HEICO SPORTIV and Pirelli celebrate 16 years of successful partnership
The German Volvo specialist HEICO SPORTIV and the innovative Italian tire brand Pirelli have been working hand in hand since 2009. This close collaboration has been characterized by numerous joint successes and milestones - both on and off the racetrack. A look back at 16 years of partnership.
The long-standing partnership is based on mutual appreciation and began in 2009 on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife. HEICO SPORTIV relied on Pirelli tires for the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS, formerly VLN) and the famous ADAC 24-hour race. Just one year later, the team achieved an impressive success: Patrick Brenndörfer, Frank Eickholt and Martin Müller won the 24-hour race in 2010 with the Volvo C30 T5 in the class for alternative fuels (“AT”).
Numerous other racing successes were to follow. The Pirelli-tired Volvo was unbeatable, especially in the 6-hour race, the highlight of every VLN season. In 2016, HEICO SPORTIV won for the fifth time - after 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012 - and then retired the Volvo V40 D5, which had been used in the meantime. After eleven class victories and five second places, the Volvo tuner ended its many years of motorsport activities with a heavy heart.
Away from modern endurance racing, the cooperation with Pirelli has always been a priority. With a Volvo 240 Turbo Group A, a historic DTM racing car, HEICO SPORTIV took part in events such as the Oldtimer Grand Prix, the Touring Car Legends and the DTM Revival - always on Pirelli tires.
From the race track to the road
HEICO SPORTIV and Pirelli also set joint accents for road vehicles. High-profile appearances at trade fairs such as the AMI Leipzig, the Essen Motor Show, the Geneva Motor Show and the IAA Frankfurt were crowned by special series.
A particular highlight in 2013 was the presentation of a special model of the Volvo V40 T3 to mark the Pirelli anniversary “50 years of Pirelli in Germany and 110 years of tire factories in Breuberg”. The limited edition Volvo S60 and V70 T6 AWD R-Design by HEICO SPORTIV special models were already a success in 2010. Each of the 200 vehicles was fitted with 245/35 R19 Pirelli tires.
The most recent example is the all-electric Volvo EX30, which is equipped with 245/40R20 tires and the 24-month “Pirelli TYRELIFE” tire warranty (exclusive in Germany). In addition, HEICO SPORTIV recently presented the first VOLUTION® design wheel in 23 inches - also fitted with tires from the Italian lifestyle brand.
The success story continues!
