Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced a joint venture agreement with Italy-based tire company Pirelli to establish a tire manufacturing plant in the Kingdom, with an estimated value of around SAR 2 billion. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Thursday, the Saudi sovereign fund will hold a 75% stake in the new joint venture, while Pirelli will own 25%. Pirelli will also serve as a strategic technical partner, contributing technical and commercial expertise to support the project’s development. Production at the factory is set to commence in 2026 and will include the manufacturing of high-quality tires under the Pirelli brand for passenger vehicles. Additionally, the project will produce tires bearing a new Saudi brand for both local and regional markets.
The collaboration between Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Pirelli, the renowned Italian tire manufacturer, represents a significant step in the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy and expand its industrial base. The partnership aims to address the growing demand for high-quality tires in the region while promoting local manufacturing capabilities. Pirelli’s expertise in tire production and technology will enhance the quality and competitiveness of the products manufactured in the new facility. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to reduce the country’s dependence on oil revenues and develop a vibrant, diversified economy. The joint venture is expected to contribute to job creation, technology transfer, and the growth of the automotive industry within the Kingdom and the wider Gulf region.
The establishment of a tire manufacturing plant is particularly significant as it addresses a critical need in the region’s automotive industry. With the Gulf region witnessing a growing automotive market, there is a rising demand for high-quality tires, and the new facility will help meet this demand while reducing the need for tire imports.
Pirelli, a globally recognized leader in tire manufacturing, brings its technical expertise and reputation for producing premium tires to the partnership. This collaboration not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position in the automotive sector but also fosters a strategic alliance with an industry leader, which could lead to further innovations and developments in the tire manufacturing industry.
Overall, the joint venture between PIF and Pirelli underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to economic diversification and industrialization. It reflects the nation’s determination to play a significant role in global industries and signifies the potential for further partnerships and investments that will contribute to the Kingdom’s long-term economic growth and sustainability.