1- Michelin Michelin is a French tire manufacturer that has the highest percentage share at 32% within the European

tire market. It is a very large company employing over 100,000 people within, 67 factories spread throughout 13 different countries. They also provide services within 170 countries. Michelin have increased their amount of associated brands which has added to their success, giving them an overall span of different types of tires used for different industries. In terms of products Michelin have a strong presence within the market as it manufactures 3,500 different types of tires which give them a broad product range within that market. They also provide tourism services such as maps and guide books. 2- Continental Continental produces tires for all forms of vehicles: cars, trucks, heavy vehicles, agricultural machinery, bicycles, motor cycles, etc. Continental bought (from Michelin) the rights to use the Uni roya I brand all over Europe. In return, Michelin undertook to buy low-price tyres from Continentals overseas Iow-cost production sites. Continental is very dependent on the German market, which accounts for 33 per cent of its world wide sales. 3- Goodyear Goodyear has 86 factories in 26 different countries. The world-wide staff total more than 100,000, of which 20,000 are employed in Europe. Same 55 per cent of the groups sales relate to the US market, where Goodyear is the market leader. 4- Pirelli The Italian Pirelli group has two main activities: tyres and cables. The group employs 3,800 employees world-wide. Pirelli has the best market position in Italy, where it is second to Michelin. In 1992 Pirelli tried in vain to acquire its German competitor, Continental.