Armoured Limousine: The Hyundai Equus

Armed Forces International managed to get an exclusive interview with Peter Mead from Stoof International, on their latest Armoured Limousine: The Hyundai Equus / Centennial.

Armoured Hyundai Equus / Centennial Limousine

Stoof already have an armoured vehicles based upon the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Bentley Continental Flying Spur available. What made you decide to develop the Hyundai Equus (also known at the Centennial) into an armoured limousine?

The decision to go with the Hyundai was made, having received a direct request from a client (OEM Manufacturer) to produce a number of units for a prominent head of state. The armoured Hyundai Equus / Centennial Limousine model is a flagship car competing in the luxury segment of the automotive market and receives very favourable reviews.

What client base is the armoured Hyundai Equus / Centennial Limousine aimed at?

End-users for the armoured Hyundai Equus / Centennial Limousine will be organisations that have a requirement for a representative prominent vehicle in a potential or high risk security region. Diplomatic missions, military attaché or heads of commercial industrial enterprises.

The Hyundai Equus / Centennial is a well known car - what standard features have been added to protect passengers when travelling?

The main objective of an armoured limousine is to remain discreet and not show that the vehicle has been armoured. At the same time it should function within the same capacity as it was originally designed for. Although an obvious statement, it is no easy task to integrate over a ton of additional weight and retain the original appearance. If a potential assailant does not even know that the vehicle is armoured - on appearance - this is a security asset of its own accord.

Are there any additional features available to suit client's specific requirements?

For vehicles in this particular category, specific requirements can always be implemented upon request. We are also developing a stretch model with built in dividing wall and parade roof for example.

What level of protection do these features offer?

Protection levels that can be offered vary according to customer security requirements. At this present moment vehicles on offer provide protection at the EEC CEN B6 - B7 level. The armoured Hyundai Equus / Centennial Limousine is also a fully certified ballistically tested vehicle as according to VPAM BRV requirements.

General Specs of the Hyundai Equus / Centennial: