BMW and DAHAB choose MEPLEX to launch their latest security vehicles

Designed to protect both the occupants and the vehicle from criminal attack, BMW has extended its range of armoured vehicles to include the BMW 330i Security and BMW X5 Security. These vehicles include unique characteristics engineered to offer maximum performance and safety features, incorporated as the cars are being manufactured.

Both vehicles, with protection level B4 can resist an attack from handguns of up to calibre .44 Magnum and have bullet-resistant cabins, multi-layer security glazing and strengthened door joints. Ideal for law enforcement agents that require vehicles for undercover work, BMW Security vehicles are armoured during production, making them look no different to the series model at first glance.

To protect passengers from unknown dangers that may not be immediately apparent, both the BMW 330i Security and BMW X5 Security have an intercom through which the occupants can communicate with people outside the vehicle without having to open a door or window. The speakers are in the exterior mirrors.

Despite being armoured, both vehicles accelerate just as dynamically and brake just as dependably, as the lighter series model. With an eight cylinder engine, 4.4 litre cc capacity and 235 kW (320 HP) the BMW X5 Security is particularly suited to remote areas or where roads are poorly maintained, making it ideal for the desert conditions of the Middle East.

The 3.0 litre straight six in the BMW 330i Security can also transfer its 170kW (231 HP) to the road optimally and ensure sheer driving pleasure.

Also exhibiting at MEPLEX is DAHAB, which will be presenting their Lenco armoured vehicles. These ballistic engineered armoured response vehicles are vital tools for defending national security, counter-terrorism and anti-riot applications. As the premier manufacturers for homeland security, their products are also being utilised in the role of first responder for urban close quarter battle and rescue missions. The product line includes the BearCat®, B.E.A.R.®, BearCom® and the ProCat® Crew Armoured Transporter.

These vehicles have gained the confidence of S.W.A.T teams, the US Marines and Navy, among others who use these vehicles to protect military bases, nuclear facilities and high-risk convoys from terrorism and other related level threats. These vehicles include armour piercing protection, AR500 high-hardened ballistic steel, blast resistant floors, gunports, roof hatches with turrets, multi-hit no-spall glass and communication systems.

The products have been designed to meet the operational, security and ballistic requirements of the most experienced and specialised tactical units in the United States. Lenco armoured vehicles offer advanced armour protection and tactical mobility, enabling law enforcement and military professionals to protect and save lives.

'The need for a unified and global approach to policing and law enforcement has become top of the agenda for most countries', said Nick Webb, director of Streamline Marketing and organisers of the event. 'MEPLEX 2004 is perfectly placed to encourage information sharing between government departments as well as international and other domestic law enforcement agencies.'

Dubai Police Academy will be organising their annual conference, 'Victims of Crime' alongside the event. MEPLEX will be held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister and Head of Dubai Police and Security.