Pirelli SpA has signed a competitiveness agreement with the Lombardy regional government to receive a €1.9 million grant for a two-year research and development project, Tyres & Accessories reports.

The tiremaker plans to invest €5.35 million into the project – called “Total Safety System” – to plan new, safe products at its Milan headquarters’ R&D facility.

Research will consist of “product conception and planning, from the use of new materials to the development of new fully-automated finished product inspection technology, and the implementation of new application safety systems that utilize tire sensors,” according to T&A. Pirelli will also study new product mixes for higher value-added segments to help the company remain competitive in the market, as well as improve road safety, better tire mileage and improved fuel-efficiency.

“The center in Milan represents the main driver of our research and development and enables Pirelli to compete and continue to grow in international markets,” said Marco Tronchetti Provera, executive vice chairman and CEO of Pirelli. “The contribution of the regional government is an important recognition from the institution of the work conducted so far and will enable the launch of a project aimed at creating safer and more environmentally sustainable tires that are able to offer clients not only safety and high performance, but also solutions that respect the environment.”