A common meaning of
armored car (or armored cash transport car, security van) is an armored
van or
truck, used in
transporting valuables, such as large quantities of money (especially for banks or retail companies). The armored car is a multifunctional vehicle designed to protect and ensure the well being of the transported individuals and/or contents. The armored car is completely bullet proof and can withstand extreme degrees of heat. The car is mostly utilized by the military, but many companies such as
Mercedes,
Lexus,
Toyota,
Cadillac,
Audi, and
BMW have created armored cars for civilian use, usually to protect valuables and dignitaries. Armored cars have an armored shell and cab, and typically are customized on a basic van or truck chassis. These vehicles are designed to resist attempts at
robbery and
hijacking.
Bullet-resistant glass and reinforced shells and cabs are designed to resist bullets from most
handguns and
rifles. They may or may not be manned by
armed guards. Such armored cars are usually operated by
security firms, and are therefore often referred to as "security vans".