SVI Engineering, leading specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, is pleased to announce the availability of Ford-recognised B4 and B6 discreet armouring packages for the Everest, with the converted version of the brand’s latest-generation SUV enjoying full factory backing.
Thanks to SVI’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) status with Ford, both of these concealed armouring packages for the Everest can be ordered directly from any Blue Oval dealership in South Africa, with the ladder-frame SUV’s standard manufacturer warranty and any selected service or maintenance plan remaining completely intact. In addition, the entire package, including the purchase price of the base vehicle and the cost of the armour selected, can be financed via Ford Credit.
“Considering the ongoing success of our partnership with Ford to provide factory-backed armour across the Ranger line-up – first with the previous-generation bakkie and now with the current model – it made perfect sense to extend our offering to the versatile and highly capable Everest range,” said SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.
B4 and B6 Discreet packages for Ford Everest.
SVI’s engineering team drew on both its extensive industry experience and its intricate knowledge of the closely related Ranger to formulate bespoke B4 and B6 discreet armouring solutions for the Everest. The 360-degree B4 package offers protection against handguns (up to .44 Magnum) and thus represents the ideal anti-hijack solution.
The B4 concealed package provides comprehensive protection for the entire passenger cell – all the way to and including the tailgate – and combines 21 mm armoured glass (curved to original-equipment specification) with precisely cut-and-bonded Kevlar sheets for the body as well as armoured-steel plates in various smaller, otherwise more vulnerable areas.
This lightweight solution has a negligible impact on vehicle acceleration, fuel consumption and dynamic performance. Thanks to the minimal overall mass added by SVI’s level B4 package, this rugged body-on-frame SUV does not require a suspension upgrade, while the standard door hinges are likewise retained.
Meanwhile, the B6 discreet package for the Everest offers 360-degree protection against assault rifles, including AK47, R1 and R5, making it ideal for high-profile individuals who require the loftiest level of civilian protection available in South Africa without a special permit. This tried-and-tested package makes extensive use of custom-fabricated armoured steel plates, composite materials and high-grade 38 mm ballistic glass.
To save on both cost and overall mass, the B6 armouring package for the Everest incorporates an armoured rear bulkhead (complete with an escape hatch) neatly integrated behind the second row of seats. A suspension upgrade is also included as standard – helping the SUV to manage the additional mass of the comprehensive array of B6 armouring materials – as are upgraded door hinges.
With both the B4 and B6 packages, the SUV’s various driver-assistance safety systems – including those that rely on sensors mounted behind the windscreen – remain fully operational.
Cost and build time.
When ordered via a Ford dealer, the 360-degree B4 armouring solution for the Ford Everest is priced from R725 684 (excluding VAT), while the B6 package starts at R928 534 (excluding VAT). The list of options includes items such as roof armour, floor armour, a PA system and heavy-duty runflat rings for the tyres. The project build time is set at approximately three months in each case.
- Everest 360-degree B4 discreet armour – R725 684 (ex VAT)
- Everest 360-degree B6 discreet armour – R928 534 (ex VAT)
*figures exclude VAT and the purchase price of the base vehicle
Article by: SVI