By Prashirwin Naidu
Armoured vehicles are a niche yet vital part of the automotive world. SVI Engineering leads the field, protecting everyone from private security teams to executives and government officials. I sat down with Nicol Louw, Technical Director at SVI Engineering, who has been at the forefront of South Africa’s armoured vehicle industry. He unpacks the armouring process and the vision behind it.
SVI has built a strong reputation in the armoured vehicle space. What was the
founding vision, and how has the company evolved?
SVI was founded in 2004 by our CEO, Jaco de Kock. We started with military
applications but soon expanded into security and civilian markets. In the last five years, growth in South Africa has been huge, especially for civilian armouring. Today, about 80% of our work is business-to-business — supplying security companies, government fleets, and mining patrols — while 20% is private clients who want protection for themselves and their families.
Walk us through the process of taking a standard vehicle and transforming it into
an armoured one.
It all starts with the client’s risk profile. Are they worried about a hijacking with handguns or assault rifles in high-risk areas?
That determines the armour level:
B2 Light: Protection against 9mm handguns, suitable for most cars.
B4: Stops most handguns, also widely applicable.
B6: Built for assault rifles, needing tough vehicles like a Land Cruiser or Hilux.
We strip the car, store all components, and rebuild with ballistic glass and armour —lighter Kevlar for B2/B4, or heavy steel and thick glass for B6. A B6 build takes two months; fleet vehicles, like Hilux patrol bakkies, are ready in two weeks.
Which vehicles are the most popular for armouring in South Africa?
South Africa’s love for bakkies and SUVs works perfectly for armouring because they handle the extra weight better. The favourites? Double-cab bakkies like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger; SUV versions such as the Fortuner and Everest; and the big luxury SUVs like Toyota Prado, Land Cruiser 300, Lexus LX, and Nissan Patrol. We’re also proud to be fully approved by Mercedes-Benz to armour the V-Class, which is a top choice for VIPs.
How do you balance safety and ballistic protection with performance and
comfort?
It depends on the armouring level. With B2 or B4, the difference is hardly noticeable. With B6, you’re adding around 600 kg, so yes, the vehicle feels heavier. We don’t touch the engine because reliability is non-negotiable. Instead, we focus on upgrades like suspension, door hinges, and sometimes braking systems or anti-roll bars — especially for heavy-duty security or riot-control vehicles.
What are the biggest misconceptions about armoured vehicles?
The first is that everyone in South Africa needs one, not true. Armouring is like airbags: a safety layer you hope never to use, but it gives peace of mind in high-risk moments, like stopping at a red light. The second is cost. While higher levels can be pricey, we’ve introduced affordable options such as B2 Light, which protects against 9mm handguns. For example, you can armour a Toyota Corolla Cross door for around R55 000 — and choose whether to do all four doors or just the driver’s side.
With hijackings and crime on the rise, how do you see demand for armoured
vehicles evolving?
Demand has been climbing steadily, and we’ve seen 20–30% growth every year. The truth is, most people feel safe at home or work, but danger strikes in between, during commutes. That’s where an armoured vehicle makes the biggest difference. In industries like mining, it’s become non-negotiable — security teams can’t be expected to face heavily armed illegal miners in standard vehicles.
From an innovation standpoint, what’s new in armouring?
At SVI, we’re excited about our B2 Light, designed for everyday use. It uses 30 mm
ballistic glass and Kevlar to stop 9mm rounds, yet stays light and affordable. We
constantly test new composites, blending steel with lighter materials to boost strength without extra weight. Innovation is a constant for us — we invest heavily in ballistic testing and R&D to keep pushing boundaries.
Do you see opportunities for SVI to expand beyond South Africa?
Yes, South Africa is our home base, but we already export to neighbouring countries. On the military side, we work on confidential projects in other regions. That said, our main focus right now is strengthening our service in South Africa and nearby markets before expanding further.
On a personal note, what drew you to the armouring industry, and what keeps you passionate?
I have an engineering background. I’ve worked for Ford in the UK and on South Africa’s Joule electric car project, plus 10 years at Car magazine. Armouring combines my passions for engineering, cars and safety. The most rewarding part?Knowing our work saves lives. A client recently told me an SVI vehicle saved them, few people can say their day job does that. That’s what drives me every day.
What are three of the most challenging but important lessons you’ve learned in life?
First: never give up. My faith keeps me grounded. Second, balance is essential. Work, family and passion must align. And third, do what excites you. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. The journey isn’t always easy, but persistence always pays off.
