logo
New Delhi
New Cars
New Bikes
Go Green with EV
Used Cars
News & Reviews
Trending on c&b
Sell Your Car
Scrap Your Car
Pre-Delivery Inspection

Registered Office

ADDRESS
Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited, 602, 6th Floor, Tower - B, Embassy 247, LBS Road, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai - 400083
CONTACT
+91 9606045096
EMAIL
contact@carandbike.com

Who We Are

About UsMerger Scheme CopyNCLT OrderInvestor RelationsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy

Follow Us On

car&bike Youtubecar&bike Twittercar&bike Facebookcar&bike LinkedIn
© Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited 2025. All rights reserved.

Our Offerings

  • New Cars
  • New Bikes
  • Electric Cars
  • Electric Bikes & Scooters
  • Used Cars
  • Compare Cars
  • Compare Bikes
  • Sell Car
  • Scrap Car
  • Pre Delivery Car Inspection

News & Reviews

  • Latest News
  • Car News
  • Bike News
  • car&bike Reviews
  • Car Reviews
  • Bike Reviews
  • Videos
  • Knowledge Center

Popular Car Brands

  • Maruti Suzuki
  • Tata
  • Hyundai
  • Honda
  • Mahindra
  • Kia
  • BMW
  • Volkswagen
  • Mercedes
  • Land Rover

Popular Car Models

  • Mahindra Thar
  • Kia Seltos
  • Land Rover Defender
  • Hyundai Exter
  • Grand Vitara
  • Toyota Innova Crysta
  • Kia Sonet
  • Range Rover
  • Toyota Fortuner
  • Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Popular Bike Brands

  • Royal Enfield
  • Hero
  • Yamaha
  • BMW Bikes
  • Jawa
  • Honda
  • Bajaj
  • Ola Electric Bikes
  • KTM
  • Harley Davidson

Popular Bike Models

  • Yamaha MT 15
  • Classic 350
  • Royal Enfield Hunter 350
  • Continental GT 650
  • Bajaj Pulsar 150
  • Hunter 350
  • Honda SP 125
  • Bullet 350
  • YZF R15 V4.0
  • Bajaj Pulsar 125
  • Latest News
  • Latest Reviews
  • Car News
  • Bike News
  • Car Reviews
  • Motorsport
  • Bike Reviews
  • Electric

Pirelli Reboots Its R&D To Stay On Track Through The Pandemic

When the coronavirus pandemic forced Italian tyremaker Pirelli to temporarily shut its factories in March, R&D chief Pierangelo Misani needed a rapid rethink.
car&bike Team
car&bike Team
1 min read
Oct 16, 2020, 04:30 PM
Follow us on
Pirelli Reboots Its R&D To Stay On Track Through The Pandemic

When the coronavirus pandemic forced Italian tyremaker Pirelli to temporarily shut its factories in March, R&D chief Pierangelo Misani needed a rapid rethink. With a new range of products due to be launched by early next year at the latest, Misani scrambled technicians and IT teams to get more research and development shifted online so locked down engineers could test materials and tyres virtually. The pandemic has disrupted production and sales for tyremakers worldwide - Pirelli's revenue fell by a third in the first six months of 2020 - and it needed to keep its new tyre development on track for an expected sales rebound next year.

"There are moments of crisis, like COVID, when you have to reshape and make yourself more efficient and that's what we're doing," Misani told Reuters. Pirelli has 19 plants in 12 countries and is the only major manufacturer working solely in the consumer tyre market, supplying high-end tyres for cars, motorcycles and bicycles - as well as Formula 1 racing cars.

Like companies throughout the auto industry, Pirelli has been going digital for years as cheaper computing power and advanced software programmes made virtual engineering possible. But it also continues with on-the-road testing of a number of factors where it is still better to do so in a physical setting.

pirelli formula one tyres

Pirelli has 19 plants in 12 countries and is the only major manufacturer working solely in the consumer tyre market

As part of its digital drive, Pirelli had been drafting in younger IT staff - engineers with different skillsets, able to match vehicle dynamics and modelling know-how as costly road testing slowly makes way for virtual testing. "Changing the engineering profile is the biggest challenge for the auto industry," Misani said.

