General Tire was founded on September 29, 1915, in Akron, Ohio, by William F. O'Neil and Winfred E. Fouse. The company initially focused on the high-end replacement tire market rather than supplying directly to car manufacturers. The brand is now owned by the German automotive giant Continental AG, which acquired the tire division in 1987.  

Key Historical Milestones 

1915: Founding 
William F. O'Neil and Winfred E. Fouse established The General Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio, during a time when over 300 tire companies were competing in the market. 

1920s: Innovation in Tire Design 
General Tire engineers invented the low-pressure "Balloon Jumbo" tire, which required only 12 pounds of air pressure, offering a smoother and safer ride and revolutionizing tire manufacturing concepts at the time. 

1930s-1940s: Truck Tire Dominance and War Effort 
By the 1930s, General Tire became the leading manufacturer of truck tires in the U.S. and secured original equipment agreements with major manufacturers like International Harvester. During World War II, the company's facilities supported the war effort, producing tires and other defense-related products. 

1950s: Entry into Passenger Cars and Diversification 
In 1955, General Motors began using General Tire as an original equipment supplier for its passenger cars. Around this time, the company also diversified into various other industries, including broadcasting (acquiring RKO Pictures) and aerospace/defense (through its Aerojet subsidiary). 

1959: World's Largest Test Track 
The company opened the world's largest tire test track in Uvalde, Texas, to ensure quality assurance and test new product lines. 

1984: Reorganization as GenCorp 
The General Tire & Rubber Company was reorganized into a parent holding company called GenCorp, Inc., with the tire business operating as a subsidiary. 

1987: Acquisition by Continental AG 
As part of a major restructuring to ward off a hostile takeover, GenCorp sold its entire tire division to the German manufacturer Continental AG. This acquisition provided Continental with a strong presence in the North American market.  

Today, General Tire exists as a wholly owned subsidiary brand of Continental Tire North America, focusing on quality tires for various applications, including a strong presence in the 4x4 and light truck segments.