The Michelin Man Joins Madison Avenue Advertising Walk Of Fame

The Michelin Man is turning 113 years old and being inducted into Advertising Week's Walk of Fame as "Icon of the Year" in ceremonies at Times Center, New York. As part of an online voting contest, The Michelin Man won the hearts of many who voted online to elevate him to his rightful place in advertising history.

For more than a century, the Michelin Man has served as an ambassador for the Michelin brand. 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.

In the current advertising campaign, the Michelin Man reminds people that "the right tire changes everything." The advertising spots feature the Michelin Man in an animated world as he comes to the aid of motorists in trouble, replacing their faulty tires with Michelin tires, which he pulls from his body, thereby enabling them to keep driving. The campaign shows that by using the right tire, consumers may reduce fuel consumption, increase driving safety, or extend tread life.

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 Colombian coffee icon Juan Valdez and Geico's gecko.

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