Pirelli announced it will begin selling commercial truck and bus tires in the United States and Canada through a new entity, TP Commercial Solutions LLC.
Clif Armstrong has been hired to manage the project as president of TP Commercial Solutions LLC. Clif has more than 20 years of commercial experience and previously worked for Continental’s truck tire division. He will be based out of Pirelli’s North American headquarters in Rome, Ga.
“Pirelli’s strategy for car and light truck products in North America is focused on premium products customized for the particular needs of the market,” said Armstrong. “With the launch of the commercial truck business, we plan to do the same thing – adapt the excellent technology and leadership of the Pirelli industrial product line to the specifications and demanding requirements of these markets. North American fleets have unique needs which require unique designs, sizes and compounding to deliver the premium performance for which the Pirelli brands are known and respected. Entering this market is no easy task, but with the strength of our future product portfolio coupled with the extensive research and development we are devoting to the project, we will provide North American fleets best in class cost performance and services.”
The expansion into the TBR market in the U.S. and Canada is part of Pirelli’s global growth strategy, the tiremaker said.
The pilot phase for the expansion currently has more than 40 fleets participating in testing and development for Pirelli commercial truck tires for various North American applications, Pirelli adds.
