The Italian government stepped in to limit China’s control over Pirelli. The Cyber Tyre tech includes sensors to enhance driving dynamics. These new tires will be manufactured at Pirelli’s site in Rome, Georgia. Pirelli has been given the go-ahead to begin manufacturing its latest series of tires in the United States, with help from the Italian government. It’s an important development for the tire manufacturer and will help to offset some of the impacts of US tariffs. The company’s plant in Georgia will soon start manufacturing connected tires using Pirelli’s Cyber Tyre technology. These tires include sensors that can collect data and work in conjunction with a vehicle’s on-board electronics, including the ABS and stability control systems, to enhance driving dynamics and safety. Read: Pirelli’s Tires Already Have Sensors In The Rubber, Now They’re Adding AI Eyes Too For more than a year, there had been concerns that Pirelli would be unable to manufacture these tires in the US because the Chinese company Sinochem holds a 34.1 percent stake in the tire giant. With the US government clamping down on Chinese technology, it seemed likely Pirelli would have to build these tires elsewhere. Italy Saves The Day However, the Italian government stepped in, using its ‘golden powers’ rule established to protect companies that are of national strategic interest. Last month, Italy imposed several curbs on Sinochem, noting that none of the eight board members that Sinochem has previously appointed will be allowed to hold top corporate positions like chairman or chief executive. In addition, Sinochem has been instructed that it cannot exert any influence over the company, and noted that Pirelli doesn’t need to share sensitive information with the Chinese company. Pirelli’s plant in Georgia can currently produce up to 400,000 tires annually. The company did not say how many tires using its Cyber Tyre tech will be added to its production. “The start of Cyber Tyre production in our Rome, Georgia plant is a significant milestone for Pirelli in this country,” Pirelli North America chief executive Claudio Zanardo said. “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 United States.”
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