There are now estimated to be more than 50,000 bulletproof cars – blindados – on Brazilian roads. The business has been growing, almost without interruption, over the last decade, with an increase of around 20% per year. Traders say a market that was once the exclusive preserve of Brazil’s elite is opening up to wealthier sections of the middle class, due to easier credit arrangements and a growing second-hand market.

One issue which contributes to the risks for motorists in Sao Paulo is the sheer number of cars. There are now six million in the city, and traffic jams can be enormous. Armed robbers have been known to use this heavy congestion to single out vulnerable motorists, and it is often crimes like this which have driven the demand for bulletproof cars.

Having showcased their niche range of solutions at Eurosatory 2008 & IDEX 2009 it has now turned its focus to Latin American market which has huge potential in terms of Platform Armouring. To mark and consolidate their presence they are participating in Latin American Aerospace & Defense Show LAAD 2009 to be held between 14th-17th April 2009 at Rio de Janerio.

“Since 9/11, there has been a broader consensus & agreement amongst Latin American stand on Anti -terrorism issues with support from the US and counter measures on money laundering activities, which make LA a terrorist haven for Anti-social elements, I believe there will be a lot more action happening in the region in addition to the armored vehicle requirement risen due to Iraq conflict and US involvement in the region. With the most skewed income gaps in the world Brazil becomes the most preferred choice for US to have its armouring done from, which drives us to rethink about our sales forecasts and gear up for some positive action in the region..” said Mr Neeraj Gupta, Jt Managing Director and Head International Sales, from MKU.

MKU had recently created a lot of buzz in the international market with the acquisition of Germany based company AST Security Equipment GmbH, a NATO registered company specialising in Helicopter and Ship armouring.

“keeping in mind the cost sensitivity of the region our innovative products like Flexar & Bomb Blankets offer excellent protection from small arms to those VIP’s who are under constant threat from the mafia or other such threats. However our Economic range of PE Composite & Aramid Composite solutions offer enhanced protection and increased survivability to the Vehicular occupants in case of emergencies and hostile situations.” , Mr Sumit Khandelwal, VP LWAS, opined about the companies offerings for the region that they propose to showcase at LAAD and also subsequently push in the region.

It’s a fact, that the Iraq conflict has given a new focus on necessity of armored cars and majority of armouring work happening in Brasil the industry is seeing a renewed boom and focus. With almost more than 30 car armouring companies in the market it certainly seems to be a promising market for MKU.