Pirelli talks labelling, Cyber Fleet at Reifen 2012

Pirelli unveiled its new Cinturato P7 Blue passenger car tyre on the first day of Reifen 2012 – an event that is significant as it is the first product to reach European markets with A ratings for both wet grip and rolling resistance. The tyre achieved the AA rating in size 235/45 R17, and is an evolution of the company’s Cinturato P7 product. Pirelli also demonstrated its Cyber Fleet truck sensors, currently trialling on a fleet of 13 HGVs, in real time. Responding to Tyres & Accessories’ questions, Pirelli representatives said that the P7 Blue achieves the improved characteristics over the base P7 model through use of a new compound and several subtle changes to the tread pattern, including “optimisation of the shoulder”. The base compound of the tyre, underneath the tread, was also credited for helping the P7 Blue attain it’s A ratings.

While the P7 Blue’s label was displayed prominently at the heart of Pirelli’s large Hall Three stand, the brand has yet to unveil the labels for the rest of its range, represented at Reifen by most of the latest passenger car to 4×4/SUV models. The brand’s representatives told T&A that tyre labels and ratings for the remainder of the range would be forthcoming in the “next three weeks”, or by the end of June.

Pirelli’s research and development director Maurizio Boiocchi commented on the company’s attitude to labelling: “The new European tyre label regulations present an opportunity for the consumer to know more about three important parameters: rolling resistance, noise and wet braking. This will help them to evaluate and choose their tyres, but at the same time, it is not enough to paint the whole picture of a tyre’s characteristics.

“The overall assessment of a tyre needs to include other parameters too, such as dry braking and roadholding on both wet and dry surfaces – on straight sections as well as through corners. The label does not currently include information about mileage and how easy it is to re-tread the tyres – which is essential for trucks – nor does it make any specific reference to criteria needed to judge winter tyres. So the correct advice from specialised dealers is still invaluable when it comes to matching a tyre with a customer’s exact requirements.”

Another new tyre Pirelli displayed was the replacement for its Scorpion Ice tyre, the new Scorpion Winter. The Winter is described by the brand as being “much more balanced” for cold and wet weather conditions, while retaining some of its ability to perform on ice. Perhaps the most striking difference immediately visible is the tread pattern’s move away from the asymmetric Scorpion Ice design.

Pirelli also exhibited its passenger car tyres the Cinturato P7 for cars with medium-sized engines; the P Zero UHP tyre for supercars and sports saloons; the Scorpion Verde eco tyre for SUVs and Crossover vehicles; the Snowcontrol 3 and Sottozero II winter tyres for city cars and high performance cars; and the P Zero Silver – the latest addition to the P Zero family, which, like the P7 Blue uses technology and development processes seen in Formula One to create an aftermarket product for sporting coupés and prestige saloons.

For two-wheel vehicles Pirelli displayed its Diablo Rosso Corsa road and track tyre; the Night Dragon, developed for custom bikes by manufacturers such as Harley Davidson; the Scorpion Trail road-going enduro tyre; and the Scorpion MX 554 Mid Hard, developed for medium and hard terrain, also taking in sand and gravel surfaces.

Truck tyres and Cyber Fleet

In truck tyres Pirelli’s latest Series 01 truck tyres were also on the stand, the H:01 steer axle and tractor unit tyre and the ST:01 trailer and semi-trailer tyre. Additionally, Pirelli representatives presented the completed first testing phase of Cyber Fleet: its real time tyre data transmission system.

The company said that Cyber Fleet optimises fleet running costs through ensuring correct tyre pressures and saving on staff costs in tyre maintenance. Pirelli said its tests suggest that Cyber Fleet can save “up to 1,000 euros per year for each vehicle” in fuel costs. The system calculates the efficiency of each vehicle with data provided by software partner Telogis, and identifies any anomalies in tyre pressure.

The tests, carried out using a large private municipal services fleet that transports both goods and people, started in April and are still running, involving three coaches, three buses, three industrial transporters, two dustcarts and two trucks. These vehicles, running on Pirelli tyres equipped with sensors, have covered more than 20,000 kilometres so far, accumulating data that can be used for tyre management. Pirelli connected with those vehicles in real time on the stand, giving visitors a real demonstration of the system’s capabilities. The sensor will be available on the market by the end of 2012.