Skip to content

What is Michelin?

1. Overview

Michelin Michelin – the world leader in tire technology, established over a hundred years ago in France Clermont-Ferrand. In the long history, Michelin since 1891’s first detachable tire invention in 1895 and the first equipped with pneumatic tires on the car, the tire manufacturing technology and constantly invention. Michelin various areas of business activities include tires, mobile auxiliary systems (such as PAX system), and travel services (such as Via Michelin, GPS, travel guides and maps). Where the map and guide publishing is a leader in the field. The famous Michelin Guide in 2000, more than 100 years of history. Michelin Group set up 70 factories on five continents, six rubber plantations; in France, Japan, Spain, the United States, Thailand and China with research and testing center, set up a marketing and sales organizations in more than 170 countries and regions.

each year, the Michelin Group in the world about the production: 197,000,000 tires, 20,000,000 maps and travel guides. Michelin Group, the world now has nearly 129,000 employees, responsible for production and marketing, including Michelin, BFGoodrich (BFGoodrich), Uniroyal, Kleber, Riken, Siam, Taurus, Stomil-Olsztyn, Laurant, Wolber, Tyremaster, Icollantas, Warrior and other brands in all kinds of tires within. Michelin Group 2005 global consolidated net sales of about 15.6 billion euros in 2004, 19.4% of the global tire market.

2. History

1898 is the tire man Bibendum birthday, Michelin can create it from the start as early as 60 years ago. In 1832, in that no car era, horse-drawn carriage is that people only means of transport. Michelin brothers’ grandfather Barbier (Barbier) and its cousin Duo Boli (Daubree) coShares in France Ke Liemeng eleven fee Ang (Clermont-Ferrand) opened a small agricultural machinery factory, initially only produce rubber ball toys for children to play, then began manufacturing rubber hose, rubber bands and wagon brake block, and exported to England, this is the Michelin prototype. May 28, 1889, Edouard Michelin has inherited his grandfather’s career, and with the help of his brother, Andrew Michelin Michelin officially founded the company, Edward also became the first manager to any modern development from Michelin is come.

Aristide Barbier and Edward Road Bridgend When Edward took plant, the production plant is also a simple process brake pad. In 1889, an accidental event attracted the attention of the Michelin brothers bicycles, bicycle tires imagine if they can be easily replaced, and that it will have a more broad prospects for development. The story Michelin tires will be from the beginning. 1891 Michelin brothers finally developed a shiftable in fifteen minutes bicycle tires, and to give the foresight to apply for a patent for their invention of the first pieces of success. Such tires can be easily replaced to obtain the best validation of bicycles in a subsequent game, quickly recognized by the public. In just one year, their products have been 10,000 users. In 1894, Michelin tire just invented mounted on a stagecoach, instead of the traditional iron wheel, the passengers feeling more comfortable and quiet. In 1895, in a magical means of transport – car born some time now, few people have enough confidence in it, one of the reasons is hard “tire” not adequately protect the mechanical structure of the wheel, often leading to rupture, development and promotion of new car pneumatic tires imminent. At that time, all car manufacturers are afraid of the pneumatic tire equipped with Michelin in the game, in order to promote and confirm the advantages of the product, the Michelin brothers designed and manufactured his own car company logo eleven body, 4 hp Daimler engine, the most important Michelin is replaceable pneumatic tire installed. Paris – Bohr multi – Paris car race, the two brothers personally pitched brilliantly finished the race, and caused a sensation in Paris, a lot of curious people even cut a tire, look for the mystery. Competition verify the applicability of the pneumatic tire in a vehicle, but also to the first car tireThe birth of written history.

In 1899, Michelin equipped with a widening rim (extensible – rim) electric car created a 100 km / h at an alarming rate; in 1906, Michelin invented the removable car rim; 1908 years, Michelin developed for use on the rear wheels start heavy-duty trucks and buses, 1900-1912 years, Michelin tires in all major international car races are a success, the Michelin brothers found a company and its products fame effective way to eleven car race.

at the beginning of the 20th century, Michelin began around Europe and North America the major automobile manufacturing center quickly set up their own production base, and strive with vibrant automotive and transportation development side by side. In 1906, “Michelin Tire Co., Ltd.” and the first overseas production plant set up at the same time in London and Turin, Italy, at this time, Michelin employees in charge Aung has grown to 4,000. By 1908, the United States Milltown plant also produced the first North American Michelin tires.

In 1914, World War I broke out, the French government is in favor of Michelin design and production bomber, they produce aircraft can load 400 kg bombs, can reach 100 km / h and 200 km mileage, this well-regarded on the performance at the time. From 19l5 to 1918, Michelin produced a total of 1884 aircraft, but also built the world’s first concrete runway. World War I can say become another arena Michelin showcase its leading technology.

