Pirelli’s CyberTyre technology faces potential U.S. sales restrictions amid national security concerns

Washington, D.C. – Sales of select Pirelli tires equipped with the company’s advanced CyberTyre technology could soon face restrictions in the United States, following a warning from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The move stems from growing concerns over national security risks tied to foreign ownership and data collection capabilities embedded in modern automotive components.

At the center of the issue is Pirelli’s CyberTyre system, a high-tech innovation that uses embedded sensors to collect and transmit real-time data on tire pressure, temperature, load, and road conditions. This data is integrated into a vehicle’s electronic systems, enhancing safety and performance through smarter driver alerts and vehicle responses.

However, the U.S. government has raised red flags due to Pirelli’s ownership structure. The Italian tiremaker’s largest shareholder, with a 37% stake, is China’s state-owned Sinochem Group. Officials fear that the data collected by CyberTyre systems could be accessed or influenced by foreign entities, posing a potential threat to U.S. cybersecurity and consumer privacy.

In a letter dated April 25, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security advised that vehicles equipped with CyberTyre technology may require special authorization to be sold in the U.S. The advisory is part of a broader crackdown on Chinese-linked technology in connected vehicles, with new rules set to take effect in the coming years. Software restrictions will begin with the 2027 model year, followed by hardware restrictions in 2029.

While no formal ban has been enacted yet, the advisory signals a significant hurdle for automakers planning to use Pirelli’s smart tire systems in future models. Automakers may need to seek exemptions or explore alternative suppliers to comply with evolving U.S. regulations.

Pirelli has not issued a public response to the advisory, but the company is reportedly engaged in internal discussions and governance disputes with Sinochem over the direction of its global business strategy.

The situation underscores the growing tension between technological innovation and national security, particularly as vehicles become increasingly connected and data-driven.