Currently, the Michelin company is widely recognized even among the ignorant public, thanks to its symbol, known all over the world - a man from tires named Bibendum. In addition, the company has contributed a lot of ideas to the production of tires, the most significant result of which was the radial tire.
Creation of the Michelin company
The Michelin company was founded in France back in 1888 by the Michelin brothers: André and Edouard. And before this significant event, the organization belonged to their grandfather Aristide and produced a variety of metal structures. André Michelin took over the management of the factory in 1886 after his death. This period was quite difficult, a lot of serious problems arose. Some time later, Edward joined the management.
Development of tires for bicycles and cars
Initially, the factory made products such as water and gas pipes, valves, belts, brake pads and many other similar items. However, the company gained real popularity after the development of the first removable bicycle tires. Up to this point, the tires were simply glued to the wheel rim. However, after the Paris-Brest-Paris cycling race, which was won by Charles Terron on a bicycle equipped with Michelin tires, a real success came.
The company began mass production of tires for transport only after 1894, when the first motor rally organized by the journalist P. Giffard took place. Then it became clear that the future of tires is completely dependent on cars.
Company `s logo
The brothers also developed their own advertising campaign, thanks to which Michelin gained worldwide fame. A huge role in it was played by their famous logo - a funny little man made of tires. The story of its appearance is similar to a beautiful legend and consists in the fact that once the younger brother Eduard drew attention at an exhibition to the tires stacked on top of each other. Having an artistic education and remarkable imagination, he saw a peculiar little man in a formless heap. The initial version of the logo was the result of the work of the then famous cartoonist O'Gallup. He received the name Bibendum. Now it is almost a legendary character that has existed for over a hundred years.
Michelin catalogs and travel agency
In addition, Michelin produced a yellow Michelin Guide to promote car travel. It indicated all the important points for the car enthusiast: gas stations, hotels, restaurants, attractions. At first, the catalog was distributed free of charge, due to the small number of car owners at that time. When the situation changed radically, it began to sell.
In 1906, Michelin organized a travel agency that provides travelers with car routes. A little later, in the middle of the 20th century, a new catalog was released - a red guide to Europe. It contained information on the best hotels and restaurants.
Create radial tires
But Michelin's main development in the middle of the 20th century was Michelin X tires, created using innovative technology that almost doubled their service life. These were the first radial tires.
Michelin development
Throughout its existence, Michelin has established itself as one of the largest manufacturers of tires not only for vehicles, but also for bicycles and even airplanes. In addition, it has gained worldwide popularity due to its advanced designs and technologies. To date, Michelin's sales offices have been opened in more than 170 countries, and more than 655 thousand tires are produced every day.
