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Whether you’re replacing worn-out rubber or just curious about the names printed on your sidewalls, the history behind the world’s leading tyre manufacturers is as rich and layered as the compounds they use.
For UK drivers, tyres are more than just round, black necessities – they link to over a century of innovation, motorsport heritage, and global competition.
The tyre was invented in the 19th century when the first pneumatic tyres were created to make bicycles more comfortable and more efficient.
John Boyd Dunlop invented the first air-filled pneumatic tyre in 1888. They changed the game by being a smoother ride than the solid rubber tyres that were used before.
Over the years, tyres have evolved greatly, with innovations like radial construction, better tread designs for grip and safety, and eco-friendly materials for sustainability. This evolution has led to a very competitive industry with brands known globally for their performance, safety, and reliability.
In 2025, the tyre industry in the UK is estimated to be worth £1.6 billion and employ around 4,500 people. .jpg "the history of tyre makers")
Let’s take a closer look at the history of tyre brands and how the tyre industry giants we know today got their start and how they remain a driving force in the UK car market.
Michelin – The French Innovators
Founded in 1889 by Édouard and André Michelin, the French firm quickly rose to prominence thanks to innovation. In fact, Michelin invented the removable pneumatic tyre and later the radial tyre in 1946 – a game-changer for the tyre industry (Michelin History).
Michelin also created the Michelin Guide, originally to promote motoring. In the UK, Michelin is a top choice for premium cars and is an OEM for brands like BMW, Mercedes and Audi.
Bridgestone – Japan’s Tyre Giant
Founded in 1931 in Japan by Shojiro Ishibashi, Bridgestone has become one of the biggest tyre manufacturers in the world. In 1988, it acquired Firestone, a major US brand, in a deal worth $2.6 billion, expanding its global presence (Bridgestone History).
Bridgestone tyres are known for their durability and performance, especially in wet conditions – a bonus for UK drivers. The company also invests in sustainable rubber and motorsport, having previously supplied tyres for Formula One.
Goodyear – The American Original
Founded in Akron, Ohio in 1898, Goodyear was named after Charles Goodyear, who discovered vulcanised rubber.
From bicycle tyres to NASA’s lunar rover tyres, Goodyear has always been about innovation (Goodyear History).
In the UK, Goodyear tyres are a common OE fitment and are praised for their balance of price and performance. The company recently sold Dunlop to Sumitomo, ending many years of a joint venture.
Continental – German Precision
Founded in 1871 as a rubber manufacturer in Hanover, Germany. Over the years, it has become one of the world’s leading tyre and automotive tech companies (Continental History).
UK drivers trust Continental for its wet-weather grip and braking performance. It’s an OEM supplier for Volkswagen, Audi and Ford, among others.
Continental also owns Uniroyal, Semperit and Viking, covering all price points in the UK market.
Pirelli – Italian Style Meets Performance
Since 1872 in Milan, Pirelli has been about performance and prestige. Globally famous for its P Zero range and as the exclusive supplier of Formula One tyres since 2011 (History of Pirelli), Pirelli tyres are on many luxury and sports cars in the UK.
Aside from its motorsport credentials, Pirelli also scores high in noise and fuel economy tests, making it a favourite for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Hankook and Kumho – South Korea’s Rising Power
Both Hankook (founded 1941) and Kumho (founded 1960) have grown massively globally in the past two decades. Hankook is now one of the top seven tyre brands in the world by revenue (History of Hankook).
Their growth is partly due to OEM partnerships with brands like Hyundai, Kia and Ford. In the UK, they offer a mid-range option for motorists who want performance at a more affordable price.
Dunlop – A British-Irish Heritage
Although previously owned by Goodyear, and now Sumitomo, Dunlop’s roots are firmly in the UK and Ireland. John Boyd Dunlop invented the first practical pneumatic tyre in 1888 in Belfast – a big deal in automotive history (History of Dunlop tyres).
Dunlop tyres are still popular in motorbike motorsport and remain a trusted name in performance road tyres in the UK.
Other Key Tyre Brands in the UK
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Avon Tyres – UK-based and part of Cooper Tyres (now Goodyear-owned), known for motorsport and classic car tyres.
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Falken – Japanese mid-range brand with strong wet-weather performance.
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Firestone – Value brand under Bridgestone.
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Uniroyal – Marketed as “the rain tyre” in Europe, owned by Continental.
Why Tyre Brand Matters to UK Drivers
The brand on your tyre affects more than just grip – it impacts ride comfort, noise, fuel efficiency and replacement cost.
The ever-worsening UK roads mean that car drivers can suffer damage from potholes and road debris. While there is an expectation that tyres will wear out over time, the cost of having to replace a tyre due to a blowout or irreparable damage is not easy to budget for.
A premium tyre can cost over £400, while budget tyres can start at £80.
For cars with premium OE brands, sticking with like-for-like replacements can be expensive – which is where tyre insurance becomes valuable.
Remember our Tyre Insurance cover means you are covered for the cost of replacing a like-for-like tyre in the event of accidental or malicious damage. If you have a Pirelli P-Zero on your car now, then we can cover the cost of a Pirelli P-Zero as a replacement (subject to claim limit and availability).
Conclusion: From Heritage to the Road
Whether on Pirellis, Michelin’s or mid-range Falkens, the tyre under you has decades of history and engineering behind it. From turning natural rubber into a pneumatic or the first tubeless tyre, things have come a long way since motor vehicles ran on wooden wheels.
While these brands fight each other, they all have one thing in common: tyres can get damaged and can be costly to replace.
That’s why thousands of UK drivers opt for tyre insurance to cover themselves against unexpected damage every year. Find out how Total Loss GAP can help you with your tyres – whatever brand you’re running on. 