Pirelli

Power is Nothing Without Control

Pirelli was founded in Milan in 1872 and today stands as a global brand known for its cutting-edge technology, high-end production excellence and passion for innovation that draws heavily on its Italian roots.

With 18 production plants in 12 countries and a commercial presence in over 160, Pirelli has around 30,700 employees and had a turnover of about 5.3 billion euro (in 2021). It is among the world’s major producers of tyres and associated services and the only one focused solely on the Consumer tyre market, which includes tyres for cars, motorcycles and bicycles.

Pirelli, a Pure Consumer Tyre Company, has a particular focus on the High Value tyre market and is constantly engaged in the development of innovative products created to reach the highest levels of performance, safety, quietness and adherence to the road surface. Tyres to address the most specific mobility needs of the final Consumer.

Products portfolio

Over the years, Pirelli has concentrated, above all, on the development, production and marketing of tyres with large rim sizes, special technical and aesthetic characteristics associated with high performance, advanced technology and safety. Recognised by consumers as high-value products, the company’s product range consists of innovative tyres for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, as well as a growing portfolio of tyres for specific applications and customised ones. Among them is the Pirelli Cyber Tyre, the result of the most recent Research & Development activities and technological innovation, thanks to the sensors inside the tyre (the only element of the car capable of “sensing” the conditions of the surface on which it is being driven) will contribute in delivering essential information to improve vehicle performance and driving safety.

The company’s consumer focus starts at the tyre development stage. For High-Value products, this is the result of solid partnerships with the most prestigious car and motorcycle manufacturers, as well as in the Cycling world with the principle teams. These collaborations allow Pirelli to develop tyres, depending on the model, which are tailor made to satisfy the specific needs of the most sophisticated consumers.

Racing

Pirelli’s technological excellence is also nourished by the innovation and competencies derived from sporting competitions, in which it has been active for over 110 years. Currently, the Company participates in over 350 car and motorcycle sports events and since 2011; it has been the exclusive tyre supplier to the Formula 1 World Championship and will be the sole Global Tyre Partner until 2024.

Starting in 2021 Pirelli was chosen by the FIA – International Automobile Federation – as the sole supplier of tyres for the World Rally Championship, which made possible the technical development of many specialties and features, later implemented also on road tyres. Pirelli is also involved in the main GT competitions, where some of the most prestigious car brands compete. In the two-wheel championship, Pirelli has been chosen by the Dorna WorldSBK Organization, in agreement with the FIM (the International Motorcycle Federation), for the role of Official Tyre Supplier for all classes of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, up to and including the 2023 season. Thanks to the historical experience gained on racing motorcycles, Pirelli develops its road tyres range, in accordance with the philosophy: We sell what we race, we race what we sell. Such a strong presence in motorsport enables Pirelli to generate avant-garde solutions that are then transferred to tyre ranges for the consumer market, ensuring the maximum levels of performance and safety.

Research & development

All of this has grown from a strong commitment to research and development based on an “Open Innovation” model. In 2021, Pirelli’s investment in R&D equalled around 6% of its revenues from High-Value products, one of the highest levels among the world’s major tyre producers. Pirelli boasts around 2,000 people engaged in R&D, located at its Milan headquarters and 12 local technology centres and a portfolio of more than 5,800 patents. Pirelli also has in place a series of R&D collaborations and joint development agreements with external players such as suppliers, universities and car manufacturers. It has 50 collaboration projects with universities, more than 20 joint development agreements and collaborations with suppliers and a huge number of R&D collaborations with premium car manufacturers in innovative technologies.

Brand

The Pirelli brand is an international icon standing for technology, tastefulness and Italian excellence, synonymous with safety and reliability. Represented by the unmistakable long logo for more than a century, the Pirelli name is associated with exclusivity, luxury and innovation, strengthening its distinctive position as a supplier to luxury car manufacturers. Pirelli continually enhances the reputation and strength of the brand through its involvement in motorsport events and competitions, cultural and artistic projects and initiatives benefitting local communities.