In 1919, the war ended, they stem from the Michelin line of work, the number of cars grew strongly after the war stimulated the development of the tire industry; the same year, parallel lines ply tire has been gradually replaced ashamed canvas rubber tires; In 1923, the world’s first low-voltage (2.5bars) comfort Travel tire was born, to extend the life of 15,000 km. Between 1927 and 1931 in England and Germany also appeared Michelin manufacturing plant, while in Italy, the second seat tire plant into production.

1930s, Michelin is for continuous innovation and progress Decade: After tried bicycles, cars and aircraft, Michelin has developed an interest in trains and built the first railroad in 1929 tires, railwayTransportation brings quiet, comfortable, responsive acceleration and smooth braking, 1930, Michelin tubular tires for embedded application for a patent, which is the ancestor of modern non-tire inner tubes; 1932, a lower tire pressure (1 .5bars) ultra-comfort tires available, life expectancy of 30,000 km; 1934, Michelin launched the ultra-comfortable brake type tire has a special pattern, to try to avoid the situation in the car hydroplaning on wet roads, in 1937, Michelin invented sent Le broad cross-section (Pilot) tires improve road handling car at high speeds, which shows the initial shape of the lower section of the tire today; in 1938, Michelin will be the perfect combination of rubber and steel, successful design the steel tires, improved thermal and thermal load capacity of the tire, but also towards the development of radial tires has taken an important step. After over 30 years of rapid development, World War II, Michelin again into the dark history of the most turbulent years. Devastating brutal war, the death of Edward Michelin, a major blow after another, but they can not stop the pace of development of Michelin. During the war, faced with a shortage of raw materials, Michelin in ensuring the supply of munitions, it is also engaged in research work in secret radiation structure of the tire, and laid the foundation for post-war development of radial tires.

Michelin in 1946, to change the world tire industry, the world-famous Michelin radial tire factory finally “born”, and this was then known as “x” type, the use of steel ply tires to consolidate the structure in 1949, officially on the market, since then, another tire technology revolution broke out. Radial tire once available, quickly occupy the entire market, it is used in almost all types of vehicles. It significantly improves various characteristics of the tire: longer life, driving more comfortable, safe handling even more perfect, in addition, it is also the advantage of saving fuel can not be ignored. After 30 years, these have become dominate in the Michelin tire industry a decisive advantage, but also make other peers offer. Radial tire seems to knock on the door of the high-tech tire, from the 50 years since the original radial tire evolving evolution, their quality: in 1959, launched the “x” tubeless truck and bus tires, continued running at a high speed without heat accumulating known for; in 1965, Michelin manufacturingThe crown XAS tire has an asymmetric tread pattern, while radial tire has also been used in the first off-road vehicle. In order to meet the increasing requirements of the car’s Michelin began producing a series of cross-country racing and with radial tires; in 1968, the new VR tires can make the speed of 240 km / h speed limit even over 300 km / h, and safety comfort is also very good; in 1976, the invention of the TRX tire marks milestone in the development of the radial tire, due to its rim with new forms, increase the tire wall deformation zone, the performance has been greatly improved; in 1980, Michelin invention BIBTS type tires for motorcycle use, but both developed into a series of motorcycle tires to the maximum displacement from 125cc in 1985, launched the M series passenger car tires, and so far has been the development of evolution, has gradually become the world’s first Michelin .

In France the last century, there was a jockey envisage different countries together outstanding racer, organize an automobile race, and to recommend to the French Automobile Club Green Racing Association draped their own use Leger flag for motor racing. His idea was adopted, after eight games are using this name. Nevertheless, the facts tell people, only the 1906 ACF Grand Prix can be called a true sense of the first Green Prix auto race. Race over 1200 km of Green Prix is ​​a real challenge for tire manufacturers, Michelin with its new technology provides an opportunity to try for racing, let them use a new type of removable rim, it can make the tires easily replaced after rupture, you know, at the time, for such a long distance muddy track, a puncture is a common occurrence. A total of 34 cars took part in the 1906 event, Michelin and its detachable rim undergoing field tests: average speed when the driver Francois only three minutes to replace a damaged tire to more than 101 km / final atop. After the game, people were surprised to find that there are 5 equipped with Michelin tires completed the race in 11 racing. This is an early Green Prix, Michelin brilliant sports career was begun.

