Pirelli is an Italian multinational tire manufacturer founded in Milan on January 28, 1872, by Giovanni Battista Pirelli. It is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers and is renowned for its focus on the high-value, high-performance, and prestige car segments, as well as its extensive history in motorsports. The company is currently owned by multiple shareholders, with a Chinese state-owned entity, Sinochem Holdings, as the primary investor.  

Key Historical Milestones 

1872: Founding 
Giovanni Battista Pirelli founded a limited partnership, "G.B. Pirelli & C.", in Milan, initially focusing on producing elastic rubber items, rubberized fabrics, and insulated telegraph cables. 

Late 1800s: Entry into Tires 
Pirelli launched its first tire for velocipedes (bicycles) in 1894. The first automobile tires began development and production at the turn of the century, in 1901. 

Early Motorsports Success 
In 1907, a car on Pirelli tires won the Grand Prix of the Automotive Club of France, establishing the company's early link to racing and performance. 

1920s-1940s: Growth and War Effort 
Pirelli expanded internationally, opening plants in Spain, England, and Argentina. During World War II, the company's facilities were used for war production and utilized forced labor. After the war, production resumed with the assistance of American and British allies. 

1950s-1970s: Innovation 

1963: Pirelli acquired the German tire company Veith Gummiwerke. 

1974: The company developed the Cinturato P7, the first low-profile wide radial tire, a major innovation in handling and stability. 

1980s: Global Expansion 
Pirelli purchased the American manufacturer Armstrong Tire Company in 1988. 

2000s: Strategic Focus and Motorsports Leadership 
Pirelli sold its cable division to focus primarily on tires in 2005. The company has been the exclusive tire supplier for the Formula One (F1) World Championship since 2011, leveraging this experience to develop its consumer performance P Zero tire line. 

2015-Present: Ownership Changes 
In 2015, a consortium including the Chinese state-owned chemical giant ChemChina (now part of Sinochem Holdings) acquired Pirelli. In 2023, the Italian government intervened using "Golden Power" rules to ensure Italian control over key strategic decisions, including the nomination of the CEO, to protect the company's independence.  

Pirelli is recognized as one of the world's top five tire manufacturers, known for its cutting-edge technology and "High Value" product strategy for premium and prestige vehicles.