Pirelli plans roll out of ‘premium’ commercial truck tire division

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Updated Apr 1, 2016

Pirelli announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. Thursday its plan to enter the commercial truck tire market in the U.S. and Canada.

Clif Armstrong has more than 30 years’ experience in the commercial tire business, having most recently served as an executive with Continental.Clif Armstrong has more than 30 years’ experience in the commercial tire business, having most recently served as an executive with Continental.

The pilot phase, which is currently underway, aims at establishing a strategy for local product development, distribution and sales. More than 40 fleets are participating in the testing and development of Pirelli commercial truck tires for several North American applications.

“Pirelli’s strategy for car and light truck products in North America is focused on premium products customized for the particular needs of the market,” says Clif Armstrong, who will manage the project as president of TP Commercial Solutions LLC. “With the launch of the commercial truck business, we plan to do the same thing – adapt the excellent technology and leadership of the Pirelli industrial product line to the specifications and demanding requirements of these markets.”

Armstrong noted the company’s charge into North American would be “no easy task,” but said he expects the company will bring to market “best in class cost performance and services.”

The move into North America is an expansion Pirelli’s industrial business unit, which already supplies commercial truck tires and fleet solutions globally.

Jason Cannon has written about trucking and transportation for more than a decade and serves as Chief Editor of Commercial Carrier Journal. A Class A CDL holder, Jason is a graduate of the Porsche Sport Driving School, an honorary Duckmaster at The Peabody in Memphis, Tennessee, and a purple belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Reach him at [email protected]