Mexico’s Automotive Armoring Industry to Grow 30% in 2025

Mexico’s automotive armoring industry is projected to grow 30% in 2025 compared with the previous year, driven by persistent security challenges and rising demand from government entities, private companies and individual consumers, according to the Intercontinental Association of Armorers (AIB).

“In automotive armoring, this is a market that has continued to grow in recent years. This year we are on track to close with a 30% increase in commercial activity. There has been significant growth on the government side, as well as among private individuals who are also seeking protection and looking for options to feel a bit safer,” said Rodrigo Cota, Member, AIB, and CEO, BLX Armoring.

According to Cota, approximately 4,000 vehicles are armored annually in Mexico, not including units armored by premium manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz or BMW. He said this volume places Mexico among the most important armored vehicle markets in Latin America that require vehicles to be manufactured or modified domestically.

Cota said Mexico ranks behind Brazil in regional demand. Brazil is the largest market in Latin America, with approximately 30,000 armored vehicles produced annually. Despite the difference in scale, he said Mexico remains a strategic market due to its steady growth and diversification of armored vehicle users.

The most commonly armored vehicles in Mexico include full-size SUVs and pickup trucks. Models frequently armored include the Chevrolet Suburban, Stellantis’ RAM lineup and Ford pickup trucks. Cota said newer electric and premium vehicles have also entered the armoring market.

“Vehicles from brands such as BYD and Tesla are now also being armored,” he said in an interview with El Economista, noting that demand is adapting to changes in the automotive market.

Geographically, demand is concentrated in specific regions. The majority of armored vehicle clients are located in Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Jalisco and northern states, where security concerns and business activity overlap. 

Mexico primarily operates at armoring Level III for civilian use, according to Cota. He said protection levels are defined by international standards such as those established by the U.S.-based National Institute of Justice and equivalent ballistic certifications. “In Mexico, armoring levels are based on international standards such as the NIJ and other equivalent ballistic standards. The most common levels for civilian use range from Level II to Level V, each designed to resist different types of threats and recommended according to the user’s risk profile,” Cota said.

The industry faces structural challenges, including the presence of unregulated operators. Cota warned about companies that operate outside legal and technical standards, often linked to criminal organizations, and whose vehicles do not meet required safety regulations.

“We have support and backing because we apply best practices. We are companies authorized by the federal government to carry out this work in accordance with the law and by meeting the highest quality standards in the country,” he said.

Mexico currently has more than 100 authorized companies and individuals permitted to manufacture armored vehicles domestically. These companies work with materials such as ballistic steel and armored glass. Cota said most ballistic steel used in Mexico is imported, while armored glass production does exist domestically.

“In Mexico, ballistic steel plates are not manufactured, but there are armored glass factories here. Within our association, we have a couple of armored glass manufacturers,” he said.