Michelin’s spirit of innovation

Michelin’s journey of excellence

It takes a great deal of work to be the best in your field, but to stay there requires something extra special. Michelin has been an industry leader for nearly 130 years precisely because we have an abundance of that special ingredient – passion. It’s the force that drives us, forever pushing us to innovate and excel. Let’s look at how the Michelin name became synonymous with quality:

Auspicious beginnings

Michelin was born from innovation with French brothers Édouard and André Michelin’s first patent for a removable pneumatic bicycle tyre in 1891. That year, it was put to the test by Charles Terront, the winner of the first long-distance cycling race, and quickly established Michelin’s reputation for excellence.

We’ve been building on that success ever since with innovations such as the first run-flat tyre in 1936, the first radial passenger tyre in 1946 and the “green” materials developed in the 1990s. We’ve gone on to supply tyres for space shuttles, aircraft (from commercial to military), heavy industrial vehicles, the fastest production cars on the road and every category of motorsport under the sun.

The Michelin spirit

The iconic Michelin Man, aka Bibendum, is the personification of the Michelin spirit – always helpful, ready and constantly evolving. His appearance has changed dramatically since his early years, he now cuts a much more athletic figure and no longer smokes cigars. Yet he remains an instantly recognisable figure around the world, having earned his place as a beloved figure in popular culture a long time ago.

Michelin’s culture is so steeped in the spirit of innovation that we institutionalised it as early as 1927 with the introduction of the Progress Ideas initiative. This gives every member of the Michelin team, regardless of their role, the opportunity to contribute ideas and suggest improvements.

The Michelin chef’s kiss

That same innovative spirit, fuelled by passion, has led us to become pioneers in some unexpected ways. In 1900 the Michelin brothers created the Michelin Guide as a way to encourage French car owners (who numbered fewer than 3 000 at the time) to get out and explore. It featured useful information, maps, tips and worthwhile destinations. The idea quickly took off and the restaurant section proved to be especially popular. The Michelin Star rating system was then introduced and it remains the ultimate mark of excellence in cuisine today.

Rolling on

Our passion still burns bright and a new generation of innovative designs is in the offing for a new generation of vehicles. We will continue to work closely with the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers to develop superior products, meet the challenges that no others can, and pioneer new initiatives. It’s through continued innovation that the Michelin name will remain a byword for superior quality.

Don’t miss out on your chance to win a trip for two to see the 2020 Spanish MotoGP in all its glory. Find the Michelin Man when you visit a dealer and snap a selfie with him, then upload it to our Facebook page using the hashtag #MichelinandMe and fill in your details here.