The Michelin family name is associated with Michelin, the French tire maker founded by Édouard and André Michelin in 1889.
The Michelin brothers took over their family’s struggling agricultural and rubber business in Clermont-Ferrand and developed practical rubber products. Their breakthrough came with the invention and commercialization of the removable pneumatic bicycle tire, followed by pneumatic tires for cars. Michelin was formally established in 1889 and became an important force in the development of motoring.
The company’s famous Michelin Guide began in 1900 as a publication intended to encourage motorists to travel and therefore increase demand for tires. It later became a highly influential restaurant guide, with its star system introduced in the 1930s.
The Michelin family remained connected to the company for generations, although Michelin became a publicly traded corporation. The name is also used for the Michelin Man, officially Bibendum, introduced in 1898. Michelin is distinct from French automakers such as Renault and Peugeot.