Pirelli: likely increase in car usage as motorists continue distancing

With coronavirus lockdowns lifting around the world, heightened vigilance in social interactions is likely to continue for some time. One effect of this could be an increased use of private cars, as commuters eschew public transport options to limit their contact with other people. The economic reality of this suggests that those in the financial position to drive are even more likely to do so. And in turn these motorists are more likely to drive cars that require the fitment of larger tyres. In its preparation for the launch of the new Cinturato P7 over the last month, Pirelli commissioned a survey of drivers using 18-inch and above tyre sizes. This highlighted the tendency for increased car use in future – especially while social distancing measures are in place. In China, 68 per cent of respondents said they would use their cars more, in Italy the figure was 31 per cent, and in Germany 20 per cent.

Meanwhile more than 50 per cent of people surveyed said that they wanted to change tyres before the end of the year to ensure optimal safety for their cars. The criteria governing their choice showed increased attention to tyre reliability and quality: the percentage of respondents prioritising safety characteristics increased to 59 per cent in Germany, 78 per cent in Italy and 86 per cent in China.

These figures, alongside the reopening of its key original equipment customers’ car manufacturing operations, give an insight into why Pirelli is going ahead with the launch of the new Cinturato P7. Looking at it this way, there appears to be an opportunity for tyre makers in the high performance market segments.