A simple type of tire with a concrete technology, such as Pirelli Cyber Tyre, can alert a country like the United States and, more specifically, to the Office of Industry and Security of the United States Department of Commerce. And it is that the Milan -based tire manufacturer received a letter on April 25 by notifying possible restrictions on Cyber Tyre technology.
The letter came after Pirelli consulted about the technical needs that would imply the implementation of this type of technology in the North American country and that, most likely, would require a specific authorization so that it could be marketed there.
The bottom of the matter is not only the United States trade war with China but also reveals, according to information, also tensions within the tire manufacturer and its investors.
The problem with Cyber Tyre technology is defined by who is the highest shareholder of the company
Cyber Tyre technology (developed for cars at the moment) is able to collect and transfer data in real time to the vehicle. But, with the hardening of US restrictions on Chinese software and hardware in the automotive industry, it could mean a problem. And it is that prohibitions as such to software are expected to enter into force in 2027 and 2029 hardware.
The underlying problem is that Pirelli currently has the greatest shareholder to Sinochem, of Chinese origin and with 37% of the shares. Meanwhile, Camfin, owned by the Italian Marco Tronchetti, is the second maximum investor and apparently, is in direct struggle with Sinochen for the policy to follow.
In fact, it is estimated that the US market represents 25% of Pirelli’s total income, so if the situation does not change this type of measures, they could seriously affect the growth of the company.
A complicated situation but, in turn, reflects that sometimes innovation is not so simple to put into practice and technological progress also has its lights and shadows.
