111 years of General Tire: An American tire heritage since 1915
General Tire is celebrating 111 years of company history. On September 29, 1915, William O’Neil and Winfred Fouse founded the General Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio, USA. What began as a regional tire manufacturer has grown into an internationally recognized brand, particularly known for its robust tires for SUVs, off-road vehicles and pick-ups. General Tire has been part of Continental since 1987.
From tire pioneer to global brand
The history of General Tire is closely linked to the development of the automotive industry in North America. As early as the 1920s, the company gained recognition with its so-called “General Balloon Jumbos”, helping to advance tire technology. As the business expanded, General Tire broadened its international activities and became a supplier to leading vehicle manufacturers.
A connection between General Tire and Continental dates back to March 1949, when the two companies entered into a cooperation agreement to exchange technical expertise and know-how. In the late 1950s, General Tire opened what was then the world’s largest tire testing facility in Uvalde, Texas.
The acquisition by Continental in 1987 marked the beginning of a new chapter for the brand. For Continental, the move also represented a major milestone in its international expansion, providing the company with a global network of production and sales locations for the first time. Since then, General Tire has combined its American heritage with the development and manufacturing expertise of a global tire manufacturer and established a strong presence in numerous markets worldwide.
Focus on SUVs, pick-ups and off-road vehicles
Today’s portfolio includes tires for a wide range of applications, including the Grabber GT Plus road tire, the Grabber Cross A/S all-season tire, the Snow Grabber Plus winter tire, and the Grabber AT3 Plus and Grabber X3 off-road models. Across the range, General Tire remains committed to its core brand values of performance, reliability and American heritage.
To mark the anniversary year, General Tire has launched the next generation of its all-terrain tire, the Grabber AT3 Plus. Developed for both on-road and off-road use, the successor to the Grabber AT3 delivers enhanced snow traction, improved wet-road grip and a distinctive tread pattern designed for demanding off-road conditions. The new model continues the brand’s long tradition of providing robust and versatile tires for a wide variety of driving environments.
General Tire
Since its founding in Akron (US state of Ohio) in 1915, General Tire can look back on more than 100 years of company history. In 1987, the traditional American brand was taken over by Continental. Today, General Tire sells tires for passenger cars, trucks and industrial applications worldwide as well as special tires for 4×4 vehicles.
Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around 76,000 people in 54 countries and markets.
Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer and smarter. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2025, the Tires group sector generated sales of €13.8 billion. Continental’s Tires group sector currently employs around 53,000 people worldwide and has 19 production and 16 development sites.