Pirelli has added a new driving simulator at its Virtual Development Centre (VDC) in Breuberg, Hesse. The latest generation of driving simulators have become an important tool for tyre manufacturers, reducing the number of physical prototype cycles required for the development of new products. Pirelli says the VDC and static driving simulator underline its innovation leadership, combining high-tech simulation, artificial intelligence, and expert engineering. Pirelli identified the VDC, which enables the premium tyre manufacturer to develop and test its products virtually, as a signifier of its commitment to investing in local production in Germany, contextualised by other premium manufacturer’s recent announcements of the planned closure of tyre production facilities in the country. Pirelli’s Breuberg plant employs around 2,500 people, including 250 development engineers.