Michelin Man

Early 20th Century Advertisment

Monsieur Bibendum, the Michelin Man, has been the chief symbol of the French tire company since he was created in 1898. Legend has it that the designer, Mr. O'Galop, was inspired by the sight of a pile of rubber tires. In his earliest incarnations, Monsieur Bibendum had many more thinner roles, as Michelin made bicycle tires at the beginning of the 20th-century; but as the company moved into the production of car tires, his shape changed accordingly. Always depicted as an active, friendly figure, Monsieur Bibendum has achieved lasting success, being both highly memorable and evocative of the product he represents.

In 2000, the Michelin logo was chosen 'Logo of the Century' by an international jury.

For more extensive information and images of various applications of Monsieur Bibendum, please see: http://susaneverett.com/article/michelin/michelin.php