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Michelin

French multinational tyre manufacturer

Michelin

Michelin is a leading French tyre company known for its Michelin brand. It is the second largest tyre manufacturer globally and owns various other brands. Michelin is famous for its Red and Green travel guides, Michelin stars, and the iconic Michelin Man mascot. The company has a history of innovative inventions in the tyre industry and produces tyres for various vehicles including Space Shuttles and bicycles. In 2012, Michelin produced 166 million tyres across 18 countries.

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Timeline

Michelin incorporated

Michelin was officially founded in 1889 when Edouard Michelin acquired a rubber factory specializing in products for farm equipment.

Michelin's First Patent for Detachable Tire

In the summer of 1891, Michelin filed its initial patent for a detachable tire, marking a significant advancement in tire technology.

Michelin Brothers Enter 'l'Eclair' in Paris-Bordeaux-Paris Race

In June 1895, the Michelin brothers participated in the Paris-Bordeaux-Paris race with their vehicle 'l'Eclair' to demonstrate the feasibility of running a heavy vehicle with tires over long distances.

Birth of the Michelin Man

The Michelin Man, created by André and Édouard Michelin and brought to life by artist Marius Rossillon, was born in a pile of tires in 1898. His iconic silhouette became a symbol of the Michelin brand.

Camille Jenatzy breaks 100 km/h barrier

In 1899, Camille Jenatzy broke the symbolic 100 km/h barrier with his electric car 'Jamais Contente' equipped with special tires designed by the Michelin brothers.

Launch of the first MICHELIN Guide

In 1900, André Michelin created the first MICHELIN Guide to provide technical recommendations and practical information for car travelers, including tire maintenance, repair, and addresses of garages, gas stations, tire shops, and hotels.

Michelin Aircraft Tire Innovation

Michelin has been a key player in the aeronautic industry for over a century, constantly pushing the boundaries of technology to provide innovative solutions for its clients.

Publication of the First Michelin Guide

In 1911, the first Michelin Guide was published, providing valuable information and recommendations for British travelers, marking the beginning of Michelin's renowned restaurant and hotel rating system.

Expansion of Michelin Guide

By 1920, the Michelin Guide had expanded its coverage beyond Britain, becoming a prestigious and influential source of culinary and hospitality recommendations worldwide.

Introduction of Michelin Star Rating System

In 1926, Michelin began awarding 'stars' to restaurants, with the criteria evolving over time. The star system initially started with one star for very good restaurants, eventually expanding to a three-star system highlighting exceptional cuisine.

Photograph of Edouard Michelin and André Citroën

A photograph taken in 1928 shows Edouard Michelin and André Citroën at the Citroën workshops in the Javel plant in Paris.

Reproduction of Michelin maps during World War II

During World War II, Michelin maps played a crucial role as they were reproduced by both the Allies and the Germans for military invasions. The detailed and accurate maps provided valuable information for strategic planning.

Invention of the Radial Tire

Michelin designed a prototype known as a 'fly cage' with widely spaced cables in its casing, leading to the creation of the Radial tire. This tire, patented on June 4, 1946, was a significant advancement in the industry due to its exceptional performance and fuel efficiency.

Patented radial tire design by Michelin

In 1948, Michelin patented the radial tire design, a significant innovation that has since become a standard in the tire industry.

Michelin Truck and Bus adopts radial technology for truck tyres

In 1952, Michelin implemented the radial technology to truck tires, six years after patenting its Radial Casing. This innovation revolutionized the truck tire industry.

François Michelin becomes co-manager with Robert Puiseux

In 1965, François Michelin was appointed as co-manager alongside Robert Puiseux, who had been leading the company since 1938.

Michelin's Market Dominance

By 1968, Michelin had climbed to 100% market share in the tire industry, solidifying its position as a leader and innovator.

Development of Milles Pates (PLR) for Testing Truck Tires

In 1972, Michelin developed the Milles Pates or PLR (Poids Lourd Rapide — Fast Heavy Truck) for testing truck tires. This state-of-the-art analytical vehicle was a significant advancement in tire testing technology.

