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When was the Michelin tire introduced?

The first pneumatic (air-filled) tires for automobiles were produced in France by Andre Michelin (1853-1931) and Edouard Michelin (1859-1940) in 1885. The first radial-ply tire, the Michelin X, was made and sold in 1948. In radial construction, layers of cord materials called plies encircle the tire, perpendicular to the direction of the tread centerline. The plies can be made of steel wires or belts.

Radial tires are reported to give longer tread life, better handling, and a softer ride at medium and high speeds than bias or belted bias tires (both of which have plies laid diagonally). Radials give a firm, almost hard, ride at low speeds.

Sources: Automotive Encyclopedia, Rev. ed., pp. 589-90; Harding, Anthony. The Guinness Book of the Car, p. 11.

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