Monterrey was once called the "Sultan of the North"...for its industrial prowess and corporate headquarters.
Its per capita income of $17,000 is double Mexico's average.
But a new reality is quickly emerging...a city now plagued with daily violence and brutal crime.
"This used to be a first-class city. Not anymore," said an engineer reporting the theft of his SUV.
More than 70 vehicle thefts are reported there...daily...up tenfold in a year.
Extortion is also widespread... along with skyrocketing security costs.