111 years of General Tire: An American tire heritage since 1915

Hanover, September 29, 2026. 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.

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.

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.