There are many tyre manufacturers throughout the world, some of which are small companies and some which have become household names. Different tyre manufacturers use different compounds to make their tyres effective for different purposes; for example, some may focus on street use whilst others will optimise their tyres for race use.

Here is a list of some of the most well-know manufacturers in the tyre industry.

Bridgestone - This Japanese company founded in 1931 is one of the worlds leading tyre manufacturers. It is closely associated with Formula 1 racing and has been a supplier to the events since 1997, as well as being manufacturers of road tyres.

Pirelli - An Italian company, Pirelli is the 5th largest tyre manufacturer in the world. As well as creating road-legal tyres, Pirelli are well-known for their inclusion in motorsport. They have been the sole supplier of F1 tyres since 2010 and bike tyres for the World Superbike Championship since 2007.

Michelin - Michelin, named after the brother who founded the company, Edouard and Andre, is a French tyre manufacturer with a long history. Their mascot, the Michelin Man, is well-known worldwide and is easily identifiable with the Michelin brand.

Continental - Continental is the 4th largest tyre manufacturer in the world; it's headquarters are in Hanover, Germany. They supply and manufacture tyres for commercial and family vehicles for well-known automobile producers including BMW, General Motors and Volkswagen.

Goodyear - Founded in Akron, Ohio in 1898, Goodyear are a diverse tyre manufacturer with product ranges for cars, trucks, race cars and aeroplanes amongst others. They are the parent company to the similarly successful Dunlop Tyres Company.

There are many other manufacturers on the tyre market, including Kumho Tyres, Yokohama Tyres and Falken Tyres.