Michelin releasing new Bibendum truck mascot

The Michelin Man – aka Bibendum – was voted the last century’s best corporate symbol by an international panel of judges in 2000. Although today’s Bibendum is a slimmer, more active and environmentally-responsible character than the gorging, wine-drinking epicurean created by French illustrator O’Galop in 1898, his perky charm remains. A new, trucker-friendly version of the congenial Michelin Man is now available to purchase.

Michelin reports that this latest Michelin Man mascot, sitting comfortably on two truck tyres, can be bought to “proudly adorn vehicle cabins, offices or even the home, not to mention the cabinets of Michelin item collectors, of course.” Over time the new Bibendum will be available in 19cm or 43cm tall sizes and come with a self-adhesive plinth. The mascot will be sold in service stations.

Although the Michelin Man turns 118 this year, Michelin asserts that he’s lost none of his original bonhomie over the years. “On the contrary, he is probably more lovable than ever today and continues to stand out as [the] reassuring emblem of the French tyre brand and its stance on mobility.”