More than 140 years of high performance excellence coming to America
Plans to sell truck tyres in North America
Pirelli recently announced plans to begin serving the commercial truck and bus markets in the United States and Canada through TP Commercial Solutions LLC, a new entity headed by Clif Armstrong as President. Mr. Armstrong brings over 20 years of commercial experience to this venture including senior roles within Continental Tire's truck tire division, and will be based at Pirelli's North American headquarters in Rome, Georgia.
Pirelli is already regarded as a global leader in commercial truck tires and fleet management tools, offering the highest levels of performance, safety and service to fleets worldwide. Currently directed at the group level by Pirelli CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera, the drive into the US and Canadian markets of this unit represents Pirelli's aggressive global growth strategy.
TP Commercial Solutions intends to build on Pirelli's brand heritage of premium performance products and create tailor-made solutions to meet the specific needs of North American fleets. Entering this market is no easy task, but the company is devoting extensive research and development to provide North American fleets best-in-class cost, performance and services. The testing phase is well underway, with over 40 fleets participating, and serial production will only start once the team is satisfied with the performance standards.
While testing is going on, Armstrong will develop the team, finding key talent to manage and be a part of the new business.
“We'll focus on building a positive corporate culture and systems using the Pirelli framework,” he says.
“There are tremendous people in our Milan headquarters managing the global truck tire business, and also a great team of talented R&D and Marketing support personnel in various offices and plants. So through a creative, dedicated approach, we're looking forward to creating a commercial products pathway in the US and Canada that will have long term success.”
Armstrong says all his previous experiences have prepared him for this challenge, which he considers a great personal opportunity. “I have been very impressed with the various technologies that I have been exposed to since coming on board, he says, “and I am excited about what is coming!”
