Michelin Man
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.
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| Early 20th-century advertisment |
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