Milan tyre maker’s sensor technology will map infrastructure health in Apulia region starting in July

Pirelli & C. SpA has signed an agreement with Italy’s Apulia region to deploy its smart tyre technology for monitoring road conditions, creating what the companies say will be the world’s first integrated system combining tyre sensors with visual data collection.

The partnership, announced on Monday in Bari, will utilise Pirelli’s Cyber Tyre technology in conjunction with visual monitoring systems from Universes to assess the health of the region’s road network. Fleet vehicles equipped with the combined system will begin operating in July 2025.

The Cyber Tyre system uses sensors embedded in tyre treads to collect data on road surface conditions, including roughness and asphalt irregularities. The technology processes this information through proprietary algorithms and combines it with visual data from cameras that monitor road surfaces and signage.

Data collected by the regional fleet will be transmitted to cloud-based systems and made available to regional authorities through digital dashboards. The information is intended to help prioritise road maintenance and improve safety across Apulia’s transportation network.

“Technology can save lives,” said Michele Emiliano, governor of the Apulia region. “In this case, it will be useful as a thermometer of the state of health of our roads.”

The pilot program represents the latest expansion of Pirelli’s digital tyre initiatives. The Milan-based company already has partnerships with Movyon, part of Autostrade per l’Italia, to monitor highway infrastructure, with additional projects in development.

Pirelli has been investing heavily in digital technologies as traditional tyre manufacturers seek to differentiate their products through connectivity and data services. The company’s Cyber Tyre technology allows communication between road surfaces and vehicle control systems, providing real-time information to drivers and fleet operators.

Ayvens, a European leader in long-term vehicle rental and fleet management services, will supply the regional fleet vehicles. The partnership comes at no cost to the Apulia region, according to officials.

Marco Tronchetti Provera, Pirelli’s executive vice chairman, said the agreement builds on the company’s existing research and development activities in the region. In 2022, Pirelli launched its Digital Solutions Centre in Bari, a software development facility dedicated to digital innovation and artificial intelligence applications.

“Thanks to the support of the institutions, the university world and local partners, Apulia is becoming, for Pirelli, in the digital sector, an important centre of expertise at the international level,” Tronchetti Provera said.

The Digital Solutions Center operates in collaboration with the University of Bari and Bari Polytechnic, working on projects to optimise manufacturing processes through smart systems and support digitalisation across tyre design phases.

Pirelli has indicated it is considering additional investments in the region, pending resolution of unspecified corporate matters. The company positions itself as a world leader in the high-value tyre segment and has been expanding its focus on connected and sustainable mobility technologies.

The road monitoring initiative reflects growing interest among infrastructure operators in using connected vehicle technologies to assess road conditions more efficiently than traditional inspection methods. Real-time data collection could help authorities respond more quickly to maintenance needs and potentially prevent accidents caused by poor road conditions.

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Liberty Tire Recycling has published the industry’s first US company-commissioned lifecycle assessment (LCA) centred on rubber-modified asphalt solutions made from recycled tyres. The study was commissioned by Liberty and carried out by Boundless, applying internationally recognised LCA methodology to evaluate the environmental impacts of the company’s asphalt-related products against conventional alternatives used in asphalt modification.

The company described the assessment as a notable step forward for rubber-modified asphalt. Environmental gains are routinely linked to recycled tyre materials in road building, yet Liberty said this analysis supplies quantified evidence behind such assertions. Greenhouse gas emissions tied to its rubber-modified asphalt solutions were tracked throughout their lifecycle.

Results showed that Liberty's asphalt products carried substantially lower greenhouse gas impacts than conventional SBS polymer modifiers. Recovering and reusing end-of-life tyre materials was also found to deliver environmental benefits exceeding the impacts of processing them. Liberty said the findings give transportation agencies, engineers, contractors and infrastructure stakeholders data-driven insights for choosing materials.

Four products were assessed: crumb rubber and three asphalt additives, namely dry mix rubber additives, a DOT additive and combined micronised rubber powder with the Rheopave additive. Dry mix rubber additives yielded the largest carbon benefit, avoiding up to 0.577 kg CO₂e per pound produced, while the tyre-derived products achieved over 100 percent lower greenhouse gas footprint than traditional SBS modifiers. Each product assessed generated a net environmental benefit, with reductions spanning 0.47 to 0.57 kg of CO₂e per pound.

Liberty said the study helps set a benchmark for measuring and communicating environmental impacts as sustainability gains prominence in infrastructure projects, and that transparent, science-based data will matter increasingly to public agencies and industry leaders weighing performance and environmental goals.

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Avon Tyres will make its second consecutive EICMA appearance this year, using the Milan show to unveil a refreshed motorcycle range and a renewed brand identity to a global audience of riders and trade visitors. The company will occupy Hall 9, Booth U65 at Fiera Milano between 3 and 8 November.

