Michelin : a human venture

Michelin

It was with the detachable tire that brothers Édouard and André Michelin played their part in the transportation revolution. This innovation, aimed initially at cyclists to help them easily repair flat tires, swiftly became synonymous with mobility and technical and social progress. The Michelin brothers, pioneers in many areas, were the first to drive a car on tires and invent a modern road signage system. They also excelled in the field of advertising, bringing to life a pile of tires and thus creating Michelin Man in 1898. This friendly spirit of mobility would accompany every transformation made in the century to come : technical advances, racing, the creation of maps and guides, and more.

The company enjoyed considerable international expansion but also had to deal with major crises, which it invariably overcame. The history of Michelin, today one of the world leaders in tire production and a flagship of French industry for 130 years, is closely linked to the history of French society and the world events that marked the 20th century.

Today, this experience is helping Michelin forge solutions to the challenges of the 21st century, from eco-responsible rubber to exploring new power sources.