Kroll-O'Gara Co. to Offer High-Security Vehicles from Dealer Showrooms Amid Growing Demand

Strategic Insights -

Growing concerns about crime and terrorism have led to a surge in demand for armored passenger vehicles, with Fairfield-based Kroll-O'Gara Co. announcing its plan to offer high-security vehicles from dealer showrooms for the first time. The company's subsidiary, O'Gara Hess & Eisenhardt Armoring Co., has been selected by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. as the exclusive U.S. provider of protected vehicle security systems for Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars. The move is part of the company's goal to make armored vehicles available through multiple dealerships, with Rolls-Royce of Beverly Hills serving as the first retail dealership to offer "protected" vehicles.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kroll-O'Gara Co. will offer high-security vehicles from dealer showrooms for the first time, catering to growing demand for armored passenger vehicles.
  • O'Gara Hess & Eisenhardt Armoring Co. has a 15-year sales and design agreement with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. to provide protected vehicle security systems for Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars.
  • International and domestic demand for armored passenger vehicles has increased due to heightened fears of criminal and terrorist activity.
  • In 1997, Kroll-O'Gara Co. saw a 150% increase in sales of its light-armored packages for luxury sedans and sport utility vehicles.
  • The company aims to have armored vehicles available through multiple dealerships, with Rolls-Royce of Beverly Hills as the initial retail dealership to offer "protected" vehicles.
  • L.A. is the nation's leading market for sales of armored passenger vehicles.
  • High-security vehicles will also be available through the Beverly Hills Motor Accessories' annual catalog.

Statistics:

  • 150% increase in sales of light-armored packages for luxury sedans and sport utility vehicles in 1997.
  • Over 15 years of sales and design agreement between O'Gara Hess & Eisenhardt Armoring Co. and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd.
  • Growth in demand for armored passenger vehicles, both in the U.S. and internationally.
  • 15-year sales and design agreement between O'Gara Hess & Eisenhardt Armoring Co. and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd.
  • High-security vehicles to be available through multiple dealerships, including Rolls-Royce of Beverly Hills and the Beverly Hills Motor Accessories' annual catalog.

Sources:

  • "O'Gara Hess & Eisenhardt Armoring Co." (The Associated Press)
  • "Kroll-O'Gara Co." (Beverly Hills Times)
  • Bill O'Gara, president of Kroll-O'Gara Co. (interview)
  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. (press briefings)
  • Beverly Hills Motor Accessories (annual catalog)