Second World War was almost fatal for Bibendum, which was totally ignored for many years. But it reappeared in the early fifties when Michelin unveiled the radial tire. All car manufacturers adopted this technology and our portly gentleman became even more famous being linked with every field in which Michelin was involved. Even during Apollo XI lunar landing, TV commentators mentioned that the astronauts, while walking on the moon in their oversized white suits, looked like the famous "Michelin Man". Even if the years kept adding, "Bibendum" always followed the trends of the day. In the mid-eighties, it lost some weight and became slimmer and more athletic. This New Look was just in time for the unveiling of a new tire line: Michelin Energy. Identified as the "Green Tire", it rolled around the rings of Bibendum in many adds.
Our debonair centennial-man is in better shape than ever and is now linked to the "Pax System" from Michelin, a revolutionary concept which integrates vertical anchor beads, an asymmetrical rim and lower sidewalls to offer ultra high performances in a "Run Flat" tire.
And Bibendum's career is far from being over. It will witness many more technological breakthroughs in the years to come. This year for instance, it will be back in the pits in Formula 1 races where Michelin is making a comeback.