Business · Companies · 7 hrs ago
Pirelli partners with BKT to produce car tyres in India
Pirelli has agreed with Indian tyre maker BKT to produce car tyres in India.
Pirelli has so far sold its products in the country but had no local production, while BKT is a major Indian maker of off-highway tyres.
BKT plans to make up to 800,000 Pirelli-branded car tyres by 2030 at a new factory equipped with advanced technology.
The deal gives Pirelli a way to expand in India, where demand for premium cars and tyres is growing.
A later phase could create an equal joint venture to make high-value car tyres under both companies’ brands.
That factory would serve India and other international markets, but the joint venture depends on certain conditions being met.
Pirelli has agreed with India’s Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) to produce Pirelli-branded car tyres in India.
BKT will make up to 800,000 tyres at a new plant by 2030.
A later phase could create an equally owned joint venture to produce high-value car tyres under both brands.
The agreement is intended to strengthen Pirelli’s position in a growing Indian market.
- Who
- Pirelli and Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT).
- What
- They agreed that BKT will produce up to 800,000 Pirelli-branded car tyres. A later phase could establish an equally owned joint venture.
- When
- The agreement was announced on October 22, 2026. Production is planned to reach up to 800,000 tyres by 2030.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Pirelli aims to strengthen its position in a growing market and meet demand for premium tyres.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
BKT will produce Pirelli-branded car tyres at a newly built plant, with production planned to reach up to 800,000 tyres by 2030.
Subject to certain conditions, the companies plan an equally owned joint venture and a plant for high-value car tyres under both brands.
- Companies
- Pirelli and Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT)
- Production target
- Up to 800,000 Pirelli-branded car tyres by 2030
- Location
- India
- Possible joint venture
- Equal ownership by Pirelli and BKT
- Products in possible joint venture
- High-value car tyres under Pirelli and BKT brands
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What people are saying
India is assuming an increasingly central role in the evolution of the global automotive industry, thanks to market growth, the development of mobility and the progressive strengthening of the country's industrial and technological capabilities.
We are convinced that the collaboration between BKT, with its industrial excellence and knowledge of the market, and Pirelli, with its innovative technologies and positioning in the high-end segment, will not only open new opportunities for both groups but also contribute to the growing demand for premium products in the Indian tyre market.
This partnership combines complementary skills to seize the opportunities offered by a growing market, while creating value for both companies.