Malerba said that Pirelli Tyres Romania is less affected by the economic crisis, because it concentrates on premium products, with a more stable demand on the market. The crisis which the tire sector is facing at the end of 2008, and which is closely related to the auto industry, will worsen in the first quarter of 2009, according to Malerba.

The company’s General Manager said he is not considering permanent layoffs, because he plans to continue the production unit expansion, but could reconsider this decision if the economic context changes.