WRAP-AROUND SCREEN

In recent years, the company headquartered in Milan in northern Italy has spent more than 6% of revenue on average from its so-called high-value tyres on R&D, one of the highest levels among rivals.

While some tests such as noise and aquaplaning can be done reliably using full simulation, others such as tyre endurance still need physical fine-tuning in lengthy road trials to check things such as handling and driving characteristics.

But with the lockdown making it impossible to drive cars round for thousands of miles, Misani's team needed solutions. So he turned to its new tyre development simulator unveiled early this year which drew on years of virtual work in Formula 1.

pirelli main

While some tests such as noise and aquaplaning can be done reliably using full simulation, others such as tyre endurance still need physical fine-tuning

The system uses a wrap-around 210-degree panoramic screen built around a static car wired up to reproduce the sensations any driver would feel in a real car - the seat, steering wheel, seat belts, shaker systems.

It cuts lead times by 30% and the number of physical prototypes needed.

As the lockdown bit, Misani's team stepped up remote drives, developing a series of "off-line" simulations. These allowed engineers to do some tests on their PCs at home connected to the Pirelli server, where the computing programmes are run.

"What surprised us was the speed and acceleration of the whole thing. If before we were at 70% simulation, now we're suddenly at 80%," Misani said. "And it's going to grow."

READY FOR LAUNCH

Misani said the best results have been in the replacement market where it is due to launch three new product lines by the start of 2021 - an ultra-high performance tyre for summer use, a brand new all-season tyre and a new winter tyre.

"The epidemic prompted us to engineer tools to boost simulation and modeling and we'll be ready in plenty of time for the launch," Misani said.

Things have been a little slower in the so-called original equipment sector where the company sells direct to automakers as it is tied to the development times for the cars themselves.

"There's been some delay though it's not as bad as we thought since carmakers have also tried to upgrade their IT platforms in this period," he said.

Pirelli has development centres around the world in Germany, South America, the United States and China. It also has testing facilities at its factories.

While going virtual does remove the need to pay for physical testing environments, part of the savings are then reinvested in new tools, software licences and IT infrastructure.

But Misani says bumping up simulator programming and virtual testing will help save and, more importantly, speed up the time it takes to develop products and get them to market.

"What we're doing is not streamlining or rightsizing R&D - we're reshaping it."

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

# Pirelli tyres# Coronavirus# Covid-19# Pirelli R&D# Auto Industry# Coronavirus Lockdown

Related News

Pirelli Introduces New P Zero Corsa System Tyres For Ferrari Enzo
1 min read
Pirelli Introduces New P Zero Corsa System Tyres For Ferrari Enzo
No More Pirelli STRs Offered On Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
2 mins read
No More Pirelli STRs Offered On Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
Coronavirus Pandemic: Tata Running Operations At Pune Plant With Limited Workforce
2 mins read
Coronavirus Pandemic: Tata Running Operations At Pune Plant With Limited Workforce
Tata Motors Introduces Special Finance Schemes For Tiago, Altroz, & Nexon
2 mins read
Tata Motors Introduces Special Finance Schemes For Tiago, Altroz, & Nexon
Pirelli Launches P Zero Trofeo RS Tyres For Supercars, Hypercars
1 min read
Pirelli Launches P Zero Trofeo RS Tyres For Supercars, Hypercars

Latest Cars

  • Skoda Octavia RS
    Skoda
    Octavia RS
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 49.99 Lakh
  • Maserati MCPura
    Maserati
    MCPura
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 4.12 - 5.12 Crore
  • Mahindra Bolero Neo
    Mahindra
    Bolero Neo
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 8.49 - 9.99 Lakh
  • Mahindra Bolero
    Mahindra
    Bolero
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 7.99 - 9.69 Lakh
  • Mahindra Thar
    Mahindra
    Thar
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 9.99 - 16.99 Lakh
  • Citroen Aircross X
    Citroen
    Aircross X
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 8.29 - 13.69 Lakh
  • Maruti Suzuki Victoris
    Maruti Suzuki
    Victoris
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 10.5 - 19.99 Lakh
  • VinFast VF7
    VinFast
    VF7
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 24.23 - 29.57 Lakh
  • VinFast VF6
    VinFast
    VF6
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 19.13 - 21.22 Lakh
  • Citroen Basalt X
    Citroen
    Basalt X
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 7.95 - 13.11 Lakh

