Pirelli hosted an exclusive event at Villa Bicocca degli Arcimboldi, its historic Milan headquarters, to celebrate two decades of collaboration with Sacs Tecnorib that gave rise to the Maxi-Ribs line, redefining nautical excellence by blending performance, design and unmistakable identity – bringing Pirelli’s racing heritage from the road to the open sea.

Over 20 years, this partnership has flourished, with over 1,000 Pirelli-branded boats delivered to discerning owners across 30+ nationalities. From the sun-drenched coasts of Florida to the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, these vessels have carved a legacy of innovation and style. Supported by the Sacs Tecnorib distribution network in 19 countries, the brand has achieved annual revenues exceeding EUR 20 million for the past two years.

The story began with the Pirelli P ZERO™ 770, a model that introduced a bold new aesthetic – defined by taut lines, a dynamic hull and the unmistakable P ZERO tyre tread on its tubulars. This design language became the hallmark of the entire Pirelli marine collection. The Pirelli 1400, launched in 2007, took inspiration from offshore racing and earned the prestigious Red Dot ‘Best of the Best’ Award, cementing the brand’s reputation for cutting-edge design. By 2012, the Pirelli 1100 Cabin emerged as the most successful cabin cruiser in the lineup, merging sleek aesthetics with unmatched comfort.

In 2017, the Pirelli 1900 made its grand debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, standing as the largest and most formidable model in the range – a maxi-RIB engineered for speed, stability and luxury. The brand’s evolution continued in 2019 with the introduction of jet tenders, compact yet powerful vessels designed for versatility. The year 2020 marked a new chapter with the Pirelli 42, the first walkaround model, offering seamless connectivity between spaces and a truly immersive on-board experience. Today, the Pirelli speedboats collection has expanded to include the 30, 35 and the flagship Pirelli 50 – a masterpiece of engineering and elegance, embodying the pinnacle of the brand’s vision.

Marco Maria Tronchetti Provera, SVP – Pirelli Design & Assets Conversion, said, “The partnership with Sacs Tecnorib is a virtuous example oriented towards excellence and for this reason capable of lasting over time. Together we have been able to transfer the values ​​of the Pirelli brand such as innovation, sportiness and glamour to the nautical world, with a range of boats that has redefined the standards of the sector. This anniversary celebrates not only the results achieved but also the strength of an agreement that looks to the future with ambition, determination and the desire to continue to grow.”

Gianni De Bonis, Founder, Tecnorib, said, “Twenty years of close cooperation on a complex project is an achievement that fills us with pride. Since the beginning we have tried to interpret the attributes of the Pirelli brand by adapting them to the nautical world, with an innovative and international approach.”

Matteo Magni, President & CEO, Sacs Tecnorib, said, “This anniversary renews a successful partnership and launches us towards new challenges in strategic continuity and with even greater attention to the issues of sustainability and international development.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German chemicals group Wacker Chemie lowered its full-year outlook after third-quarter profit fell by nearly a quarter, hit by weak demand and intense competition from China.

The Munich-based company, which makes silicones and polysilicon for semiconductors and solar panels, reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of 112 million euros ($121.6 million) for the July-September period, down 23 percent from 145 million euros a year earlier.

Sales fell 6 percent to 1.34 billion euros from 1.43 billion euros, weighed down by lower prices and unfavourable currency effects.

The results were broadly in line with analyst expectations, which had forecast sales of 1.37 billion euros and EBITDA of 101 million euros, according to Vara Research.

Wacker swung to an operating loss of 20 million euros in the quarter, from a profit of 30 million euros a year ago, whilst net income turned negative to 82 million euros, compared with a profit of 34 million euros.

“The chemical industry is under pressure – worldwide, but in Europe in particular. The economic situation is tense, and market demand is weak. At the same time, the market environment is changing, and competitive pressure is high – especially from China. And this is something that we are experiencing at WACKER as well,” Chief Executive Christian Hartel said.

“Like many other companies, we had to lower our full-year forecast in the middle of this year. Even though we closed Q3 in line with market expectations, sales and earnings were again down year on year in almost all business divisions,” he said.

Wacker launched a comprehensive cost-cutting programme in October aimed at achieving significant savings in production and administration, with implementation planned to begin in the first quarter of 2026.

The company now expects full-year sales at the lower end of its previously forecast range of 5.5 billion to 5.9 billion euros, with EBITDA in the lower half of its 500 million to 700 million euro range. It also anticipates a negative net result for the year, significantly below the previous year.

The company’s silicones division, its most significant business, saw sales decline 7 percent to 673 million euros, whilst EBITDA fell 19 percent to 86 million euros. The polysilicon unit, which serves both solar and semiconductor markets, reported a 40 percent drop in EBITDA to 18 million euros, as low prices and exchange-rate effects offset strong hyperpure polysilicon performance in semiconductors.

Wacker’s workforce declined to 16,616 employees at the end of September from 16,724 three months earlier.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Finnish tyre manufacturer Nokian Tyres said it would cut 80 permanent positions and temporarily lay off about 650 workers as part of measures to improve financial performance and operational efficiency.

The company has begun personnel negotiations affecting roughly 1,700 permanent white-collar positions across its global operations, including group functions and all business units.

The temporary layoffs will affect blue-collar and white-collar staff at passenger car and heavy tyre production facilities in Nokia, Finland, for up to 90 days per person. These measures could be implemented by the end of 2026.

