MILAN—Pirelli & C. S.p.A.'s run-flat tires have eclipsed an original equipment milestone, having been chosen as OE fitments a total of 516 times.
That number includes 326 summer tire, 100 winter tire and 90 all-season tire fitments, according to a Pirelli release.
Alfa Romeo is the most recent auto maker to choose a Pirelli run-flat OE fitment, selecting the tire for its Giulia sedan. Among the manufacturers to have chosen Pirelli for their vehicles are BMW, Cadillac, Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes, Mini and Rolls-Royce.
"Run-flat technology responds to the demands of prestige and premium car manufacturers for a level of personalization precisely tailored to the technical characteristics of their vehicles," Pirelli said. "Throughout the development process, which takes two or three years, Pirelli's engineers work hand in hand with their counterparts at each manufacturer to create specific tires that are distinguished by a special marking on the sidewall."
The Milan-based tire maker said its run-flat technology features a specially designed tire sidewall structure that is capable of supporting the weight of the car even after a puncture. This allows tires to continue driving up to 50 miles at speeds of up to 50 mph. Pirelli's P Zero, Cinturato, Scorpion and Scorpion Winter, Winter Sottozero 3 and Winter Sottozero Serie II lines include run-flat options.
Collectively, Pirelli's run-flat tires cover 97 percent of fitments for rim diameters of 18 inches or larger, and represent 24 product codes.