Upcoming Cars

  • Audi New A5
    Audi New A5
    Expected Price
    ₹ 20 - 60 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-10-29
  • Hyundai Ioniq 6
    Hyundai Ioniq 6
    Expected Price
    ₹ 60 - 65 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-10-29
  • Mahindra Scorpio X
    Mahindra Scorpio X
    Expected Price
    ₹ 15 - 25 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-10-31
  • Hyundai New Venue
    Hyundai New Venue
    Expected Price
    ₹ 8 - 12 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-04
  • Mahindra BE.05
    Mahindra BE.05
    Expected Price
    ₹ 25 - 30 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-12
  • Jeep Avenger
    Jeep Avenger
    Expected Price
    ₹ 25 - 30 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-15
  • MG 7
    MG 7
    Expected Price
    ₹ 24 - 25 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-18
  • Kia EV4
    Kia EV4
    Expected Price
    ₹ 15 - 20 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-18
  • Volkswagen Tera
    Volkswagen Tera
    Expected Price
    ₹ 25 - 40 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-20
  • Nissan Small Electric SUV
    Nissan Small Electric SUV
    Expected Price
    ₹ 12 - 18 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-25
Explore Other Topics
Trending NewsCar NewsElectric Car NewsBike NewsComparisonsMotorsportsUpcoming Car News

Trending News

  • Toyota Spins Off Century As New Standalone Brand; Unveils New Century Coupe Concept At Japan Mobility Show 2025
    1 min read
    Toyota Spins Off Century As New Standalone Brand; Unveils New Century Coupe Concept At Japan Mobility Show 2025
  • New Hyundai Venue Detailed Specifications And Engine Options Officially Revealed
    1 min read
    New Hyundai Venue Detailed Specifications And Engine Options Officially Revealed
  • Japan Mobility Show 2025: Lexus LS 6-Wheel Van Concept Previews Future Of Luxury MPVs
    1 min read
    Japan Mobility Show 2025: Lexus LS 6-Wheel Van Concept Previews Future Of Luxury MPVs
  • Japan Mobility Show 2025: Honda Super-ONE Electric Hatchback Revealed In Near Production Form
    1 min read
    Japan Mobility Show 2025: Honda Super-ONE Electric Hatchback Revealed In Near Production Form
  • New Toyota Corolla Concept Makes World Premiere At Japan Mobility Show 2025
    3 mins read
    New Toyota Corolla Concept Makes World Premiere At Japan Mobility Show 2025
  • BMW F 450 GS Teased Ahead Of EICMA 2025 Debut
    1 min read
    BMW F 450 GS Teased Ahead Of EICMA 2025 Debut
  • Japan Mobility Show 2025: Honda 0 α (Alpha) Electric SUV Confirmed For India Launch In 2027
    1 min read
    Japan Mobility Show 2025: Honda 0 α (Alpha) Electric SUV Confirmed For India Launch In 2027
  • 2025 Ducati Multistrada V2 Launched In India At Rs 18.88 Lakh
    3 mins read
    2025 Ducati Multistrada V2 Launched In India At Rs 18.88 Lakh
  • New Renault Duster India Debut Set For Upcoming Republic Day, On January 26, 2026
    1 min read
    New Renault Duster India Debut Set For Upcoming Republic Day, On January 26, 2026

