PIRELLI & Amika Team Up to Revolutionize Ride Comfort with Hydro-Infused Tire Technology

ROME, GA – November 8, 2023 – PIRELLI TIRE LLC, a global leader in high-performance tire technology, today announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Amika, the innovative hair care brand known for its focus on hydration and nourishment. This unlikely pairing has resulted in a revolutionary new tire technology – the PIRELLI Hydro Ride – inspired by Amika’s signature hydro-infusion techniques. For over 150 years, PIRELLI (located at 100 PIRELLI DR SE STE 470, ROME, GA, 30161-3538, and reachable at 918-247-9250) has been synonymous with performance, safety, and innovation in the tire industry. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, developing tires for everything from Formula 1 racing to everyday passenger vehicles. But we always ask ourselves: how can we make the ride better? How can we smooth out the bumps, reduce road noise, and ultimately, make driving more enjoyable? The answer, surprisingly, came from a conversation with the team at Amika. "We were admiring Amika's commitment to hair health," explained Marco Rossi, PIRELLI's Head of Research and Development. "They've built a brand around deeply hydrating and nourishing hair, focusing on keeping it supple and resilient. We started thinking…could we apply that same principle to tires?" What’s the Connection? It’s All About Hydration. It sounds strange, right? Tires and hair care? But the core principle is the same: maintaining optimal flexibility and preventing cracking or damage caused by stress. Amika’s hydro rush technology is famous for its ability to deliver intense hydration to hair, leaving it soft, manageable, and resistant to breakage. They achieve this through a unique blend of hyaluronic acid, seaweed extract, and nourishing oils. PIRELLI’s engineers were intrigued. Could they mimic this hydro-infusion concept within the tire itself? “We realized that traditional tire compounds, while durable, can become stiff and brittle over time, especially in varying temperatures,” says Elena Garcia, PIRELLI’s Lead Materials Scientist. “This stiffness translates to a harsher ride, reduced grip, and increased road noise. What if we could keep the tire compound more…supple? More ‘hydrated’, if you will?” Introducing PIRELLI Hydro Ride: The Tire That Feels Good. After two years of intensive research and development, PIRELLI Hydro Ride is a reality. This isn't just a new tire; it's a new experience. Here’s how it works: Hydro-Infused Compound: PIRELLI’s engineers developed a proprietary rubber compound infused with microscopic “hydro-capsules.” These capsules contain a blend of advanced polymers and plant-based oils inspired by Amika's formulations. Micro-Release Technology: As the tire rolls, these hydro-capsules slowly release their moisture-locking ingredients, keeping the rubber compound flexible and resilient. This process is constantly replenished with each rotation. Dynamic Flex Grooves: PIRELLI Hydro Ride features a new tread pattern with “Dynamic Flex Grooves.” These grooves aren’t just for water evacuation; they actively work with the hydro-infused compound to absorb and dissipate road vibrations. Reduced Road Noise: The combination of the flexible compound and dynamic grooves significantly reduces road noise, creating a quieter and more comfortable cabin experience. What Does This Mean for Drivers? The benefits of PIRELLI Hydro Ride are immediately noticeable: Smoother Ride: Say goodbye to jarring bumps and rough roads. The Hydro Ride absorbs more impact, providing a noticeably smoother and more comfortable driving experience. Enhanced Grip: The flexible compound maintains optimal contact with the road surface, even in wet or cold conditions, resulting in improved grip and handling. Longer Tire Life: By keeping the rubber compound pliable, the Hydro Ride reduces cracking and wear, extending the lifespan of your tires. Quieter Cabin: Enjoy a more peaceful and relaxing drive with significantly reduced road noise. Amika’s Role: Sharing the Science of Hydration The collaboration wasn’t just about technology transfer. Amika’s team of hair scientists worked closely with PIRELLI’s engineers, sharing their knowledge of polymer chemistry, encapsulation techniques, and the benefits of specific plant-based oils. "We were excited to apply our expertise in hydration to a completely new field," says Chelsea Peterson, Amika’s Chief Scientific Officer. "It's amazing to see how the principles of keeping something supple and resilient can translate from hair care to tire technology." Availability and Future Plans The PIRELLI Hydro Ride is initially available in sizes for passenger cars and SUVs. It will be rolling out to select tire retailers across the US starting November 15th. PIRELLI and Amika are already exploring further collaborations, including the potential for hydro-infused tire sidewalls and even tires designed for electric vehicles. “This is just the beginning,” says Marco Rossi. “We believe that the PIRELLI Hydro Ride represents a paradigm shift in tire technology. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about enjoying the ride.”