SVI Engineering
SVI Engineering (Pretoria, est. 2004) designs, manufactures and sells specialised armoured vehicles spanning B2 partial, B4/B6 discreet, semi-discreet Stopgun, and military-grade APCs, serving civilian, corporate, security, mining, and government clients across Africa.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersPretoria, South Africa
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What SVI Engineering does
SVI Engineering Pty Ltd is a Pretoria-headquartered, privately held armoured-vehicle manufacturer founded in 2004 that designs, manufactures and sells ballistic-protection solutions for civilian, corporate, security, mining, and government clients primarily across South Africa. The company delivers a tiered product portfolio spanning B2 partial armour (SVI LITE, starting at R64,950 ex VAT per closure, +15 kg per door), B4 and B6 discreet armour against handguns and assault rifles, semi-discreet Stopgun V2.0/V3.0 kits, and a military-grade APC family (MAX 3, MAX 9, MAX SWAT, MAX Recon 6×6), alongside cash-in-transit solutions, armoured guardhouses, anti-riot scrapers, canopy ranges, and the patent-pending 3D metal-printed Gimbal Gunport developed with SSAB. Core technology rests on ballistic steel plates, AGP-sourced curved ballistic glass (African partnership covering ~40% of global ballistic glass), composite/Kevlar armour, and additive-manufactured armoured steel, validated through a dedicated underground ballistic testing range with CSIR-supplied 30,000 fps high-speed camera equipment.
The company's go-to-market is sales-led and multi-channel: direct sales from the Pretoria headquarters and Cape Town regional office, an OEM-approved dealer network spanning Ford, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Isuzu, UD Trucks and BMW (allowing warranty-preserved conversions ordered through franchise dealers), pre-owned armoured vehicle sales from the SVI showroom, short- and long-term rentals via SVI Secure across three regional hubs, SASSETA-accredited driver-training programmes, and aftermarket accessories and armoured guardhouse supply. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales of vehicles and armouring components, recurring rental fees, training services, and aftermarket products.
Operational positioning is anchored on regulatory and partnership moats — ISO 9001:2015 (TÜV Rheinland), Armscor Facility Clearance, NRCS MIB Manufacturer/Importer/Builder certificates, Level 2 B-BBEE certification, AMD membership, and OEM converter accreditations — as well as 20+ years of accumulated armoured-vehicle engineering expertise. With more than 2,500 armoured products delivered cumulatively and a heavy 2025-2026 product-launch cadence (SVI LITE, MAX SWAT, MAX Recon, Gimbal Gunport, Sprinter executive transport, Stopgun V3.0 for Hilux and Ranger), SVI operates as Africa's self-described market leader in civilian-to-military ballistic vehicle protection.
SVI Engineering firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SVI Engineering
- Legal name
- SVI Engineering Pty Ltd
- Website
- https://svi.co.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- SVI Engineering (Pretoria, est. 2004) designs, manufactures and sells specialised armoured vehicles spanning B2 partial, B4/B6 discreet, semi-discreet Stopgun, and military-grade APCs, serving civilian, corporate, security, mining, and government clients across Africa.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SVI Engineering industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Armoured Vehicle Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing (336992), Investigation, Guard, and Armored Car Services (56161), Armored Car Services (561613)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Transportation Equipment (3790), Ordnance & Accessories, (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) (3480), Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Military & Tactical Off-Highway Vehicles (Armored, Tactical Mobility) (IMAHAIAJ)
Keywords
Where SVI Engineering is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pretoria
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices2 records
Markets served
SVI Engineering business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Armoured Vehicle Sales: SVI Engineering sells newly armoured vehicles as well as pre-owned armoured vehicles from its showroom. Customers can purchase armoured civilian vehicles (B2, B4, B6 discreet), armoured security vehicles (Stopgun V2.0/V3.0, Hilux APC, Canopy Range), and military APCs (MAX 3, MAX Recon, MAX SWAT, MAX 9). Vehicles are sold directly through SVI's sales team and via OEM dealer networks. Revenue is one-time, generated upon vehicle delivery.
- Armoured Vehicle Rentals: SVI Secure, the company's rental division, offers short- and long-term armoured vehicle rentals across South Africa through regional hubs in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape. The fleet includes armoured sedans, SUVs, CIT vehicles, and military-spec APCs. Revenue is recurring, generated through rental fees.
- Driver Training: SVI offers a five-day driver training programme with five modules covering armoured-vehicle dynamics, practical advanced driving, 4x4 training, tactical deployment, and legal aspects. The course is accredited by SASSETA. Revenue is generated through training fees per module or full course.
