A stack of tires might be his only birthday suit, but the Michelin Man turns 113 Oct. 4, 2011. The globally recognized advertising icon is also joining the Madison Ave. N.Y., Advertising Walk of Fame.
Advertising Week's Walk of Fame has inducted the Michelin Man as "Icon of the Year" in ceremonies at Times Center in New York City.
In 1894, the two founding brothers, Andre and Edouard Michelin, saw a stack of tires and noted that with arms "it would make a man." Four years later, in 1898, The Michelin Man's character was born, appearing in Michelin posters and representing the company. Today, The Michelin Man — sometimes called "Bibendum" — is regarded as one of the most iconic symbols in the world.
"The Michelin Man is much more than an advertising icon," says Don Byrd, vice president of marketing at Michelin North America Inc. "He has become a global symbol of safety because of his longevity, his visibility among different audiences and the values he represents."
The Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame recognizes America's most beloved advertising icons and slogans. The Michelin Man will join such other iconic symbols as Columbian coffee icon Juan Valdez and GEICO's gecko.
For more information, visit www.michelinmedia.com
