Pirelli has been warned by the US that sales of vehicles fitted with its Cyber Tyre technology, which have data-collecting technology, could be restricted in the near future. The reasoning for the restriction is down to concerns over the influence of Pirelli's largest shareholder, Sinochem, which is based in China and has a 37% stake in the company. Thus far, Pirelli has declined to comment on the situation.
Pirelli has developed technology for its Cyber Tyres, which can collect and transfer data in real-time to the vehicle using them. But, due to the US tightening restrictions around Chinese software and hardware in the automotive industry, this technology will soon pose a problem. US software prohibitions are supposed to take effect in 2027, while hardware prohibitions should take effect in 2029.
The tyre manufacturer, based in Milan, Italy, was notified of the potential restrictions on April 25 by a letter from the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security. The letter was sent in response to a request for an advisory opinion by Pirelli and notified the company that the technology would probably need specific authorization to sell in the US, which Pirelli could apply for.
