SVI Engineering

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.

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

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

• Armoured vehicle manufacturing
• Ballistic vehicle protection
• Armoured personnel carriers
• Cash-in-transit vehicles
• Vehicle armouring solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Pretoria

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core 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

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• SSABflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2026SVI 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)coreTechnology or IntegrationSVI 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 AfricacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSVI 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 MotorscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSVI 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 AfricacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSVI 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 AfricacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSVI 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 AfricacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSVI'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 AGminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSVI 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)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/SVI_Engineering
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCywqQ_gvwLACxO-AvvhTAfw
• Facebookfacebook.com/sviengineering
• Instagraminstagram.com/svi_engineering_armour
• TikToktiktok.com/@svi_engineering
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/svi-engineering

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SVI Engineering