Michelin

Michelin
	File:Michelin logo.svg Logo used since 1976
Company type	Public (Société anonyme)
Industry	Tyre manufacturing
Founded	May 28, 1889; 137 years ago in Clermont-Ferrand, France
Founder	Édouard Michelin and André Michelin
Headquarters	Clermont-Ferrand, France
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Tyres for space shuttles, aviation, passenger cars, heavy machinery, motorcycles, bicycles; travel guides; Michelin star ratings; mascot Bibendum
Website	www.michelin.com

, widely recognized as Michelin (), is a French global tyre producer headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France. It holds the position of the world's second-largest tyre manufacturer, ranking just behind Bridgestone while surpassing competitors such as Goodyear and Continental. The company’s brand portfolio encompasses Michelin, Kléber, Uniroyal-Goodrich, SASCAR, Bookatable, and Camso.

Michelin is also renowned for its influential Red and Green travel guides, the esteemed Michelin star ratings awarded to restaurants, and its emblematic mascot Bibendum (commonly known as the Michelin Man), which is composed of stacked tyres.

The firm has been at the forefront of several key innovations, including the invention of the detachable tyre, the pneurail system for rubber-tyred metro trains, and the radial tyre. Its product range serves a variety of sectors such as Space Shuttle programmes, aviation, passenger cars, heavy machinery, motorcycles, and bicycles. In 2012 alone, Michelin manufactured 166 million tyres across 69 plants located in 18 countries.

History

In 1889, brothers Édouard (1859–1940) and André Michelin (1853–1931) were managing a farm equipment business in Clermont-Ferrand, France. After facing challenges repairing glued pneumatic tyres, they invented a detachable pneumatic tyre, securing a patent in 1891. This invention was notably used by Charles Terront to win the 1891 Paris–Brest–Paris race. The company was officially established on 28 May 1889.

During the 1920s and 1930s, Michelin operated large-scale rubber plantations in Vietnam that became significant sites for labor activism such as the Phú Riềng Đỏ movement.

In 1934, Michelin launched a run-flat tyre featuring a foam lining that enabled vehicles to continue driving after punctures. Post World War II in 1946, it patented the groundbreaking radial tyre, initially branded as the "X" tyre," which was designed primarily for front-wheel-drive models like the Citroën Traction Avant and Citroën 2CV. This breakthrough strengthened Michelin’s international market presence due to improved handling characteristics and fuel efficiency. Although radial tyres faced slow adoption in the U.S., where bias-ply tyres prevailed until the late 1960s, they eventually gained full acceptance.

By 1966, Michelin had partnered with Sears to manufacture radial tyres under the Allstate label, achieving annual sales of one million units by 1970. The company inaugurated its first North American sales office in 1968 and attained a 10% share of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) markets by 1989. That year marked a milestone when it secured an OEM contract to supply radial tyres for the 1970 Lincoln Continental Mark III, making it the first American automobile equipped with radials as standard.

In 1989, Michelin expanded its U.S. manufacturing capabilities by acquiring B.F. Goodrich Company and Uniroyal, Inc., including taking control of the Norwood facility which produced tyres for the U.S. Space Shuttle Program. Concurrently, it established Michelin Okamoto Tire Corporation in Japan to market Michelin and BFGoodrich brands alongside Okamoto’s Riken line until fully absorbing Okamoto in 2000.

Throughout the 1990s, Michelin advanced its environmentally focused Green X technology—fuel-efficient tyres marketed internationally under names such as Energy or Green X—highlighting reduced rolling resistance and lower emissions.

By September 2008, Michelin reclaimed its status as the world’s largest tyre maker after briefly trailing Bridgestone. Its manufacturing operations span Europe, North America, Asia, and South America. Recently, it announced plant closures in Japan (2010), Germany, and France (2019) to enhance operational efficiency.

Michelin holds substantial ownership interests in Taurus Tyre (Hungary) and Poland’s Kormoran brand. Strategic acquisitions include Camso—a Quebec-based off-road tyre producer—in December 2018 and Indonesian manufacturer Multistrada Arah Sarana, known for Achilles Radial and Corsa tyres, in January 2019; by mid-2019, Michelin controlled over 99% of Multistrada’s equity.

