Business of bomb-proof cars booms in Lebanon in summer

(with photos) BEIRUT, June 25 (KUNA) -- Renting armored cars is a booming business in Lebanon but unlike other sectors, the deals are made secretly as part of the precautions for protecting the "VIP" passengers.
These cars that look like other vehicles from the outer parts are specially equipped to withstand attacks with powerful bombs or a hail of gunfire -- an occurrence repeatedly seen in this country since outbreak of the civil war in 1975.
Number-one customers are celebrities, politicians, diplomats and artists.
These cars are equipped with special technology to withstand explosives and bullets, in addition to various other specifications for the protection of the passengers, says Habib Halal, the manager of Halal Car Rental Agency, in an interview with KUNA.
The company offers the bomb-proof cars, security personnel and bodyguards. Renting a car may cost USD 1,500 per day.
Up to 12,000 of the anti-bullet cars are sold to the global market per year. Sales of these cars in the Middle East have soared since 2003. Cost of one ranges between USD 60,000 and USD 600,000.
Halal added in the remarks to the Kuwaiti news agency that demand for these special cars increases during the summer, times of holding festivals, conventions, VIPs' weddings and visits by foreign officials.
Business of cars rental soars during the summer season in Lebanon due to arrival of many Arab and foreign visitors.
Lebanon has witnessed many bomb attacks and assassinations since the flare-up of the civil war in 1975.
Some of assassinations still highly vivid in memories of the Lebanese was the killing of the ex-premier, Rafic Al-Hariri, in February 2005, as well as the killing of several prominent politicians, leaders and journalists in later times.
Al-Hariri senior was killed in a fiery blast at a location in downtown Beirut. The rumbling blast created a scene of scattered charred human flesh and smouldering remains of charred and cars -- although the eminent leader was known for riding a bomb-proof vehicle, equipped with high jamming technology. (end) mah.rk KUNA 251147 Jun 11NNNN