Construction of Greenville factory

In 1974, an aerial view of the construction site of the Greenville factory, the first radial tire production plant in the United States, was captured.

Release of the first Radial tire from Greenville factory

In March 1975, the first Radial tire was released from the Greenville factory.

Establishment of Michelin Laboratory View

In 1977, Michelin established a laboratory view at the Ladoux test tracks, acquiring advanced research resources.

Equipping Mirage III with radial aircraft tire by Michelin

The French Air Force fighter jet, the Mirage III, is equipped with the world's first operational radial aircraft tire by Michelin.

Development of radial tire for Airbus A300 by Michelin

Michelin develops the first radial tire for commercial aircraft, Airbus A300.

Development of radial tire for Falcon 900 by Michelin

Michelin develops the first radial tire for business jet, Falcon 900.

Development of radial tire for U.S. military aircraft by Michelin

Michelin develops the first radial tire for a U.S. military aircraft, McDonnell Douglas F15E.

Acquisition of B.F. Goodrich and Uniroyal

In 1989, Michelin acquired the tyre and rubber manufacturing divisions of B.F. Goodrich Company and Uniroyal, Inc. This strategic move strengthened Michelin's position in the American market and included the Norwood, North Carolina plant supplying tyres to the U.S. Space Shuttle Program.

Acquisition of Uniroyal-Goodrich by Michelin Group

In the spring of 1990, Michelin Group acquired Uniroyal-Goodrich, making significant advancements in the North American markets through acquisitions.

Launch of Michelin 'Green Tire' Concept at Paris Motor Show

In 1992, Michelin introduced the 'Green Tire' concept at the Paris Motor Show, incorporating silica into tire mixes to reduce rolling resistance, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions.

Michelin named exclusive supplier for American space shuttles

Michelin becomes the exclusive supplier for all American space shuttles.

Official portrait of François and Edouard Michelin produced for the centenary of Bibendum

An official portrait of François and Edouard Michelin was created in 1998 to commemorate the centenary of Bibendum.

Michelin becomes sole supplier to NASA Space Shuttle program

Michelin becomes the sole supplier to the NASA Space Shuttle program and celebrates the 100th mission of Space Shuttle Discovery.

Concorde returns to the skies with Michelin's radial NZG technology

Concorde returns to the skies thanks to Michelin's new radial NZG technology.

Édouard Michelin appointed as Managing Partner

In May 2002, Édouard Michelin officially took over as the Managing Partner of the Michelin Group from his father François Michelin, after joining the company in 1989 and working his way up through various roles.

Last Michelin Tyre Win in F1 at Japanese Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso won the 2006 Japanese Grand Prix after Michael Schumacher's Ferrari engine failed, securing Michelin's second consecutive Constructors' Championship win.

Michelin Becomes World's Largest Tyre Manufacturer

As of 1 September 2008, Michelin reclaimed its position as the world's largest tyre manufacturer, producing tyres in numerous countries across the globe.

Receiving Two Michelin Stars in Chicago

In 2011, Curtis Duffy's restaurant in Chicago was awarded two Michelin stars, a significant achievement in the culinary world. This recognition solidified his position in the global cuisine scene and validated his culinary skills.

Grace Restaurant Awarded Three Michelin Stars

Grace restaurant in Chicago, founded by Chef Curtis Duffy and Michael Muser, received the prestigious honor of three Michelin Stars consecutively from 2015 to 2018.

Michelin in Motion Strategy

In 2021, Michelin introduced the 'Michelin in Motion' strategic plan, emphasizing sustainable growth within planetary limits and social responsibility.

Michelin Focuses on Sustainability

Michelin prioritizes sustainability in all its decisions to address the threats to the planet.

Origin of Michelin Star Rating System

The Michelin Star rating system, known for awarding restaurants with exceptional cooking standards, has an unexpected origin story unrelated to cuisine.

Michelin VISION Concept

The Michelin VISION Concept is a revolutionary tire design that is biosourced, connected, and has a renewable tread, showcasing Michelin's commitment to sustainable development in the tire industry until 2050. It serves as a guiding light for the company's research and development teams, boasting 19 patents and offering a platform for experimentation and innovation.

End of the Timeline
Michelin

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