MotoGP

Michelin participated in MotoGP from 1972 until 2008, introducing innovations such as radial tyre construction in 1984 and multi-compound tyres in 1994. Over a span of 36 years, riders equipped with Michelin tyres achieved 360 race wins, capturing every world championship title from 1993 through 2006.

In 2007, Casey Stoner clinched the championship riding on Bridgestone tyres, while leading competitors like Valentino Rossi expressed dissatisfaction with Michelin’s performance. Rossi pursued Bridgestone tyres for the 2008 season; however, Bridgestone initially hesitated before Dorna issued a threat to enforce a control tyre regulation.

Throughout the 2008 season, Michelin encountered supply challenges at various events, prompting Dani Pedrosa’s team to make a mid-season switch to Bridgestone—a rare transition that caused friction between Honda Racing Corporation and sponsor Repsol YPF. As factory rider backing diminished, doubts about Michelin’s continued involvement intensified. Consequently, Dorna and the FIM mandated a control tyre for 2009; Michelin chose not to submit a bid and exited MotoGP following the 2008 season.

Michelin re-entered as the official tyre supplier in 2016 after Bridgestone withdrew at the conclusion of 2015.

Formula One

Michelin made its first foray into Formula One during the 1977 Formula One season, pioneering radial tyre technology and securing Drivers' Championships with teams such as Brabham and McLaren before withdrawing in 1984.

The brand returned in 2001, supplying tyres to teams including Williams, Jaguar, Benetton (which later became Renault), Prost, and Minardi. In 2002, both Toyota and McLaren joined the list of Michelin customers. Though initially lacking competitiveness, Michelin gained dominance by 2005 under regulations mandating tyres last entire races. Their advantage stemmed from access to data across multiple teams, unlike Ferrari, which was the sole Bridgestone user.

The 2005 United States Grand Prix revealed safety concerns with Michelin tyres, leading to the withdrawal of Michelin-shod teams from the event. This incident caused a temporary 2.5% decline in Michelin’s share price, though it rebounded swiftly. To compensate fans affected by the race cancellation, Michelin refunded all tickets for the 2005 Grand Prix and provided 20,000 complimentary tickets for the following year’s event.

Relations between Michelin and the sport’s governing authority, the FIA, deteriorated starting around 2003 and peaked during the 2005 season. Conflicts included FIA proposals for a single tyre supplier beginning in 2008, which Michelin opposed and threatened to leave over. FIA President Max Mosley publicly criticized Michelin’s position. Additionally, Michelin resisted the reintroduction of pit stop tyre changes from 2006 onward, citing inconsistent regulatory decisions by the FIA.

In December 2005, citing these ongoing disputes, Michelin declared it would end its Formula One involvement after the conclusion of the 2006 season. Bridgestone then became the exclusive tyre supplier until 2010, succeeded by Pirelli in 2011.

Michelin’s last Formula One victory occurred at the 2006 Japanese Grand Prix when Fernando Alonso won after Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari suffered an engine failure. This triumph secured Michelin its second consecutive Constructors' Championship (in 2005 and 2006), ending Bridgestone’s seven-year streak and marking Michelin’s fourth overall title since Formula One began in 1958.

Endurance racing

Michelin has maintained a significant role in endurance motorsport, notably at events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the American Le Mans Series. Its engagement dates back to supplying tyres to the victor of the first-ever 1923 24 Hours of Le Mans along with nine other competitors. By 2009, Michelin was providing tyres for 41 out of 55 vehicles participating at Le Mans. In 2016, Michelin equipped top-tier LMP1 contenders including Audi, Porsche, and Toyota, as well as GTE-Pro/GTLM squads like AF Corse, BMW, Corvette, Ford Ganassi, Porsche, and Risi. Beginning in 2019, Michelin took over from Continental as the official tyre provider for the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, encompassing IMSA’s leading three series and acquiring naming rights for both the Sports Car Challenge series and the North American Endurance Cup.

Since 2015, Michelin has also been the sole tyre supplier for the LMP3 category within the European Le Mans Series.

