May 26 2014
Rosneft and Pirelli have signed two Memorandums of Understanding which consolidate and further extend their industrial and commercial cooperation. One entails the opening of new Pirelli Tyre Centers through Rosneft’s network of filling stations and the other envisages cooperation in the production and supply of synthetic rubber.
The commercial MOU is for the opening of numerous Pirelli retail outlets through Rosneft’s distribution network, where Pirelli branded products will be sold. It is envisaged that at least 60 retail points will be opened in the period between 2014 and 2015, and the total will climb to at least 200 by 2019.
The two companies will also study the possibility of continuing and extending the “Safe Road with Rosneft and Pirelli” initiative which was successfully launched in 2013, and of opening of a new concept flagship store which would combine a premium Rosneft filling station and a Pirelli tyre service center, including tyre hoteling and company fleet-management.
On the industrial front, under the terms of the MOU, Pirelli will cooperate jointly with Rosneft in activities to produce synthetic rubbers in Nakhodka, including Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR). Pirelli is also interested in entering into a long-term supply agreement to purchase the synthetic rubber produced. SBR is an eco-friendly material used in the production of “green tyres” which improves fuel efficiency and grip in both wet and dry conditions. This agreement follows an MOU signed for similar activities in Armenia in December 2013.
Source: http://www.pirelli.com