Car bulletproofing kit a hit in Brazil

Armour plating is not just for aristocrats anymore as the world's seventh-largest economy grapples with high rates of kidnapping, murder and robbery.

DuPont, widely known as a chemical maker, introduced its bulletproof Kevlar fiber and SentryGlas car kit Armura in 2008 to middle class Brazilian families with Chevrolets, Hondas and yes, even low-cost Kias.

Now, it wants to bulletproof taxis that will shuttle visitors between events for the 2014 World Cup soccer championship and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic games.

"We wanted to bring a solution to a family that wants protection but doesn't have money to afford classic car armour," said Mr Carlos Benatto, business manager for DuPont Armura.

Armura, sold only in Brazil, protects against bullets up to .38 calibre. Sales rose 70 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared with last year.

The kit costs about US$12,000 (S$15,000), weighs roughly 90 kilogrammes, and takes 15 days to install. A DuPont-approved technician replaces a car's windows with SentryGlas, and puts Kevlar panels behind the door panels. Because it relatively light weight, the kit does not cut fuel efficiency, DuPont said.

Many middle-class families might struggle to afford Armura, which adds roughly 30 per cent to the 59,900 reais (S$40,000) cost of a Kia Soul, but alternatives could prove to be more expensive.

Developed by DuPont in 1965, Kevlar is the industry standard for bulletproofing door panels, but it is also used in flak jackets, socks and tires. DuPont has even developed a Kevlar tornado and hurricane shelter.

DuPont said it is also talking to automakers about installing Armura in new vehicles.

Sao Paulo's notorious traffic is partly a consequence of crime, as people too scared to take public transportation choose to drive. But thieves have discovered that traffic jams provide opportunities to prey upon the public.

"This is the type of thing we're trying to prevent," said Mr Benatto.

Armura's success in Brazil has exceeded DuPont's expectations, so the company is planning to bring the kit to at least two other countries, but it would not name them.

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