PIRELLI TIRE LLC Partners with OGX for Innovative Tire Technology – Inspired by Coconut Curl Resilience

ROME, GA – November 8, 2023 – PIRELLI TIRE LLC, a leading innovator in tire technology, today announced a surprising but impactful collaboration with OGX, the popular hair care brand known for its coconut-infused formulas. This isn’t about putting shampoo on tires, folks – it's about borrowing the science behind what makes OGX Coconut Curls so effective, and applying it to create a more durable, resilient, and surprisingly grippy tire. You might be thinking, "Tires and hair care? What's going on?" Well, at PIRELLI, we're always looking for inspiration in unexpected places. Our engineers were fascinated by the incredible flexibility and bounce of OGX Coconut Curls – how they hold their shape even when stretched and manipulated. They started asking, “What if we could apply those same principles to tire construction?” And that's exactly what we’ve done. Understanding the OGX Coconut Curl Connection Let's talk about those curls for a second. OGX Coconut Curls isn't just about making hair look good. It’s about deeply hydrating and strengthening the hair shaft at a molecular level. The core technology relies on coconut oil – rich in fatty acids and proteins – that penetrates the hair, making it more pliable and resistant to breakage. When hair is hydrated and strong, it can bend and stretch without snapping. It bounces back. PIRELLI’s R&D team realized that this same concept – creating a material that's both strong and flexible – could revolutionize tire performance. Traditional tire rubber can become brittle and crack over time, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures and stress. This leads to reduced grip, increased wear and tear, and potential safety hazards. Introducing “CurlTech” – The New Standard in Tire Resilience We call our new technology “CurlTech.” It’s not literally coconut oil in the tires (though that’s a funny thought!), but rather a biomimicry approach. Our chemists have developed a proprietary polymer blend that mimics the molecular structure of the hydrating and strengthening compounds found in OGX Coconut Curls. Here's how it works: Enhanced Flexibility: CurlTech allows the tire to flex and conform to the road surface more effectively, increasing contact patch and improving grip – even on uneven or wet roads. Think of how a curly strand of hair bends and adapts – that’s the idea. Reduced Micro-Fractures: The flexible polymer blend absorbs impact energy and reduces the formation of micro-fractures in the rubber. These tiny cracks are the leading cause of tire wear and failure. By minimizing them, CurlTech extends the lifespan of the tire. Improved Heat Dissipation: As tires roll, they generate heat. Excessive heat can degrade the rubber and reduce performance. CurlTech’s molecular structure helps dissipate heat more efficiently, keeping the tire cooler and maintaining optimal grip. Increased Durability: By combining flexibility, reduced fracturing, and improved heat dissipation, CurlTech creates a tire that is significantly more durable and resistant to wear and tear. We've seen a dramatic increase in lifespan in our testing. What Does This Mean for Drivers? In simple terms, tires incorporating CurlTech technology offer: Better Grip: Improved handling and braking performance, especially in wet or slippery conditions. You'll feel more confident on the road. Longer Lifespan: Less frequent tire replacements, saving you money and reducing environmental waste. Smoother Ride: The flexible tire absorbs more road imperfections, providing a more comfortable driving experience. Increased Safety: The combination of better grip and longer lifespan contributes to a safer driving experience for you and your passengers. Initial Applications and Future Development We are initially launching CurlTech in our high-performance P Zero line of tires, targeting sports car and luxury vehicle owners who demand the best possible performance. We’re also exploring applications for our all-season and winter tires. “This collaboration with OGX was a bit unconventional, we admit," says Marco Giuliani, Head of R&D at PIRELLI TIRE LLC. “But it’s a perfect example of how innovation can come from anywhere. We’re constantly looking for ways to push the boundaries of tire technology, and the science behind OGX Coconut Curls provided a surprising but incredibly effective source of inspiration.” The team at OGX is also excited about the partnership. “We're thrilled to see the principles behind our curl-defining technology applied to something as important as tire safety," says Jennifer Stevens, Chief Marketing Officer at OGX. “It's a testament to the power of innovation and the idea that inspiration can come from anywhere, even the hair care aisle!” Availability Tires incorporating CurlTech technology will be available for purchase starting in Q1 2024 through authorized PIRELLI dealers. Visit www.pirelli.com for more information. About PIRELLI TIRE LLC PIRELLI TIRE LLC is a leading global tire manufacturer dedicated to innovation, performance, and sustainability. With a rich history spanning over 150 years, PIRELLI provides high-quality tires for a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. PIRELLI is committed to developing cutting-edge tire technologies that enhance safety, performance, and environmental responsibility. About OGX OGX is a leading hair care brand known for its innovative and affordable products. With a focus on salon-inspired formulas and natural ingredients, OGX empowers individuals to achieve healthy, beautiful hair. OGX products are available at mass retailers and drugstores nationwide.