over a hundred years of history, Michelin always maneuvering to speeding on the track. Today, the competition department at Michelin, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 150 people racer and team all worked; regulatory organization each yearPlan 220 trials, transporting 2400 tons tire …… around the world. Speaking score, look back on the last quarter of the 20th century, there are more than 120 riders and manufacturers in the world championship triumph winner riding on Michelin tires, including 82 motorcycle race (road and cross-country), a total of 13 World Cross Country car Rally drivers and teams championship, and Paris in the past 13 years – Dakar Rally winner of each category. In addition, it is worth mentioning that Michelin have the highest technology in the world unite, most fans crazy longing heart of F1 race in temporary edge: 1977-1984 eight seasons, Michelin shares 59 races , three drivers and two-time world champion team, so that tires Bibendum Michelin man on the F1 track distinguished reputation. After reaching the peak, namely Michelin rider Nicky Fort bring its third (and final) Championship, Michelin announced its withdrawal from F1 competition (but not abandoned other forms of two-wheel and four-wheel motorsport) followed by ten years is a long wait and wait and see, Michelin once thought F1 race will not last long, time can prove this car race in the top-level project after a face-lift, has been increasingly the subject of attention, vibrant, it has gradually become companies show of strength, bring products to market window. All of this makes Michelin regain their confidence and resume the path of reason in F1 again. In 1999, Michelin formal decision, and quickly put into action, to reach agreement in 2001 with a Williams BMW and Jaguar Racing. Everything is like 100 years ago, Michelin will continue to play its magic at his best on the challenging arena.

developed by the shiftable to the latest tire “bead vertical mooring” tire (PAX System), Michelin has spread to many areas of the product, whether it is a car, or engineering, agricultural machinery, suspension systems, and even is the aerospace industry, Michelin’s technology everywhere. Every country of the world any kind of vehicles, including vintage cars, minibuses, luxury cars, four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle, truck …… various levels, which are equipped with snow tires or all-weather tires, Michelin has run footprint all over the world.

3, the tire Mr.

Michelin tire man

in the 1898 first exhibition in Lyon, the Michelin brothers found a bunch of different diameter tires like the human corner shape. Shortly after the painter Rockwell European family would like to create a pile of tires in accordance with a special character modeling composed by a number of tire, so Michelin tire man 11 “Bibendum (Bibendum)” was born. From then on he became a vivid symbol of Michelin personality. For more than a century, Bibendum with his charming smile, lovely image, the joy and happiness brought almost every corner of the world, it has become a household name Goodwill Ambassador, Michelin thus also famous. The late 20th century, by a number of well-known artists. The international jury designers, architects, retailers, advertising and distribution industry who composed in the selection of the best 50 corporate logos of this century, the charming Bibendum finally conquered the discerning eye of the judges. In 2006, in order to better adapt to the Chinese consumer habits call, Bibendum in China officially changed its name to “Mr. Michelin tires.”

4, rule system

Michelin in order to protect its own strategy can be implemented, also devoted efforts to perfect the details. Michelin has designed a good system, such as Michelin introduced the “Mystery Shopper mechanism” by hiring a third-party company. In 2006, Michelin made about 1,100 mystery visits. Staff as an ordinary consumer to visit each Chi plus stores, direct scoring of all operational processes, as its Michelin standards of rewards and punishments. Today, Michelin has built a pyramid structure of distribution channels, the bottom layer is the most common retail stores, the second layer is selected Michelin retailers, select retailers, the spire is Chi plus stores.

China Michelin accredited retailer has more than 2800. Changing the face of China’s auto market, tire manufacturers can not stay in a rut, they must be flexible to meet the needs of the market and services. And in the channel innovation tire industry, Michelin has been in a leadership position. At the same time, Michelin is constantly study the market and channels, to provide consumers with the best service. In 2006, MichelinIn 161 cities across the country in the launch of the “line with you” personal services. To date, already has 11 million members. Michelin has 1,500 dealers added to the network, there are more than 850 dealers to provide “as you line” service for help. In terms of innovation, research and development center in Shanghai Michelin global R & D network also plays a very important role, it is the most important job is to localize products and technologies Michelin. Shanghai R & D center of the current research is not just for the Chinese market, as well as other Asian countries and other continents. Michelin engineers in other markets is not a method to simply copy to China, but according to current consumer demand for tire products, China’s road conditions, driving habits of the driver and the transportation industry developments, and based on these factors provide the appropriate products and services. Michelin is the most innovative companies, original products in addition to radial passenger car tires, as well as the first snow tires, the first aircraft and a motorcycle radial tires, customer-oriented innovation begin with, is the basic philosophy of Michelin.

