BFGoodrich Tires
BFGoodrich: A Heritage of Innovation and Performance
Founded in 1870 by Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich in Akron, Ohio, BFGoodrich is one of North America’s oldest and most pioneering tire manufacturers. From its earliest days, performance and innovation have been central to the brand’s identity. BFGoodrich was the first American company to manufacture pneumatic automobile tires in 1896 and quickly became known for pushing boundaries in both on-road and off-road tire technology.
Throughout its 150-year history, BFGoodrich has been at the forefront of motorsports and extreme conditions testing—from the deserts of Baja to the grueling Dakar Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. These challenges have shaped the development of tires that deliver exceptional durability, traction, and performance. The brand’s engineers continuously apply lessons learned from racing and aerospace to create tires that are ready for any driving adventure.
BFGoodrich’s legacy includes numerous industry firsts:
- First tubeless tire for American cars (1947)
- First radial tire on the American market, the Lifesaver (1965)
- First run-flat tire (1967)
- Launch of the world’s first all-terrain tire (1976)
- Introduction of the first tire with colored lettering, the Scorcher T/A (1999)
- Development of the world’s first 24-inch 4x4 tire (2002)
Today, BFGoodrich continues to innovate with a focus on rugged all-terrain and high-performance tires, trusted by adventurers and everyday drivers alike.
BFGoodrich: Driven by Racing and Real-World Challenges
BFGoodrich’s reputation is deeply rooted in its success on some of the world’s toughest racing stages. The brand has won the Indianapolis 500 twice in the early 1900s and dominated off-road competitions such as the Baja 500 and Baja 1000, where its Radial All-Terrain T/A tire set new standards for durability and traction. From 2002 to 2007, BFGoodrich won the Dakar Rally six consecutive times, and it has also secured multiple World Rallycross championships.
These victories are more than trophies—they serve as real-world testing grounds that drive continuous product improvement. BFGoodrich’s commitment to motorsport ensures that every tire benefits from cutting-edge technology designed to withstand extreme conditions, whether on rocky trails, desert dunes, or paved highways.
Notable racing milestones include:
- 1903: Tires on the first car to cross the U.S. from east to west
- 1977: Tires fitted on NASA’s Columbia space shuttle
- 1984: Victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the C2 class
- 2002–2007: Six consecutive Dakar Rally wins
- 2017: Triumphant return to the Dakar Rally
This heritage of challenge and triumph continues to inspire BFGoodrich’s product innovation.
BFGoodrich Technology: Innovation at Every Turn
Innovation is at the heart of BFGoodrich’s tire design. The brand has consistently introduced groundbreaking technologies that have shaped the tire industry. BFGoodrich was the first to bring radial tires to the American market, revolutionizing tire performance and longevity. Its early development of run-flat tires and all-terrain radials set new benchmarks for safety and versatility.
BFGoodrich tires are engineered with advanced compounds and tread designs to maximize grip, durability, and ride comfort. The brand’s all-terrain and mud-terrain tires are especially popular among off-road enthusiasts for their rugged construction and aggressive tread patterns, while its performance tires offer precise handling and confident braking on paved roads.
Key innovations include:
- Radial-ply construction for improved durability and traction
- Specialized tread compounds for enhanced off-road grip
- Run-flat technology for added safety
- Bold styling with options like colored lettering for personalization
- High-performance tires designed for motorsport and street use
BFGoodrich’s ongoing research ensures its tires meet the evolving demands of modern drivers.
BFGoodrich Today: Ready for Every Adventure
Today, BFGoodrich remains a leader in the tire industry, combining its rich heritage with modern technology to produce tires that excel in both performance and durability. The brand is especially renowned for its all-terrain and mud-terrain tires, which are favorites among off-roaders, truck owners, and SUV drivers who demand reliability in harsh conditions.
BFGoodrich tires are manufactured under Michelin’s ownership, ensuring access to global resources and advanced manufacturing techniques while maintaining the brand’s unique identity. With factories still operating in the U.S., BFGoodrich continues to deliver products that embody American toughness and innovation.
Why choose BFGoodrich?
- Tires engineered for extreme off-road and on-road performance
- Proven durability backed by decades of motorsport success
- Wide range of sizes and styles for trucks, SUVs, and passenger cars
- Legacy of innovation and firsts in the tire industry
- Trusted by adventurers and everyday drivers worldwide
BFGoodrich is the tire brand for those who never back down from a challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions about BFGoodrich
When was BFGoodrich founded?
BFGoodrich was founded in 1870 by Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich in Akron, Ohio.
What are some of BFGoodrich’s key innovations?
BFGoodrich introduced the first tubeless tire for American cars (1947), the first radial tire in the U.S. (1965), the first run-flat tire (1967), and the world’s first all-terrain tire (1976).
What types of tires does BFGoodrich specialize in?
BFGoodrich is best known for its rugged all-terrain and mud-terrain tires, as well as high-performance tires for trucks, SUVs, and passenger vehicles.
Has BFGoodrich been involved in motorsports?
Yes, BFGoodrich has a rich motorsport heritage, including wins at the Indianapolis 500, Baja 500 and 1000, Dakar Rally, and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Who owns BFGoodrich today?
BFGoodrich is currently owned by Michelin, which continues to produce tires under the BFGoodrich brand with a focus on performance and durability.