Budd–Michelin rubber-tired rail cars which featured innovative and distinctive pneumatic tires. The company claimed that its application of tires on its rail cars afforded both a substantially more cushioned ride and increased the cars' traction by 35%. The design of Michelin's tired wheels included an aluminum safety ring and a flange that were only used in the event of a puncture or other type of tire failure; during normal operation, only the rubber tire made contact with the rail. Inspired by Michelin's success, the Budd Company set its sights on marrying the new rubber rail tires with its shot-welded, stainless-steel carbodies; it had developed
Kenda Rubber Industrial Company national sponsor to National Multiple Sclerosis Society's MS 150. Company now supports (2013) Cleveland Cavaliers, Rockets, Cincinnati Reds and Columbus Blue Jackets. Kenda Rubber Industrial Company Kenda Rubber Industrial Company () is a manufacturer of pneumatic tires in Taiwan since 1962 with manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, Mainland China, and Vietnam. They make tires for bicycles, motorcycles, ATVs, trailers, automobiles, and industrial equipment. Kenda was the 27th largest tire maker in the world in 2010. In 2011, Kenda decided to sell the 50-percent share that it has in the $200 million joint venture that it started with Cooper Tire & Rubber