10 most popular tyre companies of the world
1. Bridgestone Founded in: 1931, Japan Founded by: Shojiro Ishibashi Bridgestone is an auto and truck parts manufacturer based in the city of Kurume, Japan. The company aimed at manufacturing tyres largely on Japanese technology. With a wide range of tyres, the company is at the first position as a tyre brand. Apart from tyres, the company also deals in golf products, commercial services, bicycle brands, etc. 2. Michelin Founded in: 1889, France Founded by: Edouard Michelin and Andre Michelin Michelin is known for its innovative concepts of new tyres. It was the first company to produce run-flat tyres. It started as a rubber factory in France and later stepped into the tyre segment. It was also the first company to introduce the pneurail (train tyres) and radial tyres. 3. Goodyear Founded in: 1898, Ohio Founded By: Frank Seiberling Godyear Tire and Rubber Company was named after Charles Goodyear who invented vulcanized rubber. The company gained popularity through its easily detachable tyres. It also became one of the most successful tyre suppliers in the Formula One and NASCAR series. Goodyear has built
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itself to become one of the top tyre manufacturing companies in the world. Goodyear was also the first tyre to reach the moon. Pirelli Founded in: 1872, Italy Founded by: Giovanni Battista Pirelli Pirelli comes in the top 5 tyre manufacturers of the world. It was the first producer of wide radial tyres, which were designed for heavy sports cars. Pirelli also has a wide range of Formula One tyres. Apollo Tyres Founded in: 1972, India Founded by: Onkar Kanwar With its headquarters in Gurgaon, Apollo is one of the biggest tyre manufacturers in India and slowly gaining higher rank in the world as well. Started as a single enterprise Apollo has achieved recognition globally. MRF Tyres Founded in: 1946, India Founded by: K.M. Mammen Mappillai Started as toy balloon manufacturing firm, MRF today is the largest tyre manufacturing firm in India. With its headquarters in Chennai, MRF was the first Indian company to export to the U.S. To retain its popularity MRF organises various motorsport events in the country. Continental Tire Founded in: 1871, Germany Founded by: William F. O’Neil This tyre company comes in the top 5 tyre manufacturing companies in the world. Continental became the first brand to take initiative to produce environment friendly tyres. Dunlop Founded in: 1889, U.K. Founded by: Harvey du Cros Dunlop is a subsidiary of Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company. Just like the parent company, Dunlop has also gained popularity by producing high-end products. Dunlop manufactures tyres that are characterized by some top-notch features including the Hydro-Paddle system, the Traction Web, the Dunlop self-supporting and the Silicarbon Matrix TM technologies.
9. Yokohama Founded in: 1917, Japan Yokohama manufactured the first corded tyres its Hiranuma plant. It has gained a lot of popularity over time, especially after the production of its radial tyres. It also produces tyres for Formula One and other motorsports. 10. Hankook Founded in: 1941, South Korea Founded by: Jae Hun Chung’s grandfather Hankook is a tyre manufacturing brand that specialises in the production of radial tyres and bias-ply tyres. To increase its popularity, the company sponsors various motorsports.