5, culture and values ​​

Michelin

a mission
Michelin’s mission is – to improve through free travel , safety, efficiency and fun for people and mobility progress of the goods to contribute. Michelin are all business activities undertaken around this mission, such as: technological innovation tires and mobility assistance systems, provide assistance for drivers and travelers maps and guides, to promote human by exploring new energy and new technologies various activities mobility “Bibendum challenge”, to promote the use of “green tires” and recycling of used tires and other environmental initiatives, and the promotion of road safety and sustainable development, among others.

five respected
In order to better achieve our mission Group Michelin in 2002 launched the “Michelin Performance and Responsibility Charter” clearly indicate “five to respect” is our core values. Purpose “Michelin Performance and Responsibility Charter” is to perform these values ​​in global business. “Five respect” not only to promote the implementation of the companyBetter understanding and practice of mission, but also contribute to the company’s own sustainable development.
five respected namely: respect for customers respect for employees to respect the fact that respect for shareholders of respect for the environment

6, tire products

Michelin tire products fall into four categories:

[ 123] car / light truck / off-road tires Michelin passenger car and light truck tire product line has two joint venture factories in China (in Shenyang and Shanghai) in 2002 and listed on the Michelin ENERGYMXV8 an R & D Center (Shanghai) ; launched in 2004 using Michelin Michelin Pilot F1 racing technology series; in 2005 launched the environmentally friendly fuel-efficient MICHELIN ENERGY XM1 tire.

Michelin tire

passenger truck tires
more than 50 years, Michelin truck and bus tire industry plays a role as a technology leader, to trucks and bus owners, users and manufacturers to provide innovative, reliable and competitive products. Since 1996, Michelin truck and bus business merged into a single business unit: Michelin truck and bus tire product lines. In 1998 Michelin truck and bus tire product line in Shenyang, Liaoning Province set up a factory, and in 1999, official production truck and bus tires. Since then, Michelin began offering local produce Michelin radial tires to Chinese customers. Michelin still in Beijing invested in an advanced training center, every year thousands of customers and employees received here training products and services.

OTR tires in the world, the Michelin tires are widely used in construction sites mines, quarries, as well as a variety of conditions. Michelin is the inventor of the radial tire, but also an inventor of the world’s first engineering / industrial radial tire.

aircraft tires
Michelin aircraft tire production line to provide to the global aerospace customers: line bias tire, radial tire inner tubes and tires MichelinLin airplane tire for its innovation in product technology and superior product quality, has been widely recognized by customers around the world. Michelin Aircraft Tire with its unique product line to meet customer demand for global aviation aircraft tires today and the future for new products expectations. Michelin Aircraft Tire to support the needs of customers worldwide, Michelin aircraft tire production line in North America, Europe and the Far East production and overhaul of aircraft tires. As a pioneer in the field of aircraft tires, Michelin is committed to developing a more wear resistant tread rubber material, in the same lighter the structural strength of the aircraft tire carcass weight and higher rated speed. Michelin has its internal strict quality control procedures, all Michelin staff will strictly comply with the requirements of this internal procedure.

7, strategic core

tire man – “Bibendum” channels is the core of Michelin’s strategy. Michelin seven years at various levels to more than 2,800 retail stores open, the entire channel network of radiation most widely among brands in China. Certification Michelin tire first introduced to. Its leadership in the forest:

First, the Michelin tire shop must maintain quality and consistency to ensure that each tire shop services are the same. Michelin have jobs called mysterious visitor, dressed as consumers go to the store to shop inside her mission, fed back information as a basis for rewards and punishments. In 2006 Michelin about 1100 visits.

Second, a special service such as you row, Michelin wants to service this concept by passing by the tire shop to consumers.

Third, the Michelin tire shop staff extensive training to improve work processes and service operations in order to ensure a higher quality of service.


8, Michelin China

Michelin tire 1988, Michelin set up a sales office in Hong Kong. To furtherStrengthen the development in the Chinese market, and in 1989 in Beijing set up its first representative office in mainland China, is responsible for product marketing and distribution network in the preparations. Michelin is now in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang, Wuhan, Xi’an and Hong Kong have set up marketing offices and sales network throughout the country. In Taiwan Province also has sales organizations and institutions.


by the end of 1995, Michelin Shenyang Tire Co., Ltd. was founded as the Michelin Group in China’s first joint venture, and in 2003 into a wholly foreign-owned enterprises in accordance with law. Until now, a total investment of Michelin Shenyang Tire Co., Ltd. of $ 150 million.

In April 2001, the Michelin Group and Shanghai Tire & Rubber (Group) Co., Ltd. (STRC) and other shareholders jointly co-founded the Shanghai Michelin Warrior Tire Co., Ltd. (SMW), with a total investment of US $ 200 million. SMW continue to produce the brand back in the car and light truck radial tires, and in late 2002 began to produce Michelin brand tires.

In 2001, Michelin Group will be headquartered in China by Beijing moved to Shanghai. Year established Michelin (China) Investment Co., Ltd., for the Michelin Group provides more opportunities and support the further development in China, also shows the importance of the Michelin Group’s long-term China market. At the same time, the Michelin Group in Shanghai to set up R & D center. R & D center dedicated to meeting China’s domestic and foreign investment vehicle manufacturer technical requirements for vehicles matching tires, it provides technical guidance for the tire suppliers of raw materials such as natural rubber and steel manufacturers and other supplies.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exit mobile version