Pirelli is preparing to start manufacturing its Cyber Tyre technology in the US at its Rome, Georgia, facility following the Italian government’s move to curtail Chinese shareholder Sinochem’s influence over the tyre maker.
Italy last month concluded a protracted governance dispute by invoking its golden power provisions, limiting to three the board candidates that Sinochem’s Pirelli investment vehicle may nominate.
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None of those nominees may hold the role of chairman or chief executive, and at least two must be independent of Sinochem.
The restrictions will remain in force for as long as Sinochem retains a stake exceeding 9.99% in the company.
The Georgia plant, which has operated for more than two decades, is focused on premium tyre production for the North American market and includes a dedicated research and development centre.
It currently serves both Pirelli’s High-Value segment and its Motorsport division.
To support the production expansion, Pirelli is completing the rollout of the latest iteration of its Modular Integrated Robotised System manufacturing process at the site.
The company says this will represent the most advanced manufacturing process for high-end production within the Pirelli Group and will be exclusive to the Georgia facility.
It adds that the system creates a direct link between product design and industrial application, improving productivity, flexibility, and quality.
Further details on investment levels and output targets are expected in the coming months, pending finalisation of development plans.
Pirelli North America CEO Claudio Zanardo said: “The start of Cyber Tyre production in our Rome, Georgia plant is a significant milestone for Pirelli in this country.
“It reflects our commitment to bringing advanced technologies like Cyber Tyre closer to the market, further strengthening our industrial footprint and innovation capabilities in the US.”
Pirelli describes Cyber Tyre as an integrated hardware-and-software system that uses tyre-embedded sensors to collect and analyse data through proprietary software and algorithms, communicating the findings in real time with a vehicle’s electronics to enable new driving and safety capabilities and support connected infrastructure.
