Michelin

Origins and development

Brothers Édouard and André Michelin established the business in 1889. Early innovations included work on detachable pneumatic tyres and later major technical advances such as the development and commercialisation of the radial tyre, which reshaped automotive tyre design in the 20th century. The company also created the Michelin Guide in 1900 to promote automobile travel; over decades that guide evolved into an influential international rating system for restaurants and hotels.

Products, brands and services

Michelin manufactures tyres for a broad set of customers: passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, agricultural vehicles, aircraft and heavy industrial equipment. It sells products under its flagship Michelin name and through other marques. Notable associated brands include:

• BFGoodrich
• Kleber
• Tigar
• Riken
• Kormoran
• Uniroyal (North America rights)

The company also provides fleet management, digital tyre services and mobility solutions. For more on its tyre portfolio see product overview and general tyre information at tyre resources.

Scale and manufacturing

Michelin operates numerous production and research facilities worldwide. As an example of its scale, in 2012 the Group produced roughly 166 million tyres across dozens of plants located in many countries. Its global footprint combines manufacturing, research centres and commercial operations to serve regional markets from a central headquarters in France; for corporate details see company information and its Clermont-Ferrand base at headquarters.

Innovation, culture and notable facts

Beyond tyres, Michelin has influenced road travel, motorsport and gastronomy. The Michelin Guide and the practice of awarding Michelin stars have made the company a cultural reference point in fine dining. The brand mascot, commonly known as the "Michelin Man" or Bibendum, is one of the oldest and most recognisable advertising characters. Michelin continues to invest in research on tyre performance, safety, fuel efficiency and sustainable materials while participating in recycling and circular-economy initiatives.

Today Michelin remains a major global supplier and an active participant in automotive innovation, balancing manufacturing scale with efforts in environmental stewardship and mobility services.