For example, observant onlookers admiring Jaguar’s C-XF concept vehicle at the Detroit show may notice that the spectacular mid-sized saloon does not just sit on any old rubber – the Jaguar’s large diameter wheels are complemented by 21-inch monsters from Pirelli.
The trend towards larger diameter rims was evident in many exhibits at the Detroit show, and Pirelli featured strongly. More than 85% of the 50+ Pirelli fitted vehicles at the show had 18-inch or larger wheels. It appears that OE manufacturers are now catching up with the styling preferences already favoured by aftermarket wheel suppliers.
Pirelli is aware that they stand to benefit from changes in mainstream manufacturer and consumer attitudes. Already long established as the tyre of choice for many of the world’s supercars, Pirelli has in recent times been sought by volume vehicle makers. Evidence of this could be seen at the Detroit show, where Pirelli products were to be seen on top selling models from Ford, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Cadillac, Audi, Saab, Volvo, Mazda and Toyota’s U.S. brand – Scion.
