World's Largest Tire Gets New Look

Uniroyal(R) to invest $1 million in famous Detroit landmark

GREENVILLE, S.C., Aug. 11 -- The Uniroyal(R) Giant Tire, the world's largest tire and one of the nation's most recognizable roadside icons, is undergoing a $1 million renovation.

For nearly 40 years, visitors and locals driving into Detroit from Metro Airport have been welcomed by the 80-foot-tall Uniroyal tire. Uniroyal announced today that it is investing close to $1 million to renovate the Giant Tire as its contribution to Detroit's I-94 corridor revitalization effort.

First created as a Ferris wheel attraction for the 1964/1965 New York's World's Fair, the landmark's appearance has evolved to reflect 40 years of changes in tire technology and style.

"The Giant Tire is an important symbol of Uniroyal's 111-year heritage and a cultural icon for the city of Detroit," said Uniroyal Brand Director Tim Jamison. "This major renovation project will make a significant contribution to the city's I-94 revitalization efforts and ensure the Giant Tire remains a cherished landmark in Detroit for many years to come."

"As the major landmark on the I-94 corridor, the Uniroyal Giant Tire is one of the first sights visitors see coming into the city. By refurbishing the tire and giving it an updated look, Uniroyal is doing its part to help Detroit make a good first impression," said Detroit Regional Economic Partnership Director Mark Denson. "The renovation will certainly complement plans for improvements along the I-94 corridor and downtown Detroit."

"The Uniroyal tire has been a popular landmark for nearly 40 years and seems to signify the strength and staying power of Motor City," said Allen Park Mayor Levon King. "By taking the initiative to maintain and improve the tire, Uniroyal is demonstrating its commitment to our area and support of the city's redevelopment efforts."

Over the next few months, workers will be making major renovations inside the tire including replacing and painting the more than 30 steel beams that provide structural support. In addition, the base of the tire will be rebuilt and repainted, and new asphalt and storm drains will be installed.

To update the exterior, the Uniroyal Website address (uniroyal.com) will be added to the tire in reflective lettering. The hubcap will be repainted in silver, and the neon lighting that was added in 1994 will be replaced with reflective lettering to illuminate "Uniroyal."

The renovation of the eight-story structure, along with new lighting, fencing and landscaping to the surrounding area, is expected to be completed by the end of October.

The Giant Tire was originally created by U.S. Rubber (now Uniroyal Tire) as a Ferris wheel attraction for the 1964/1965 New York World's Fair, where more than two million fairgoers rode the tire, including Jacqueline Kennedy and her children. When the World's Fair ended in 1965, the company decided to set up the tire at its Allen Park, Michigan, sales office. The Ferris wheel was taken apart in 188 sections and transported by train to Detroit. Since then, the tire has become one of the nation's most recognizable roadside icons and featured in items ranging from maps and artwork to town Christmas ornaments.

Uniroyal Tire is one of the world's leading manufacturers of tires for passenger and commercial cars, pick-ups, light trucks, mini vans and sport utility vehicles. Dating back to 1892, Uniroyal Tire has developed a reputation for providing high-quality, affordable tires including its Tiger Paw(R) and Laredo(R) series. Uniroyal tires offer just the right combination of dependability, traction and grip in almost every weather condition, and come with one of the industry's leading warranties.