We’re celebrating an icon: Michelin’s 120-year-old mascot

An auspicious beginning

In 1889, Édouard and André Michelin, who had a rubber factory in Clermont-Ferrand, France, founded the Michelin company. It was just a year after the inflatable tyre had been invented. Previously, all tyres had been made from solid rubber. Soon after, the fledgling company pioneered the removable pneumatic tyres for bicycles which were used by Charles Terront to win the first-ever long-distance cycle race in 1891.

Bibendum was conceived at the Lyons Exhibition in 1894 where the Michelin brothers had a stand. The idea for the Michelin Man was born after they noticed a stack of tyres that resembled a person with no arms. Bibendum made his first appearance in 1898 in a poster. He is depicted holding up a glass containing nails and other sharp road hazards, giving a toast. The text in French reads: “Here's to your health. The Michelin tyre drinks up obstacles.”

Bibendum becomes famous

Bibendum soon began to appear far and wide and quickly became a household figure. In the early years, he was depicted as especially rotund, with pince-nez glasses on a lanyard and a cigar in hand. His white colouration was because tyres were white, the natural colour of rubber, until about 1912 when manufacturers began to add carbon for extra strength and extended longevity.

Bibendum’s personality began to shine through over the years. With the inception of the Michelin Guide in 1900, and a newspaper column signed by Bibendum which started in 1908, he began to find his voice. From the start, he focused on supporting motorists and offering a helpful hand at every turn. This was personified in the maps, tyre repair and replacement instructions, mechanics listings, and hotels and restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide. Apart from being a jolly character with a taste for adventure and fine dining, he showed that he also had heart and cared about keeping his customers safe on the road.

An evolving Bibendum

Bibendum developed healthier habits over time, ditching the cigar-smoking and losing excess weight. He was in better shape by the 1950s, although still a bit portly, and by the 1980s Bibendum was depicted in more athletic poses. For his 100th birthday In 1998, he slimmed down even more to reflect the smaller, lower-profile tyres of modern cars. Today, Bibendum is looking healthier and brawnier than ever.

You don’t need to look far to find Bibendum today. Ever the racing fan, he never misses an event and you can see him smiling and waving at the side of the track. In fact, if you stop by your local Michelin dealership, you’ll see Bibendum in the form of a life-size statue or cardboard cut-out.

How to win with Michelin

Don’t be shy when you see the Michelin Man, wherever he might be. Take a selfie with him and upload it to our Facebook page to stand a chance to win. And we have an incredible grand prize up for grabs – a trip for two to next year’s 2020 MotoGP in Spain!

So keep an eye out for our Michelin Man and don’t forget to enter the draw to win the grand prize by submitting your details here.