- Aftermarket Products and Accessories: SVI sells armoured products including guardhouses, anti-riot scrapers, canopy ranges (mild-steel, CIT, APC), and individual armouring components. Also offers armoured guardhouse purchase and rental options.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | SVI LITE B2 partial armour - From R64,950 (ex VAT) per closure (door and window glass) |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Pre-owned armoured vehicles for sale - Price range from ~R999,999 to R2,193,047 (including VAT) |
| Other | One time/ perpetual license | B4 discreet armour - Quote-based pricing |
| Other | One time/ perpetual license | B6 discreet armour - Quote-based pricing |
| Other | One time/ perpetual license | Stopgun V2.0 semi-discreet B6 armour - Quote-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels7 records
SVI Engineering product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SVI Engineering designs, manufactures, and converts armoured vehicles and ballistic-protection products for civilian, security, and military clients. Its portfolio spans B2 partial armour (SVI LITE), B4 and B6 discreet armour, semi-discreet Stopgun kits, cash-in-transit solutions, armoured guardhouses, anti-riot scrapers, and a full range of armoured personnel carriers (MAX 3, MAX 9, MAX SWAT, MAX Recon). The company also offers armoured vehicle rentals through SVI Secure and a SASSETA-accredited five-day driver training programme.
Product overview
SVI Engineering is a South African market leader in armoured vehicles, offering a comprehensive portfolio of ballistic protection solutions across civilian, security, and military segments. The core product line spans B2 partial armour (SVI LITE), B4 discreet armour for handgun protection, and B6 discreet armour for assault rifle protection (including AK47, R1, R5) — available as either discreet (concealed) or semi-discreet Stopgun packages. The company manufactures a range of armoured personnel carriers: MAX 3 (Land Cruiser 70-based), MAX 9 (8-seater with STANAG 1 ballistic rating), MAX SWAT (12-seater on Isuzu chassis), and MAX Recon (rapid-deployment 6×6 tactical variant). Supporting products include cash-in-transit solutions, armoured guardhouses, anti-riot scrapers, canopy ranges, and the innovative 3D metal-printed Gimbal Gunport (developed with SSAB). Services include armoured vehicle rentals, driver training, and B6 cab conversions for commercial vehicles. Founded in 2004, SVI holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and serves private, corporate, security, mining, and government clients across Africa.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- B4 Discreet Armour 360-degree protection against handguns up to .44 Magnum using 18-21mm armoured glass and Kevlar sheets, providing a discreet anti-hijack solution that maintains factory vehicle appearance. Designed for civilian and corporate clients requiring handgun-level protection without visible armour modifications.
- B6 Discreet Armour Highest civilian protection level without special permits, providing defence against assault rifles including AK47, R1, and R5 (7.62x51mm). Uses high-grade ballistic steel panels and 38mm curved ballistic glass, with a full suspension upgrade included to handle the added mass.
- SVI LITE (B2 Partial Armour) Cost-effective partial ballistic protection against hijacking for mainstream passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles. Uses concealed Kevlar panels and lightweight armoured glass to provide B2 protection (9mm handgun) while adding only 15 kg per door and retaining window operation.
- Stopgun V2.0
Quantifiable outcome
- 30% mass reduction in gimbal gunport compared to traditional manufacturing while maintaining B6 ballistic protection
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use SVI Engineering
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
SVI Engineering technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
SVI Engineering partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- SSABflagshipSVI Engineering partnered with Swedish steel supplier SSAB to develop and launch a world-first 3D metal-printed gimbal gunport for armoured vehicles. The gimbal gunport uses SSAB's Armox 500 AM Powder - the world's first protection-grade steel powder for additive manufacturing. SSAB plans to expand its Oxelösund, Sweden facility to enable commercial-scale production with capacity of approximately 350 tonnes per year from Q1 2028.
- AGP (American Glass Products)coreSVI Engineering holds the African partnership for American Glass Products (AGP), which accounts for approximately 40% of all ballistic glass worldwide. AGP is an OE supplier to many premier vehicle brands globally, as well as police forces and military clients. AGP has state-of-the-art facilities in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. SVI uses AGP's curved automotive ballistic glass for its armoured vehicles.
- Ford Motor Company of Southern AfricacoreSVI is an approved Ford Pro Convertor (formerly Qualified Vehicle Modifiers). This programme allows SVI to offer Ford-approved armoured conversions for the Ranger and Everest (B2 partial, B4 discreet, B6 discreet, and Stopgun V3.0 packages) where the vehicle's original manufacturer warranty and any selected service or maintenance plans remain intact. Ford Ranger Raptor B6 discreet armour launched as SA's first Ford-approved assault-rifle protection for this derivative.
- Toyota South Africa MotorscoreSVI is an authorised Toyota commercial-vehicle partner. The Stopgun V2.0 B6 armour package for specific Toyota Hilux single cab versions is fully approved by Toyota, allowing ordering through Toyota's dealer network. SVI is developing Stopgun V3.0 B6 packages for the 9th-generation Toyota Hilux.
