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Michelin

Michelin is a leading global tire manufacturer known for its expertise and innovation in tire technology. It conducts rigorous testing and is sustainable.

popular product lines

 "Michelin sells performance, not rubber."

tire features

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Technological Innovations

  • Michelin pioneered groundbreaking tire technologies like the radial tire in 1946, offering superior handling, fuel economy, and durability.

  • They continue investing heavily in R&D, introducing innovative concepts like the VISION airless, connected, rechargeable, and fully sustainable tire.

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​High Performance

  • Michelin tires are renowned for delivering high performance in terms of grip, handling, traction, and braking across various driving conditions.

  • Their long-standing presence in motorsports showcases expertise in high-performance tires.

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Quality and Durability

  • Known for outstanding quality, durability, and longer lifespan compared to many brands, backed by rigorous testing.

  • Advanced rubber compounds and manufacturing contribute to longevity and consistent performance.

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Extensive Product Range

  • Wide variety of tires for diverse mobility needs like cars, SUVs, EVs, motorcycles, trucks, buses, aircraft, etc.

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Sustainability Focus

  • Goals to use 100% renewable/recycled materials by 2050, 40% by 2030, demonstrating commitment to sustainable mobility.

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Higher Upfront Cost

  • The price range is generally higher than competing brands like Bridgestone, which caters more to the mid-range market.

  • The higher upfront cost of Michelin tires is often justified by their superior quality, advanced technologies, and longer lifespan.

the
Story

Origins and Founding (1889)

  • Michelin was founded in 1889 by two brothers, André and Édouard Michelin, in Clermont-Ferrand, France. 

  • The brothers initially ran a farm implement business, but became interested in pneumatic tires after a cyclist visited their factory for a tire repair. 

  • Inspired by this, the Michelin brothers worked on developing their own removable pneumatic tire that did not need to be glued to the rim. 

  • On May 28, 1889, Michelin was officially incorporated as a company focused on manufacturing tires. 

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Early Innovations and Milestones

  • In 1891, Michelin patented its first removable pneumatic tire, which was used by Charles Terront to win the world's first long-distance cycle race. 

  • In the 1920s and 1930s, Michelin operated large rubber plantations in Vietnam. 

  • In 1934, Michelin introduced the first run-flat tire with a special foam lining that allowed driving on a punctured tire. 

  • Michelin's most significant innovation was the radial tire, patented in 1946, which offered superior handling and fuel economy over traditional bias-ply tires.

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Expansion and Diversification

  • In the 1920s, Michelin started publishing the Michelin Guide to provide travel information and ratings for hotels and restaurants. 

  • In 1926, the guide began awarding stars to fine dining establishments, establishing the famous Michelin star rating system. 

  • Michelin expanded internationally, building factories in the United States in the 1970s and entering emerging markets in Asia and Eastern Europe in the 1980s-90s. 

  • The company diversified into other mobility solutions like the Michelin Man mascot, road signs, maps, and the Pneurail tire for rubber-tyred metros. 

Throughout its over 130-year history, Michelin transformed from a small tire company to a global mobility leader through pioneering innovations like the radial tire, expansion into new markets, and diversification into travel guides, maps, and other mobility solutions. 

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