The Michelin family name identifies the Swiss-born French tire company founded by brothers Édouard and André Michelin in 1889.
The brothers took over their family’s agricultural and rubber business in Clermont-Ferrand, France. They developed a removable pneumatic bicycle tire and then applied pneumatic-tire technology to automobiles, helping transform road travel.
Michelin became famous not only for tires but also for its red and green travel guides. The Michelin Guide began in 1900 as a free handbook for motorists, offering maps, repair advice, and places to stay. Restaurant stars were introduced later.
Michelin is sometimes described as Swiss because the founders’ family had Swiss origins, but the company was established in France and is headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand. The tire company and guide remain part of the same corporate heritage.