- Mercedes-Benz South AfricacoreSVI is a Mercedes-Benz VanPartner, enabling the company to offer Mercedes-Benz-approved armoured V-Class conversions with full manufacturer warranty and maintenance plan. SVI also uses the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform for its luxury armoured executive transport.
- Isuzu Motors South AfricacoreSVI is an authorised Isuzu body builder. The MAX SWAT is based on the Isuzu FTS 750 chassis and powertrain (7.8-litre inline-six turbodiesel, 6-speed Allison auto). Servicing can be carried out by local Isuzu agents due to the standard drivetrain.
- UD Trucks Southern AfricacoreSVI's UD Kuzer B6 conversion (full cab replacement) is fully approved by UD Trucks Southern Africa. The armoured cab can be ordered through any UD Trucks dealer in South Africa, with the standard manufacturer warranty remaining in place.
- BMW AGminorSVI is BMW AG certified for armoured vehicle conversions on BMW models (X3, X5). SVI's BMW-converted vehicles retain BMW quality certification.
- CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research)minorThe CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) has provided SVI with a Photron Fastcam SA4 high-speed camera set at 30,000 frames per second for ballistic testing documentation. SVI also developed the ZU-23 autocannon system variant for the MAX Recon in conjunction with the CSIR.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
SVI Engineering competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing: Canadian armourer producing B4-B7 civilian vehicles, CIT vehicles, and APCs (including the Cyclone and Rhino). Directly comparable product breadth and target customer profile.
- Armormax: US armoured vehicle manufacturer producing B4-B7 civilian and executive protection vehicles. Comparable in discreet OEM-platform-based civilian armoured product range.
- International Armoring Corporation (IAC): US-based armourer offering Armormax-branded B4-B7 civilian vehicles on Ford, Toyota and other OEM platforms. Closely comparable product positioning and price points.
- Alpine Armoring: US armourer offering B4-B7 civilian, executive and security vehicles with comparable OEM-platform conversion approach and international sales footprint.
- Jankel Armouring: UK-based armoured vehicle specialist producing military tactical vehicles, APCs and civilian protection packages for government and security customers. Comparable in defence/APC segment overlap.
- Paramount Group: Larger South African defence and armoured vehicle manufacturer producing APCs, mine-protected vehicles and tactical platforms for African governments. Overlaps with SVI's MAX range and military/government segment.
- Roshel Smart Armored Vehicles: Canadian manufacturer of civilian and tactical armoured vehicles (Senator, Barracuda) on similar OEM platforms. Comparable in B4-B6 discreet civilian offering and APC product line.
- Mamba Armoured Vehicles: South African competitor offering civilian and security armoured vehicles based on similar OEM chassis (Toyota, Ford). Competes head-to-head with SVI in the SA private and security fleet segments.
- Sherpa Armoured Vehicles: South African armourer producing B4-B6 discreet vehicles, CIT solutions and APCs for civilian, security and mining clients. Directly comparable in product portfolio, customer segments and South African market focus.
Broad incumbents
- Centigon France: Global leader in armoured vehicles for governments, militaries and heads of state. Larger and broader in scope than SVI but operates in the same discreet civilian and tactical APC categories.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SVI Engineering social profiles
Digital presenceSVI Engineering compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance9 records
SVI Engineering financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SVI Engineering leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
SVI Engineering funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SVI Engineering M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SVI Engineering
What does SVI Engineering do?
SVI Engineering designs, manufactures, and converts armoured vehicles and ballistic-protection products for civilian, security, and military clients. Its portfolio spans B2 partial armour (SVI LITE), B4 and B6 discreet armour, semi-discreet Stopgun kits, cash-in-transit solutions, armoured guardhouses, anti-riot scrapers, and a full range of armoured personnel carriers (MAX 3, MAX 9, MAX SWAT, MAX Recon). The company also offers armoured vehicle rentals through SVI Secure and a SASSETA-accredited five-day driver training programme.
Is SVI Engineering a public or private company?
SVI Engineering is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was SVI Engineering founded?
SVI Engineering was founded in 2004. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is SVI Engineering based?
SVI Engineering is headquartered in Pretoria, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does SVI Engineering make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Armoured Vehicle Sales are the primary driver. The others are armoured Vehicle Rentals, driver Training and aftermarket Products and Accessories.
Who are SVI Engineering's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing, Armormax, International Armoring Corporation (IAC), Alpine Armoring, Jankel Armouring, Paramount Group, Roshel Smart Armored Vehicles, Mamba Armoured Vehicles and Sherpa Armoured Vehicles. Centigon France is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does SVI Engineering have an API?
No public API is recorded for SVI Engineering.
What industry is SVI Engineering in?
SVI Engineering's product category is Armoured Vehicle Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHAIAJ, Military & Tactical Off-Highway Vehicles (Armored, Tactical Mobility). Its NAICS code is 336992 and its SIC code is 3790.