Michelin’s tire-company mascot is named Bibendum, commonly called the Michelin Man.
Bibendum is a figure made from stacked white tires and is one of the oldest continuously recognizable corporate mascots. Michelin introduced him in 1898 after the company’s founders, Édouard and André Michelin, saw a stack of tires that suggested a human shape. The character was drawn by artist Marius Rossillon, better known as O’Galop.
The name comes from the Latin phrase “Nunc est bibendum,” meaning “Now is the time to drink.” Early advertisements portrayed Bibendum in a more imposing and sometimes aggressive style; later designs made him friendlier and more approachable. Although many people identify the character only as the Michelin Man, Bibendum is his official historical name and is the answer associated with Michelin’s logo and branding.