Rallying

Within the World Rally Championship, Michelin has supplied factory teams such as Audi, Citroën, Ford, Lancia, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Toyota, and Volkswagen. During 2006 and 2007, the BFGoodrich brand acted as Michelin’s representative. Following a break from 2008 through 2010 when Pirelli held the official supplier role, Michelin resumed its position from 2011 until 2020 before Pirelli reclaimed the contract starting in 2021.

Recent developments

Pax System
Tweel
X One
Agri
BAZ Technology: Utilizes spiral-wound nylon strips placed above steel belts to resist centrifugal forces and prevent tyre deformation at high velocities.
EverGrip Technology: A patented innovation combining tread groove architecture with high-traction compounds that adapt during wear to improve safety on wet and snowy surfaces.
Zero Pressure Technology: Incorporates reinforced sidewalls enabling vehicles to bear weight and maintain speeds of 50–55 mph even after air pressure loss.

Active Wheel

Michelin’s Active Wheel technology integrates electric motors directly into the wheels along with motorized suspension systems, thereby freeing up vehicle space by removing traditional components such as transmissions and exhausts. This system was implemented on the Heuliez Will by Opel and was intended for use on the Venturi Volage in 2012; however, development ceased in 2014.

Tyre retailer

Michelin manages tyre retailing and distribution across Europe under its Euromaster and Blackcircles brands and operates in the United States through its subsidiary TCI Tire Centers. After partnering with Sumitomo, TCI was merged into NTW. Additionally, Michelin offers an online sales platform at michelinman.com.

Tour guides

The company publishes the renowned Red Guides focusing on hotels and restaurants and Green Guides centered on tourism destinations. Alongside these, Michelin produces various other guides and digital maps. Their city maps are recognized for their exceptional quality and are integrated with comprehensive road maps.

Maps

Michelin manufactures road maps primarily covering France, other European nations, regions in Africa, Thailand, and the United States. Recently, they have expanded e-commerce sales of maps and guides through their UK-based website. Historically significant, Michelin roadmaps were reproduced during World War II for military use by both Allied and German forces.

Digital mapping services

Established in 2001 as a fully owned Michelin Group subsidiary, ViaMichelin provides the group's digital cartography offerings. By August 2008, its primary platform was producing approximately 400 million maps and route plans each month. ViaMichelin delivers mapping solutions compatible with internet browsers, mobile devices, and satellite navigation systems, featuring detailed street-level data across Europe, the United States, Australia, as well as selected regions in Asia and South America.

Michelin Challenge Bibendum / Movin'On (from 2017)

The Michelin Challenge Bibendum stands as a prominent event dedicated to promoting sustainable transportation solutions.

Michelin Truck and Bus

Following the 1946 invention of the Radial Casing, Michelin introduced radial tire technology tailored specifically for trucks in 1952.

Leadership

Édouard Michelin served as CEO starting in 1999 until his passing in 2006. He was succeeded by his second cousin Michel Rollier, who remained in charge until 2012 when Jean-Dominique Senard took over. In 2019, Florent Menegaux assumed the CEO position after Senard opted not to pursue reappointment.

Michelin North America operates its headquarters out of Greenville, South Carolina. The company commenced production activities there in 1975 and formally established its regional headquarters ten years later, maintaining substantial investments within the area.

Corporate governance

The corporate governance structure is overseen by two senior managers alongside an executive committee composed of:

Éric-Philippe Vinesse, Executive Vice President, Research & Development
Lorraine Frega, Executive Vice President, Distribution, Services & Solutions, Strategy, Innovation and Partnerships
Yves Chapot, General Manager and Chief Financial Officer
Adeline Challon-Kemoun, Executive Vice President, Engagement and Brands
Jean-Claude Pats, Executive Vice President, Personnel
Bénédicte de Bonnechose, Executive Vice President, Urban and Long-Distance Transportation and European Regions
Pierre-Louis Dubourdeau, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing
Florent Menegaux, Managing Chairman
Scott Clark, Executive Vice President, Automotive, Motorsports, Experiences and Americas Regions
Serge Lafon, Executive Vice President, Specialties and Africa/India/Middle East, China, East Asia and Australia Regions
Maude Portigliatti, Executive Vice President, High-Tech Materials

External links