Pirelli Reports Sales Decline
Pirelli & Cie SpA posted revenue of $1.9 billion during the first quarter of 2026, down 1.2% versus the same period last year.
The company's adjusted EBIT for the first three months of 2026 amounted to $325.6 million, down from $328.5 million recorded during the first quarter of 2025.
"In the first quarter of 2026, Pirelli further strengthened its market position" in what the company calls the "high-value" tire segment, which represents 82% of the firm's sales, up from 81% in the first quarter of 2025.
Pirelli officials report the company's car and motorcycle tire volumes increased by 4% during the first quarter of 2026. "Positive performances were seen both in the replacement channel and, to a more significant extent, in original equipment, supported by the strengthening of strategic partnerships with the main producers of four and two-wheel vehicles in North America" and other regions.
"On the other hand, the group continued its strategy of increasing selectivity" in what Pirelli calls "standard" products ... particularly in South America, to concentrate on more profitable products and channels."
Growth in high-diameter
During the first quarter of 2026, Pirelli reports that it earned "116 new homologations, of which around 90%" were tires that fit wheels of 19 inches or higher "in collaboration with the main producers of prestige, traditional premium and Chinese NEV premium vehicles."
Specialty applications "accounted for 80% of new homologations, while around 65% was for electric models. Further, the quarter saw the announcement of a partnership with Audi for the RS5 and RS3 competition limited models which will feature as original equipment the Pirelli P Zero R and P Zero Trofeo R."
Investment in U.S.
On May 5, Pirelli announced that it will manufacture its Cyber Tyre at its plant in Rome, Ga., reinforcing the firm's "long-term commitment to the United States."
According to Pirelli officials, the development "highlights the strategic importance of the U.S. for Pirelli’s global growth roadmap, strengthening the company’s integrated industrial and technological presence in the country."
The announcement was made at the SelectUSA Investment Summit, an event promoted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, "where Cyber Tyre is being showcased as a core innovation shaping the future of smart mobility."
Pirelli officials say the company's Cyber Tire collects "data and information from sensors embedded in tires, processing them through Pirelli’s proprietary software and algorithms, and by communicating in real time with the vehicle’s electronics," helps enable "new functionalities integrated with driving and control systems to enhance the driving experience and increase safety levels, as well as supporting connected infrastructure. In a highly advanced market such as the United States, where digital and smart mobility solutions are rapidly expanding, Cyber Tyre represents a distinctive competitive advantage for Pirelli.
"To further enhance the role of Rome as a high-tech production site, Pirelli is finalizing the introduction of the latest version of the MIRS (Modular Integrated Robotized System) production processm" say Pirelli officials.
"It will be the most advanced manufacturing process for high-end, premium production within the entire Pirelli Group and is exclusive to the Georgia factory. The process further enhances robotized production capabilities, increasing productivity, flexibility and quality.
"The start of Cyber Tyre production in our Rome, Ga., plant is a significant milestone for Pirelli in this country,” says Claudio Zanardo, CEO of Pirelli Tire North America. “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.”
"This development lays the groundwork for growth in Pirelli’s production capacity in Rome, an integral part of the (Pirelli) group’s industrial development plans, and will further strengthen Pirelli’s presence in the United States - one of its most important and strategic markets," according to Pirelli officials, who add that "details regarding the production will be communicated in the coming months following the finalization of the development plans. Once the plans are fully finalized, we will be able to communicate more concrete information, including timing and scale."