The permanent job cuts, targeting white-collar roles, may take effect by late 2025, the company said.

Nokian Tyres employed approximately 4,400 people worldwide at the end of September, with 2,045 staff based in Finland.

The negotiations will commence immediately in line with local labour legislation in each country where the company operates.

The announcement comes as tyre manufacturers face pressure from volatile raw material costs and shifting demand patterns in key markets.

Nokian Tyres, known for its winter tyres and premium products, has been restructuring its operations following geopolitical challenges that affected its Russian production and sales.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Capitalising on a period of significant growth, Nexen Tire is strategically introducing two new passenger tyres, the N’Priz S and the N’Fera Sport, through a comprehensive two-stage launch. This initiative represents one of the company's most substantial product introductions, designed to engage key audiences from media to consumers through immersive, hands-on experiences.

The launch commenced earlier this fall with an exclusive Ride N’ Drive event at the Illinois Autobahn Country Club. There, participants had the opportunity to personally evaluate the new tyres across a variety of driving conditions, including autocross challenges and highway simulations. This direct testing allowed them to assess critical performance attributes such as handling and comfort while also facilitating valuable interaction with Nexen’s own engineering and product development teams.

The campaign now advances to a broader stage, moving to the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Nexen Tire America will host an extensive activation featuring a 240-foot booth where the N’Priz S and N’Fera Sport will be prominently displayed. The exhibit will include original equipment vehicles, motorsports trucks competing on Nexen tires and a dynamic schedule of live discussions with company leadership, technical experts and brand partners on the specially created Nexen Live stage. This platform will also serve to showcase the brand's latest progress in areas like tyre design simulation and electric vehicle development.

These two tyres are engineered to meet the distinct needs of different drivers, thereby broadening Nexen’s market reach. The N’Priz S is a grand-touring all-season tyre that is also EV-compatible, focusing on delivering a quiet, comfortable ride and reliable traction for daily commuting and long-distance travel. It incorporates advanced AI performance prediction and virtual simulation technology to optimise tread design and reduce cabin noise, alongside a specialised rubber compound aimed at enhancing tread longevity and overall efficiency.

In contrast, the N’Fera Sport is an ultra-high-performance summer tyre built for drivers seeking precision steering response and superior control in warm conditions. Its design prioritises direct feedback, confident wet-road braking and stability while still maintaining usability for spirited street driving. The N’Fera Sport is scheduled to arrive at dealers this fall, with the N’Priz S following in early 2026. Together, these launches underscore Nexen’s commitment to technological innovation and creating meaningful connections with the driving public.

Brian YoonSeok Han, CEO, Nexen Tire America, said, “Nexen Tire’s growth in the US is being fuelled by innovation and experience. We wanted people to feel what sets these new tyres apart, including how they handle, how they perform and how they represent our continued commitment to excellence. Ride N’ Drive gave us that direct connection with our partners, and now SEMA allows us to share that story on a global stage.”

Theresa Kapper, Director of Marketing for Nexen Tire America, said, “Launching the N’Priz S and N’Fera Sport through both Ride N' Drive and SEMA us to connect every piece of our story, from innovation and testing to excitement and scale. It’s about showing not only what these products can do, but what Nexen stands for as a brand. This rollout reflects the growth, energy and ambition driving Nexen Tire forward in the US market.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pirelli has solidified its position as the premier all-season tyre manufacturer after being named the Best All Season Manufacturer of the Year by two authoritative German bodies: the Automobilclub von Deutschland (AvD) and the renowned publication, Auto Bild. This dual accolade is a direct result of the outstanding performance of the company's flagship SF3 range in rigorous 2025 comparative tests.

The Cinturato All Season SF3 for passenger cars and the Scorpion All Season SF3 for SUVs both achieved top honours in their respective categories in the AvD tests. Evaluations highlighted their exceptional balance, consistent safety across diverse conditions and overall driving comfort. The Cinturato model distinguished itself through superior braking on both dry and wet roads, responsive handling and strong resistance to aquaplaning. Its capabilities were further validated when AutoBild awarded it first place in a comprehensive test of 30 all-season tyres, praising its versatile and reliable nature. The magazine noted its exemplary, well-rounded performance, finding no weaknesses across wet, dry and snowy conditions. Similarly, the Scorpion All Season SF3, which shares its core technology with the Cinturato, set a new benchmark for SUVs by excelling in traction, safety on all surfaces and braking performance.

These recent victories build upon a legacy of technical achievement for Pirelli’s all-season range. The development of these tyres leverages advanced virtual modelling, next-generation compound materials, and innovative adaptive tread patterns featuring 3D sipes. This sophisticated engineering ensures consistent grip and safety throughout the tyre’s entire lifespan. The technological prowess of the Cinturato All Season SF3 is formally recognised with a European Label ‘A’ rating for wet braking and a TÜV SÜD Performance Mark certification. It has also been honoured by Dekra for its cumulative braking performance across different surfaces. Designed as an evolution for SUVs, the Scorpion All Season SF3 also boasts an ‘A’ wet grip rating and impressive Dekra test results.

Both the Cinturato and Scorpion All Season SF3 product lines are available in a wide array of sizes and include specific versions engineered for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. These specialised tyres incorporate Pirelli’s Elect and Noise Cancelling System technologies to meet the unique demands of silent-running cars. Furthermore, every tyre in the range carries the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, certifying its reliability and safety in winter conditions, thereby providing drivers with year-round confidence.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!