Fearful Brazilians Keep Armored Car Sales Booming

By: Micah Bacheller

Known for probably having the worst urban violence in the world, Sao Paulo, Brazil only seems to be getting worst. Until a couple of years ago, armored cars were for the very elite class. The armored body is built to withstand bullets fired from a .44 Magnum revolver or a 9-millimeter sub machine gun. Now, especially with the economic downturn, violence in Sao Paulo has escalated to new levels. It is common to see "flash kidnappings", where a robber abducts you and make you take money out of an ATM, then let you free. If you are at a red stop light, a robber might break your window and demand anything of worth. This trend only seems to get worst, so even middle class people are beginning to make armed vehicles standard. There has been a shift of priority. Whereas before the middle class could not afford armor, the prices have gone way down, and the stress of constant fear have changed their minds to protect themselves. As the article points out, its not if one will be attacked, its about when you will be attacked. With the armored car, one can be prepared for the inevitable.