 |
www.pirellicompetizioni.com
Pirelli is an international industrial group operating in the two core businesses of tyres and cables. The group has 38,000 employees and generates annual sales of approximately 11,000 billion lire from its 74 plants in 14 countries around the world. The tyre division employs 22,000 staff in 28 countries. Sales throughout 60 countries to the replacement market and all of the world's major vehicle manufacturers generate half the group's revenue (more than $3 billion).
Pirelli pioneered the development of low profile tyres and is thus internationally recognised as a leader in technology and manufacturing. To retain this reputation of excellence, Pirelli employs 1,000 researchers in four co-ordinated centres in Italy, Germany, the United States and Brazil, investing approximately three per cent of its sales in research and development. Test tracks in northern Italy at Vizzola and Linate, and at Sao Paulo in Brazil, are central to the Pirelli research effort.
The group's lead in technology applies to processes as well as products. In particular, CAD, CIM, and JIT techniques applied at the Bollate and Breuberg facilities make it probably the most advanced automated tyre plant in Europe.
The extensive product range includes tyres for cars - including both "comfort" and "sport" ranges - racing, light and heavy commercial vehicles, agricultural and earth-moving equipment, motorbikes and bicycles. In 1996, the Pirelli brand was ranked top in the J. D. Powers U.S. Tyre Satisfaction Index. Forty vehicle manufacturers worldwide specify Pirelli tyres for more than 350 car models. Customers include BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, Fiat Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Volvo, Peugeot, Rover and Saab for cars; BMW, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Ducati motorbikes; John Deere and Fiat Trattori in the agricultural sector, and Iveco, Man and Mercedes-Benz trucks.
Pirelli's leading role in the high and ultra-high performance segment stems from its high-tech quality and tradition of involvement in motor sport. This was perpetuated in 1993 when Pirelli signed an exclusive two-year agreement for the supply of tyres and technical assistance to the Prodrive-operated 555 Subaru World Rally Team. Following the winning partnership and the team's success, which includes three back-to-back victories in the World Rally Championship for Manufacturers and Pirelli's 100th World Championship rally win at the 555 Safari Rally, they are now exclusive partners to the Subaru World Rally Team.
|
 |
 |
|
