Established in 1915 by William F. O’Neill (“W.O”) and his partner Winfred E. Fouse, General Tire entered a market saturated with over 300 tire manufacturers. Opting to bypass the original equipment market (OE), O’Neill directed their focus towards producing high-quality replacement market tires, giving rise to the renowned General Jumbo tire.

In the twenties, the company strategically built an independent dealer network, positioning General Tire as a premium brand. During this era, the General Tire development team introduced groundbreaking innovations like the Low-Pressure Balloon Jumbos, requiring only 0.8 bar of air pressure. This marked the inception of a series of innovations, including the Dual Balloon, Dual 8, Dual 10, Squeegee, and Dual 90, solidifying General Tire’s standing as one of the premier brands in the market.

Even today, General Tire upholds a steadfast commitment to quality. Offering a comprehensive range of high-quality Car, Delivery van, SUV, Off-Road, and Truck tires, the brand continues to prioritize excellence. The General Tire R&D Team carries forward the brand’s legacy of innovation, incorporating technologies such as Duragen, 3D Sipe, and Monitor Technology.

The Mt. Vernon, Illinois factory, which still produces three million car tires annually, remains a testament to General Tire’s enduring dedication to quality. While a significant portion of production has shifted to Europe, General Tire proudly maintains its status as a purveyor of American quality.