This is who owns all of the major tire companies

When it comes to the major tire companies like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear, things aren’t always as straightforward as they seem.

While the name on the sidewall might say one thing, the ownership often traces back to larger corporations, holding groups, or even foreign investors.

Over the decades, the tire industry has seen countless mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings, creating a complex web of brand relationships.

If you’ve ever wondered who’s really behind the rubber keeping your car on the road, here’s the breakdown.

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The major tire companies are mostly European

Founded in France in 1889, Michelin isn’t just the world’s largest tiremaker; it also gave us the Michelin Man and even the Michelin restaurant guide.

Of course, if you stretch the definition a little, there is actually another company that is the world’s biggest tire manufacturer.

The company pioneered detachable bicycle tires and developed the first radial car tire in 1946, which completely changed the industry.

Today, Michelin is publicly traded, and family-linked investors still hold a minority stake.

Beyond its own brand, it owns BFGoodrich, Kleber, and Uniroyal, giving it a strong presence across markets from motorsport to everyday commuters.

Another historic European manufacturer is Pirelli, which was established in 1872 in Milan.

The company’s name is practically synonymous with Formula 1, where it’s been the exclusive tire supplier since 2011.

While it remains an Italian cultural icon, it’s now largely controlled by China’s Sinochem Group, which owns 37 percent of the company.

Camfin, an Italian investment firm, holds 27 percent, while the remainder is publicly traded.

Pirelli focuses heavily on premium and ultra-high-performance tires, making it a favorite for luxury and sports cars.

The final European entry on this list is Continental, which dates back to 1871.

The German company originally produced rubber horse hooves before pivoting to tires, and is still based in Hanover, Germany, although it now operates in over 60 countries.

Nearly half its shares are controlled by the Schaeffler family’s holding company, with the rest is publicly traded.

Continental also spends a lot of resources focusing on making sustainable tires, which is why the company challenged us to create a tire out of recyclable materials.

Goodyear even supplied tires to NASA for spacecraft

Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1898, Goodyear is still a household name in America.

Famous for its blimps and its Wingfoot logo, the brand has supplied tires to NASA for spacecraft, as well as millions of cars and trucks worldwide.

In 2021, Goodyear acquired Cooper Tires, cementing its place as one of the largest global tire producers.

Though independent, Goodyear is owned mainly by investment funds, and its wide network includes brands like Dunlop (in some markets).

Finally, Bridgestone is a relatively young company, founded in Japan in 1931 by Shojiro Ishibashi (whose name translates to ‘stone bridge’).

The company has grown into a true global giant, especially with its acquisition of Firestone in 1988, giving it a massive foothold in the US.

Today, it’s the second-largest tiremaker in the world.

Uniquely, the Ishibashi Foundation remains the largest single shareholder, with profits supporting Tokyo’s Artizon Museum.

Bridgestone also invests heavily in motorsports and eco-friendly tire technology, and the company is even partnering with Michelin to develop tires that never puncture.

Other major tire companies like Yokohama, Hankook, Toyo, Falken, and Dunlop also have fascinating histories, with some remaining independent, while others have been absorbed into bigger groups.

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