SAN ANTONIO -- With increased drug violence and kidnappings on both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border, more people are looking to protect their vehicles.

And it's not just diplomats or dignitaries seeking extra protection; it's upper middle-class citizens, said Jason Forston of San Antonio-based Texas Armoring Corp.

"Overall, we are up about 50 percent," Forston said. "With regard to Mexico, our business is up about 100 percent."

Forston said his company can strengthen any vehicle, from a Bentley to a Volkswagen, reported KSAT-TV in San Antonio.

The most popular upgrades include body armor and bulletproof glass, which can withstand gunfire from an AK-47 assault rifle from 6 feet away.

"We have a lot of James Bond-type options," Forston said. "We have the smoke screen, we have road tacks, we have electric-shock door handles."

The company also offers protection from hand grenades and is working on a secure oxygen system in the event of a chemical or gas attack.

The cost of upgrading vehicles is between $80,000 and $200,000, Forston said.