Mr. Charles Goodyear was committed to changing human life through invention and creation. Even though he was in poverty his whole life, he never gave up exploration. He invented rubber vulcanization technology and is known as the father of modern rubber. Through vulcanization, natural rubber is cross-linked into mature rubber with a stronger structure, better elasticity, and more heat resistance. It was not as immediate as when Edison invented the electric light, but it changed the lives of later generations.
Mr. Goodyear’s contribution will be remembered by many people, including Frank Koebelin. In 1898, brothers Frank Koebelin established a factory to produce rubber products in Akron, Ohio, USA. In order to commemorate the outstanding contribution of Charles Goodyear, the factory was named "Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company". The company used the flying feet (wingfoot) of the messenger Hermes in Greek mythology as the brand logo, and the history of Goodyear began.
In 1903, Goodyear invented removable tires and universal rims, and patented tubeless tires.
In 1908, Goodyear began to produce supporting tires for the Ford Model T, the first vehicle to be produced on an assembly line.
In 1964, a rocket car using Goodyear tires set a speed record of 960 km/h.
In 1971, Goodyear manufactured tires for the "lunar rover" Apollo 14 that could handle the lunar surface environment.
In 1993, Goodyear opened its first tire sales and service store in Beijing, China.
In 1994, Goodyear built a factory in Dalian, becoming the first foreign-funded enterprise to build a factory in China to produce tires.
In 2005, Goodyear launched tires with "run-flat" technology, which can continue to drive 80 kilometers at a speed of no more than 80 kilometers per hour even if the tire completely loses pressure. .
The innovation of Goodyear tire technology is also inseparable from its deep cultivation in the automobile racing field. Goodyear has been a long-term sponsor of NASKA events and drag racing in the United States. At the same time, Goodyear is also a sponsor of F1 events, setting a championship record of 368 times.
In order to recognize Goodyear's contribution to F1, the FIA ??(International Automobile Federation) granted it the right to use F1 to name its tire products. Goodyear named its high-end handling product: EAGLE? F1 ( Eagle Chi series).
In addition to the "Eagle Chi" series, Goodyear's flagship products also include the quiet and comfortable "Yu Cheng" series, the fuel-saving and wear-resistant "Anjie Wheel" series, and the professional off-road "Wrangler Explorer" series. ” series, as well as the “Huicheng” series, which focuses on cost-effectiveness.
Goodyear in 122 and Michelin in 131 have taken different paths. They are both leaders in the tire industry. They are consistent in continuous innovation and driving industry development. In addition to making tires, they also have hobbies. Compared with Mr. Michelin who always does travel and gourmet food, Goodyear exudes the American spirit of daring to take risks and constantly surpassing himself in manufacturing airships.
In 1911, Goodyear tried to build an airship and started flying in 1913. In 1924, Goodyear and German Zeppelin established the Goodyear Zeppelin joint venture, and the level of manufacturing airships was also constantly improving. In 1925, the Goodyear airship "Pilgrim" was born. In 1928, Goodyear began designing and manufacturing airships for the U.S. Navy. With the outbreak of World War II, this beautiful marriage was also forced to terminate. Goodyear had previously manufactured airships for commercial use and began using them to train new pilots for the U.S. military. During World War II, Goodyear provided more than 150 airships and hot-air balloons to the U.S. military for free for training, and built two of the largest military airships in the world at the time.
Since 1963, Goodyear airships have started aerial broadcasting services, such as racing, football games, baseball games, basketball games, golf games, tennis games, etc. As business gets busier, more airships are needed. Since then, Goodyear has produced more than 40 airships for aerial photography, publicity, social activities, etc., and also used this unique method to enhance the company's visibility and image.
In addition to satisfying their dream of flying, in order to enrich the workers’ spare time life, Goodyear established the Goodyear Flying Basketball Team in 1918. In 1937, Goodyear, Firestone Tire, and General Electric joined 10 other corporate basketball teams to form the National Basketball League (NBL).
After 1946, 10 of the 13 teams turned professional and joined the BAA (Basketball Association of America). In 1949, the BAA changed its name to the NBA (American Professional Basketball League), while the Goodyear Flying Football Team remained in the NBL as an amateur team. In 1961, the NBL was renamed NABL (National Amateur Basketball League), and the Goodyear Flying Football Team is still a strong team in this league.
As one of the top three tire manufacturers in the world, Goodyear has more than 90 factories in 28 countries around the world, and its total number of employees worldwide exceeds 80,000. Goodyear has a typical American legend. Through its own diligence and determination, it constantly introduces new ideas and ultimately achieves economic success. Such countless American dreams influence people to flock to it. In recent years, Goodyear has continuously released concept tires and new technologies. I believe that as these technologies are gradually applied, we will continue to have "unlimited driving enjoyment."
The pictures in the article come from the Internet?
This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.