend the art of bespoke vehicle manufacturing a d conversion with the science of high-tech ballistic materials.
The use of lightweight synthetic armour in combination with advanced ballistic steel means longer service intervals than are normally needed for an armoured vehicle, longer vehicle life, and a superior driving experience.
Working with the worlds leading armoured vehicle component suppliers un a collaborative manner, this has enabled Armormax to bring proven globally validated solutions without compromising on quality and safety.
As Michael Broom marketing manager explains: “We don’t rest on out laurels. In many cases we have pioneered armouring solutions for new vehicle models that are later adopted internationally by top-tier armourers.
He adds that market leadership is earmed daily, and innovation, constant product development, and adapting to the evolving automotive landscape is what keeps them ahead.
In his book, South Africans deserve to drive what they love – safely, confidently, and without compromise.
“We believe protection should enable lifestyle., not limit it:,” he adds. Bringing a smile to Broom is the ever expanding list of new models now available with bullet proof protection.
These are in alphabetic order;
BMW G60 5 Series
BYD Shark 6
Chery Tiggo 9
Ford Tourneo Custom
GWM Tank 500
GWM P300 and P500
Haval H6
Jetour T2
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volvo XC40
Volvo EX90
As the first company to armour an EV in South Africa it has since then successfully armoured multiple HEV and PHEV models across brands including Land Rover, Toyota, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
There are two types of armoured vehicles to choose from, what is called B4 or B6.
B4 armouring protects against most handguns, including a 9mm and Magnum. B6 takes to a far more serious level, with protection against any weapon, including AK47s, R1 assault rifles and snipper rifles.
Customers also have a choice of either discreet or non- discreet package.
Buyers must also be conscious of the fact that armoured vehicles carry more weight – some as up 400kg or more – which may have fuel costs implications.
But in a country where hijackings and crime is rampant, be prepared to spend for your protected mobility.
“Our luxury bulletproof vehicles protect families, business professionals, and high-profile individuals,” says Broom.
An armoured 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 D350 X Dynamic HSE B4 will cost you R2, 999. 990,00, while the 2024 Land Rover Range Rover P530 first edition will leave you R5, 999,990,00.
Safety and protection don’t come cheap.
