Pirelli and Balkrishna Industries (BKT) have signed a strategic agreement through which BKT will produce up to 8,00,000 Pirelli branded tyres by 2030. 

BKT will be producing these tyres in a newly created plant with Pirelli’s specific technological and quality standards.

In the second phase, the two brands envision a 50:50 joint venture and the construction of a production plant dedicated to high value car tyres, both with the Pirelli brand and the BKT brand to serve India and other international markets.

Currently, Pirelli has a commercial presence in India, without a manufacturing hub.

For BKT, the agreement supports the company’s expansion into the passenger car tyre segment and is expected to create new opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

Marco Tronchetti Provera, executive chairperson, Pirelli, said, “India is taking an ever more central role in the evolution of the global automotive industry, thanks to the market’s growth, development of mobility and progressive strengthening of the Country’s industrial and technological competencies. The agreement with BKT, a first-class industrial partner with solid roots in India and a significant international presence, represents for Pirelli a strategic choice which will allow us to strengthen our position in a market among those with the greatest growth potential and to accompany its evolution, drawing on our competencies, innovation and positioning in the segments with the greatest value”.

Arvind Poddar, chairperson and MD, Balkrishna Industries, said, “This partnership brings together complementary strengths to capture the opportunities of a growing market while creating value for both companies”.

Andrea Casaluci, CEO, Pirelli, added, “We are confident that the collaboration between BKT, with its industrial excellence and knowledge of the market, and Pirelli, bringing innovative technologies and high-end positioning, will not only open new opportunities for both groups but will also contribute to the growing premiumisation of the Indian tyre market. The outlook for the national automotive market, and especially for the partnership's premium products is very promising. And the time is right to catch that wave”.

Rajiv Poddar, joint MD, Balkrishna Industries, added, “When a globally established brand such as Pirelli chooses BKT, it is a recognition of the manufacturing strength, quality and expertise we have built over decades. We are proud to bring our industrial scale to this partnership and to serve customers not only in India but also across our international markets. Pirelli’s technological leadership and BKT’s industrial capabilities provide together a strong foundation for lasting values.”