Pirelli expands its range of Run Flat winter tyres

Pirelli Introduces New Tyres That Run Flat Even On Snow Milan, November 25th, 2005 - Pirelli expands its range of "Run Flat" winter tyres, able to function properly even at zero pressure, with the introduction of new sizes in the high performance segment. The Run Flat technology, adopted by Pirelli in 2001 with the innovative MIRS production system, has now been applied to the high performance Winter Sottozero tyres, with new 17" and 18"sizes joining the 16" and 17" Winter Snowsports already available. With the extension of the Run Flat winter range, following on from the earlier introduction of new sizes in the UHP (Ultra High Performance) segment, Pirelli intends to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding market. In Europe and North America, the market for Run Flat tyres grew by a factor of 70 between 2000 and 2004, with further growth forecast through to 2010. Thanks to the use of innovative, reinforced compounds and special self-supporting sidewalls capable of bearing the weight of the vehicle even with zero tyre pressure, the Run Flat system allows a punctured tyre to be driven safely for around 80 km at a maximum speed of 80 kph. Should a puncture occur at high speed, Pirelli Run Flat winter tyres allow vehicle stability and directional control to be retained. This degree of dependability has been achieved thanks to the innovative MIRS production system (Modular Integrated Robotized System) that permits absolute compound homogeneity and consistency and unprecedented product quality. The introduction of new sizes to the Run Flat winter range is further confirmation of Pirelli's focus on high-tech products capable of increasing vehicle safety and performance.