- Pirelli’s Cyber Tire technology could be banned in the United States.
- A Chinese firm has a 37% stake in Pirelli, putting the tire firm in a bad position.
- The U.S. recently implemented a rule targeting Chinese software and hardware.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Commerce finalized a rule that will “prohibit the sale and import of connected vehicle hardware and software systems” as well as completed connected vehicles from China and Russia. At the time, the Biden administration said it was taking “strong and decisive actions to safeguard America from national security risks associated with the exploitation of U.S. connected vehicle supply chains.”
More: US Finalizes Rule To Ban Chinese Cars And Tech
Fast forward to today and Pirelli appears to be in the crosshairs. While most people don’t think too much about tires, some have become high-tech and feature integrated sensors.
What’s So Special About These Tires?
The tires in question appear to have Cyber Tire technology, which debuted in 2021 and have a sensor that collects data for safe driving. At the time, the company said this includes “whether it’s a winter or summer version, prescribed pressure, load index and speed rating – as well as current running information, such as temperature and pressure.”
The company went on to say “data supplied from the sensors is processed by software created by Pirelli that is integrated into the car’s electronics.” Some of this can be shown on the car’s interior displays, while other information is used by the “car’s electronics to calibrate the driver alert systems based on the exact characteristics of the tires and their status.”
In effect, drivers and cars have more information available to them and they become smarter because of it. While that sounds like a win-win, Bloomberg and Reuters are reporting sales of Cyber Tire technology, as well as vehicles equipped with these tires, could be restricted in the future.
This is because China’s Sinochem has a 37% stake in the Italian tire company. However, it’s possible automakers could apply for an exemption to use Cyber Tire technology in their vehicles.
All of this sounds like a messy situation and the clock is ticking. Software restrictions will go into effect for the 2027 model year, while hardware restrictions will follow for the 2030 model year.
