Mexico. The auto parts and spare parts industry for armored vehicles faces great challenges with the arrival of new designs and technologies, such as air suspensions, radars and advanced sensors of lane, speed and braking.
While these innovations bring a high level of comfort, for armour suppliers and manufacturers the challenge lies in striking a balance between ballistic safety and driving comfort.
Omar Lara, president of the Communication and Dissemination Commission of the National Council of the Ballistic Industry (CNB), with experience in armoring vehicles with advanced technology, says that it is possible to preserve the originality of a car at 90% to 95%. According to him, this aspect is essential to maintain the discretion of armored vehicles.
Lara classifies the shielding materials according to their level, according to the requirements of the users. In cities such as Monterrey and Mexico City, the most requested levels of protection are those designed to deal with situations of kidnapping and urban crime. Each level has specific components that can influence the performance of the vehicle and the durability of parts and mechanical systems.
Fernando Cruz, president of the CNB's Tactical Armor Commission, points out that armour increases the weight of a vehicle by approximately 300 kg, which requires special attention to suspension and brake systems. It recommends that drivers perform braking tests and check for changes in the center of gravity, as armoring can affect braking distance, a relevant aspect in vehicle maintenance and safety.
Fernando also stressed that in the event of an attack, the armor only offers protection for a few seconds, enough to escape the danger zone. Therefore, it is advisable for drivers to familiarize themselves with the capabilities of their armored vehicles.
Gadi Mokotov, chairman of the CNB Executive Committee, discusses the differences in armor performance between vehicle types. In SUV models like the Suburban, fuel consumption is not as critical an issue. However, in sedans, the additional weight of the armor significantly affects fuel consumption and the wear of brakes and other parts.
For this reason, Mokotov invites those seeking ballistic safety without sacrificing comfort to approach the National Council of the Ballistic Industry (CNB). The companies associated with the CNB use technology regulated under the quality standards NIJ 0108.01 of the United States and CEN EN 1063 of Europe, guaranteeing the durability and reliability of the materials used.
"Today there are companies that armor without registrations or certified materials, which damages the vehicle and puts people seeking ballistic protection at risk," Mokotov warns.
In the same vein, the delegate of the CNB's Automotive Armor Commission, Tufic Yusef Jacobo, recommends evaluating three key materials when armouring a vehicle without affecting its comfort: ballistic steel, ballistic glass glass and aramid plates. In addition, it emphasizes the importance of using special suspensions to ensure safe handling, avoiding rigid suspensions. "Armouring a car requires craftsmanship so as not to affect the design and finishes," concludes Tufic.
According to data from the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection, in its report of October 29, 2024, vehicle theft with violence in Mexico has decreased by 25.1% when comparing the periods of September 2019 and 2024. However, in September of this year, 4,042 incidents of this type were recorded.
Faced with dangerous situations inside an armored vehicle, managers agree that it is best to seek safety quickly. The armor withstands two, three or even four impacts, but will eventually break, so it is preferable to leave the place and seek help from the authorities.
