Pirelli Launches Eco-Conscious SUV Tyre

Pirelli has launched its new Scorpion Verde tyre, developed to meet what the company perceives as the SUV market’s need for increased fuel efficiency. With more than just one eye on upcoming tyre labelling regulations, Pirelli claims that the Scorpion Verde boasts greatly improved rolling resistance from previous high performance SUV offerings, making it “the first high-performance eco tyre for vehicles with the highest environmental impact – SUVs and Crossovers.”

In addition to rolling resistance, the tyre has also been designed to be lighter, to provide greater longevity and to use 10 per cent fewer raw materials, thus reducing its environmental impact. The production of the tyre is taking place in the UK and Romania, according to the company’s representatives. The launch was hosted by the Idiada International Testing Circuit near Barcelona, with the tyre available as original equipment on Volkswagen’s Touareg and on the replacement market from April 2010. 

The Scorpion Verde is the latest in a line of eco-friendly tyres from Pirelli, an initiative inaugurated in 2008 with the Cinturato P4 and P6. In 2009, these were expanded to include the P7, its first tyre for medium and high-powered cars marketed as an ecologically aware tyre. Pirelli states that the Scorpion Verde completes its range of Scorpion tyres, which already includes the ATR for 4x4s, and the Scorpion Zero, developed for more high performing SUVs.