The most well-known tire symbol in the world
The Michelin company's symbol is not only the most successful and popular symbol in the world, but also a global and recognizable logo. All, without exception, drivers can unmistakably determine which tire is being referred to, simply by looking at it. Long-haul truckers have even elevated the company's symbol to a talisman, and many have a "Bibendum" figurine in their car's cabin. The company owes its current success not only to its advanced technologies, but also, undoubtedly, to its symbol - "Bibendum". 
The story of the creation of this funny little man, like all the stories of the French company, is extremely fascinating. Having gone from a bankrupt enterprise that produced agricultural equipment to a tire manufacturer, the company produced tires of different sizes, and at one of the exhibitions to promote its products, the brothers, André and Édouard Michelin, noticed that the stacks of tires on display resembled the outline of a human. It was then that the idea to make a man made of tires the company's symbol was born. Moreover, this little man had a truly provocative reputation. According to the legend created by the Michelin brothers, Bibendum loved to drink, smoke good cigars, and was very successful with women. In addition, he regularly mocked his competitors in regular issues of advertising brochures.
Over time, the character became more friendly and less capricious. In addition, with the change in tire profile width, he became more rounded due to the smaller number of tires. It's also interesting that as the color of the tires changed from white to black, which became possible with the addition of technical carbon, Bibendum's color did not change, although there were attempts to repaint him as well.
In 2000, the Financial Times named the Michelin man the "Best Logo of the Century", which is the highest recognition. In the same year, the company diversified its activities by creating Michelin Lifestyle Limited (MLL), a subsidiary specializing in the development and marketing of mobility, sports, and leisure-related products, as well as the Michelin brand universe.