The exhibit reflects Avon's ‘made to be different’ philosophy and presents a focused portfolio spanning sport, touring, adventure, cruiser and classic segments. Avon's return also signals progress within Goodyear's motorcycle portfolio, where, since joining the family of brands in 2022, it has paired longstanding heritage with a modern product strategy and upgraded manufacturing.

Four flagship tyres anchor the display: the Spirit ST for sport-touring, the 3D Supersport for hypersport riders, the Roadrider MKII for classics and the Cobra Chrome for cruiser, touring and custom applications, the latter now offered in additional sizes. They are joined by the Trailrider 2, a new adventure-touring tyre launching in January 2027 that carries the ‘made to blaze your own trail’ message, targets an 80:20 road-to-off-road mix and will come in at least 20 sizes for popular adventure bikes.

Together with the existing Trekrider and Streetrunner, the lineup forms Avon's most comprehensive public display of its motorcycle portfolio to date. EICMA, which drew over 600,000 visitors last year including nearly 43,000 trade professionals from 167 countries, gives the brand a truly global stage for engaging riders, dealers and partners. Public-day attendees can also meet stunt rider Rok Bagoros at the stand on Friday 6 November at 11:30.

Roberto Finetti, Marketing Manager Motorcycle Europe, Goodyear, said, “We’re looking forward to speaking with riders and partners at EICMA about our continued growth plans for Avon. EICMA is the world’s largest motorcycle exhibition and provides the ideal place to showcase our refreshed identity and tyre range under the ‘made to be different’ philosophy.”

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Kumho Tire USA has announced that its driver Jack Shanahan finished third overall in the 2026 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship, concluding a strong second season with a runner-up result at Round 8, the Shoreline Showdown, held in Long Beach, California. Competing on KUMHO Ecsta V730 tyres, Shanahan entered the season finale as the top qualifier and recorded his fourth podium of the year in his E82 BMW.

After securing first place in qualifying, Shanahan collected four championship points and received a bye through the Top 32 round. He then won three head-to-head battles to reach the Finals, where he met five-time PRO Champion James Deane in a tightly fought contest. While attempting to stay close to Deane’s Mustang, Shanahan spun in Zone 6 and ultimately took second place at the Shoreline Showdown.

The KUMHO Ecsta V730 is an extreme-performance summer tyre designed to deliver exceptional grip, responsiveness and consistency in demanding track conditions, making it well suited to competitive motorsports and driving enthusiasts.

Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, “Jack has delivered an outstanding season, and we couldn’t be prouder of what he’s accomplished in just his second year competing in Formula DRIFT. His four podium finishes and third-place championship standing are a testament not only to his talent and determination but also the reliable performance of our Ecsta V730 tyres. We’re proud to support Jack as he continues to establish himself among the sport’s top competitors.”

Shanahan said, “What an incredible year it’s been for our small but mighty team. To finish second at the final round and third overall in the championship exceeded all our expectations heading into the 2026 season. Having the grip, consistency and reliability of the KUMHO Ecsta V730 tyres gave me the confidence to push my limits every round and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.”

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The all-new Vredestein Quatrac Pro 2 premium ultra-high-performance all-season tyre has had its class-leading capabilities confirmed through independent testing in Spain and Finland. The tyre established new benchmarks for wet braking and recorded the fastest snow handling lap times against four leading all-season rivals.

Testing in Finland at the UTAC winter facility used a sensor-equipped BMW 5 Series to measure speed and lap times, with all tyres subjected to identical procedures. The Quatrac Pro 2 achieved the quickest snow handling lap, showing exceptional grip, balance and controllability, which testers praised for excellent response and stability in all circumstances. Its snow performance is aided by 3D interlocking sipes at the shoulder, whose zig-zagged inner faces in horizontal and vertical planes limit tread block movement.

In Spain, Applus+ IDIADA assessed dry and wet handling and braking on certified asphalt with defined water depth. The tyre outperformed key competitors in wet conditions, delivering a 7 percent wet-braking advantage over one long-established segment rival, and separate testing confirmed an A wet-grip rating across the entire size range, unique in the UHP all-season segment. Four longitudinal grooves in every size, also unique in the category, plus directional lateral grooves, support water evacuation and aquaplaning resistance.

Compared with its predecessor, abrasion resistance has improved by 8 percent to maximise tyre life, while rolling resistance is reduced by 10 percent to boost driving range, underlining suitability for electric vehicles. The Quatrac Pro 2 is available now for wheel diameters from 17 to 24 inches, with section widths up to 355 mm for powerful passenger vehicles.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Vredestein has long been recognised for its premium all-season tyres, and these independent tests reinforce that reputation. The Quatrac Pro 2 delivered exceptional grip and traction against other premium competitors while also improving efficiency and longevity compared with its predecessor.”

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