Latest News

  • NewsNews
  • Expert ReviewExpert Review
View All
  • Toyota Spins Off Century As New Standalone Brand; Unveils New Century Coupe Concept At Japan Mobility Show 2025
    Carandbike Team | Oct 29, 2025
    Toyota Spins Off Century As New Standalone Brand; Unveils New Century Coupe Concept At Japan Mobility Show 2025
    The Century nameplate will take its place atop the Toyota brand ladder as a new flagship luxury division above Lexus.
    1 min read
  • New Hyundai Venue Detailed Specifications And Engine Options Officially Revealed
    Seshan Vijayraghvan | Oct 29, 2025
    New Hyundai Venue Detailed Specifications And Engine Options Officially Revealed
    Some notable highlights for us are that the Hyundai Venue will now also feature traction control modes, and a diesel automatic option will also be available.
    1 min read
  • Japan Mobility Show 2025: Lexus LS 6-Wheel Van Concept Previews Future Of Luxury MPVs
    Amaan Ahmed | Oct 29, 2025
    Japan Mobility Show 2025: Lexus LS 6-Wheel Van Concept Previews Future Of Luxury MPVs
    In Lexus' eyes, sedans are fighting a 'losing battle with SUVs', which is why the LS name has been granted to one of the most shocking new concepts -- a six-wheeled van -- on display at this year's Japan Mobility Show.
    1 min read
  • Japan Mobility Show 2025: Honda Super-ONE Electric Hatchback Revealed In Near Production Form
    Jafar Rizvi | Oct 29, 2025
    Japan Mobility Show 2025: Honda Super-ONE Electric Hatchback Revealed In Near Production Form
    The Super-One is a pocket-sized EV with a wide body kit, fenders, and fat tyres.
    1 min read
  • New Toyota Corolla Concept Makes World Premiere At Japan Mobility Show 2025
    Jaiveer Mehra | Oct 29, 2025
    New Toyota Corolla Concept Makes World Premiere At Japan Mobility Show 2025
    Toyota says that the new Corolla Concept is based around its philosophy of ‘Mobility For All’ and features a marked design departure from its predecessors.
    3 mins read
  • BMW F 450 GS Teased Ahead Of EICMA 2025 Debut
    Jafar Rizvi | Oct 29, 2025
    BMW F 450 GS Teased Ahead Of EICMA 2025 Debut
    The teased motorcycle is finished in black and has a large GS graphic with F 450 sitting on it.
    1 min read
  • TVS Apache RTX First Ride Review: Tech-Packed & Adventure Ready
    Preetam Bora | Oct 19, 2025
    TVS Apache RTX First Ride Review: Tech-Packed & Adventure Ready
    TVS enters the growing adventure touring segment with the new Apache RTX with an attractive starting price of ₹ 1.99 Lakh (Ex-showroom). Is it worth considering? Read on, to find out.
    8 mins read
  • Eurogrip Tread Talks 2025: Tyre Tales
    Janak Sorap | Oct 17, 2025
    Eurogrip Tread Talks 2025: Tyre Tales
    A factory tour on what goes into making two-wheeler tyres at Eurogrip’s Madurai plant, followed by a scenic ride to Kodaikanal.
    4 mins read
  • Ferrari 12Cilindri India Review: Straight From The Heart
    Shams Raza Naqvi | Oct 22, 2025
    Ferrari 12Cilindri India Review: Straight From The Heart
    We’ve driven the latest 12-cylinder powerhouse from Ferrari on Indian roads. Is this the ultimate GT Coupe to come to our market?
    7 mins read
  • Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Vs Bajaj Dominar 400 Comparison Review
    Preetam Bora | Oct 10, 2025
    Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Vs Bajaj Dominar 400 Comparison Review
    Roadster or sport tourer? And to answer that question we have the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 in a head-to-head comparison with the 2025 Bajaj Dominar 400.
    1 min read
  • Tata Harrier EV Road Test: Big, Bold, and Brilliantly Electric
    Bilal Firfiray | Oct 8, 2025
    Tata Harrier EV Road Test: Big, Bold, and Brilliantly Electric
    We test the new Tata Harrier EV to find out how far it can really go. Real-world range, driving impressions, features, verdict, and everything else. We got you covered.
    5 mins read
  • Home
  • News
  • Auto Industry
  • Pirelli Reboots Its R&D To Stay On Track Through The Pandemic