Pirelli Tires

A Legacy of Performance and Prestige

Pirelli & C. S.p.A., an Italian icon in the tire industry, has built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and a deep connection to high-performance vehicles and motorsport. Founded in 1872, Pirelli has grown from a small rubber goods manufacturer in Milan to one of the world’s top tire brands, known for its premium tires and cutting-edge technology. This article traces Pirelli’s 150-year journey, highlighting its milestones, contributions to motorsport, and its evolution into a global leader in the tire industry.

Founding and Early Years: The Rise of Giovanni Battista Pirelli

Pirelli was established on January 28, 1872, by Giovanni Battista Pirelli, a 24-year-old engineer with a vision to modernize Italy’s burgeoning industrial sector. Born in 1848, Pirelli studied engineering at the Politecnico di Milano and saw potential in rubber, a versatile material gaining traction in Europe. Starting with a small factory in Milan, Pirelli initially produced rubber goods such as waterproof fabrics, cables, and industrial components. By 1890, the company began manufacturing bicycle tires, marking its entry into the tire market.

In 1901, Pirelli produced its first car tire, the “Ercole,” coinciding with the rise of the automotive industry. The company’s early focus on quality and innovation set it apart, and by 1907, Pirelli tires gained international acclaim when a car equipped with its tires won the grueling Peking-to-Paris race. This victory showcased Pirelli’s durability and performance, establishing its reputation in the early automotive world.

Motorsport Beginnings and Technological Advancements

Pirelli’s association with motorsport began early, shaping its identity as a performance-driven brand. In 1907, the company started supplying tires for competitive racing, and by the 1920s, Pirelli was a staple in European motorsport. Its tires powered victories in prestigious races like the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio, cementing its status among elite carmakers like Alfa Romeo and Maserati.

The 1920s and 1930s saw Pirelli innovate with products like the “Superflex Stella,” a low-profile tire introduced in 1927, which improved handling and comfort. During this period, Pirelli expanded internationally, opening factories in Argentina (1917), Spain (1920), and the United Kingdom (1924). The company also diversified, producing insulated cables for telecommunications, a business that remains a significant part of Pirelli’s portfolio today.

World War II disrupted operations, with Pirelli’s factories repurposed for military production. Post-war recovery was swift, driven by Italy’s economic boom and growing demand for tires. In 1950, Pirelli introduced the “Cinturato,” a revolutionary radial tire that offered superior grip and durability. The Cinturato became a benchmark in the industry, widely adopted by carmakers and consumers alike.

Motorsport Dominance and Global Expansion

Pirelli’s commitment to motorsport intensified in the post-war era. The company competed in Formula 1 during the 1950s, supplying tires to teams like Ferrari, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo, and achieving success with drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio. After a hiatus, Pirelli returned to Formula 1 in 2011 as the sole tire supplier, a role it continues to hold as of 2025, designing tires to meet the sport’s demanding performance and safety standards. Pirelli’s involvement extends to other series, including MotoGP, World Rally Championship, and Superbike racing, where its tires are synonymous with precision and speed.

The 1960s and 1970s marked significant technological leaps. Pirelli introduced low-profile tires for high-performance cars, catering to the growing market for sports cars like Ferrari and Lamborghini. The “P Zero” line, launched in 1986, became Pirelli’s flagship brand, designed for supercars and luxury vehicles. Its success led to partnerships with premium automakers like Porsche, BMW, and McLaren, solidifying Pirelli’s position in the ultra-high-performance (UHP) tire segment.

Pirelli’s global footprint expanded with factories in Brazil, Turkey, and China, among others. By the 1980s, the company was a top-tier global player, ranking among the world’s largest tire manufacturers. However, financial challenges in the early 1990s prompted a restructuring, with Pirelli focusing on its core tire and cable businesses.

Ownership Changes and Modern Innovations

In 1992, Pirelli faced a significant shift when it was acquired by a consortium led by the Benetton family, though it retained operational independence. In 2015, China National Chemical Corporation (ChemChina) acquired a majority stake for €7.1 billion, providing capital for further expansion and innovation. Despite the ownership change, Pirelli maintained its Italian heritage and Milan headquarters, continuing to emphasize premium and prestige tires.

Pirelli’s modern era is defined by its focus on technology and sustainability. The company pioneered “intelligent tires” with its Cyber Tire system, introduced in 2019, which uses sensors to monitor tire pressure, temperature, and road conditions in real-time, enhancing safety and performance. Pirelli also developed eco-friendly tires with lower rolling resistance, such as the Cinturato P7, to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Sustainability has become a cornerstone of Pirelli’s strategy. In 2021, the company introduced the world’s first FSC-certified tire, using sustainably sourced natural rubber. Pirelli aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and is investing in recycled materials and renewable energy for its manufacturing processes. These efforts align with the automotive industry’s shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), with Pirelli developing specialized tires for EVs, such as the P Zero Elect, optimized for low noise and high efficiency.

Pirelli Today: A Premium Powerhouse

As of 2025, Pirelli ranks fifth among global tire manufacturers, with 2023 revenues of approximately €6.6 billion, according to Tire Business. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Pirelli operates 19 manufacturing plants across 12 countries and employs around 31,000 people. Its tire portfolio spans passenger cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, with a strong emphasis on the premium and UHP segments, which account for over 70% of its tire sales. Brands like P Zero, Scorpion, and Cinturato are staples in the luxury and performance markets.

Pirelli’s cultural influence extends beyond tires. The Pirelli Calendar, launched in 1964, is a celebrated annual publication featuring high-fashion photography, reinforcing the brand’s association with style and prestige. The company’s design expertise also earned it a spot in the Compasso d’Oro awards for tire innovation.

Conclusion

Pirelli’s 153-year history is a testament to its ability to blend tradition with innovation. From Giovanni Battista Pirelli’s vision in 1872 to its modern role as a leader in premium tires and motorsport, Pirelli has consistently pushed boundaries. Its focus on performance, partnerships with luxury automakers, and commitment to sustainability position it as a forward-thinking brand in a rapidly evolving industry. As electric and autonomous vehicles reshape mobility, Pirelli’s legacy of precision and prestige ensures it will continue to drive the future of tires.

Note: For further details on Pirelli’s financials or specific products, visit pirelli.com or consult industry sources like Tyrepress or Tire Business.