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December 16, 2014
Pirelli Receives BMW Supplier Innovation Award | PIRELLI
PIRELLI│Pirelli
Pirelli Wins BMW Supplier Innovation Award for Innovative Technology
Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli has received the "BMW Supplier Innovation Award." The company was recognized as the most innovative supplier in the "Quality Category."
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Developing Run-Flat Tires in Collaboration with BMW Engineers
Pirelli, a prominent name in motorsports, supplies tires for all F1 cars this season. In the realm of passenger vehicles, Pirelli tires are fitted not only to most BMW models but also to MINI vehicles such as the "Crossover" and "Paceman."
The "BMW Supplier Innovation Award" is a special ceremony honoring the supplier deemed most innovative by BMW each year. This year, Pirelli received the award in the "Quality Category" for its "Real Dynamic Curing" technology. This technology, applied during the "vulcanization process"—the final stage in tire manufacturing where heat is applied to the material to set its properties—was highly praised.
This technology utilizes thermal sensors to apply optimal vulcanization conditions for each tire and is currently adopted in all of Pirelli's factories.
Pirelli operates research centers and factories not only in Europe but also in regions with strong sales of premium and top-tier vehicles, such as Brazil, China, and the United States. The company develops tires that perfectly match BMW's global models. From the perspective of total product shipments, Pirelli stands out as a key supplier to BMW.
Particularly indicative of the deep bond between Pirelli and BMW are the specialized run-flat tires designed exclusively for each BMW model. BMW independently certifies tires that offer high safety and handling performance, with a star-shaped marking on the tire sidewall signifying approval. Pirelli collaborates with BMW/MINI engineers, having received over 200 approvals for sizes ranging from 16 to 21 inches fitted to BMW vehicles.
This award, a testament to the shared pursuit of high-quality tires by both companies, is expected to spur further innovation in tire development.
Pirelli Tires
http://www.pirelli.com

