Our history

1900s

The Fulda company is founded in 1900  in the German city of the same name by two businessmen, Gustav Becker and Moritz Hasenclever. 

In 1901  the firm begins manufacturing a range of rubber products. Our first tyres are made for non-motorized vehicles such as prams and horse-drawn carriages.

We first begin making bicycle tyres and tyres for motorized vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, in 1906 . A year later this has become the main focus of our business.

1910s

In 1910  we begin production of an expanded range of tyres including 10 different bicycle tyres covering a variety of uses.

We’re so confident about the quality of our bicycle tyres that we offer a 1-year warranty on every one sold. The famous Fulda Diadem  model quickly becomes our most-sold bicycle tyre.

Meanwhile we’re continuing to innovate with our tyres for motorized vehicles, with the Sembusto truck tyre, which includes steels springs in the rim for additional cushioning.

After World War I we stop producing technical rubber products in order to focus completely on doing what we do best – making quality tyres.

1920s

In 1920 we introduce the Fulda Riesenkissenreifen  (large cushion tyre), with patented technology offering increased ability to absorb impacts from road obstacles, meaning trucks can now reach a much higher average speed. It becomes the leading truck tyre in Europe, with other tyre makers including Continental and Dunlop producing tyres using the same technology under license.

This is followed in 1925  by the Fulda Parabel  truck tyre, a full rubber tyre with an interior air chamber which is the world’s first ‘constant pressure’ truck tyre.

Meanwhile this era is also seen as the golden age for Fulda bicycle tyres, as they become the tyre of choice for cycling enthusiasts in Germany.

In 1929  we make the jump from solid rubber tyres to inflatable pneumatic tyres, our first model being the Fulda Elastic  truck tyre.

Within a short time all Fulda production tyres are pneumatic tyres.

 

1930s

In 1930  we move into the luxury car market, presenting at the Berlin Motor Show a white-sidewalled tyre designed for high-end passenger cars.

Two years later at the Berlin Motor Show Fulda is turning heads with its eye-catching advertising trucks, each adorned with a giant tyre.

1940s

The Second World War takes a heavy toll on Fulda, with our factories almost completely destroyed by air raids. The post-war years mark a period of rebuilding for us, with the reopened Fulda plants initially returning to the production of industrial rubber goods, and products for the repair of rubber tyres and tubes.

Production of Fulda tyres begins again in 1946 .

1950s

in 1950  we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Fulda. Meanwhile, the innovation continues, and the first Fulda winter tyres with international M+S (mud and snow) marking roll off the assembly lines in 1952 .

1954 sees the introduction of the first Fulda motorcycle tyre, the Rasant, while a year later we’re on the move, occupying a newly-constructed office block that is the highest building in the city of Fulda. In fact, we’re still there today.

Soon after we mark another breakthrough with the launch of the first Fulda tubeless tyre for passenger cars.

1960s

1960 sees the launch of the Fulda Diadem passenger car tyre, with lower aspect ratios and rounded shoulders. Named after our most famous bicycle tyre, it is a commercial success.

1966 heralds an era of significant change for Fulda, as the company is bought by US tyre maker Goodyear, based in Akron, Ohio. 

Fulda is proud to join the Goodyear family, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of quality tyres.

As the decade progresses, Fulda becomes the only tyre manufacturer allowed to equip the iconic Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman, with the 10-ton armored version requiring specialist tyres.

In 1969 we launch the Fulda Spectral, the first fibreglass-belted tyre.

1970s

1972 sees production beginning on the first steel-belted Fulda passenger car tyre, the Rasant, followed in 1973 by the Kristall Winter, our first non-studded radial steel winter tyre.

In 1978 we launch the Y2000, our first high performance, low aspect ratio tyre, quickly becoming a market leader for tyres of this type.

1980s

1985 sees the first Fulda Show Truck taking to the roads. Specially fitted out with a stage and audiovisual equipment, it showcases the Fulda product range at motoring events across Europe and remains an icon of the Fulda brand to this day.

Our new corporate identity, using the tagline ‘Schwarz. Breit. Stark.’ (Black. Wide. Strong.), becomes another integral part of the Fulda image.

In 1988 we launch our first off-road tyre, the Campo 4x4, another hugely popular addition to the Fulda range.

1990s

Our product innovations continue throughout this decade, as we launch new tyre models including the Y3000 high-performance directional car tyre, the Kristall 3000 high-performance winter tyre and the Carat Extremo ultra high-performance sports car tyre.

We also expand our off-road offering to include a full range of 4x4 tyres under the Tramp label. Our ethos of off-road adventure is highlighted in 1997 as we sponsor the Yukon Quest dog sled race, one of the world’s toughest wilderness endurance events.

Meanwhile, in 1994, the Fulda emphasis on road safety is underlined as we introduce Lasercheck, [link to Clever Driving content page] a unique laser tool which allows drivers to check the depths of their tyre treads in seconds.

Though special safety days held across Europe every year, the Fulda Lasercheck helps thousands of drivers ensure their tyres’ tread depth exceeds the legal minimum, and raises awareness of the importance of sufficient tread depth.

2000s

The turn of the millennium marks a milestone for Fulda as we celebrate a century in business.

In 2003 our high-performance Carat Attiro sports car summer tyre wins Best in Test from the German ADAC automobile association.

This is followed in 2005 by the new Carat Exelero ultra high-performance tyre becoming the first tyre in the industry to be tested and certified by the German independent TÜV institute for its product quality.

The Carat Excelero is subsequently used to equip the Fulda Maybach Exelero, a concept coupé based on the Maybach SW38, with more than 700 brake horsepower and a top speed of over 350kph.

Also in 2005 we launch a high-performance SUV road tyre, the Fulda 4x4 Road, while the following year we introduce the Carat Progresso high-performance summer car tyre as well as the Kristall 4x4 winter tyre for off-road and SUV use.

In 2007 we switch our focus to value for money with the introduction of the Fulda EcoControl, which puts a new emphasis on fuel economy and mileage potential.

Meanwhile 2009 sees the launch of the Kristall Montero 3 with Snow Catcher technology.

2010s

Our tradition of innovation continues with the Kristall Control HP, a new winter high-performance tyre evaluated in the toughest of environments, the Canadian Yukon.

In 2011 Fulda hosted the coldest-ever tyre launch, introducing the SportControl in -45 degrees Celsius temperatures in Inuvik, Canada’s northernmost community. This high performance tyre is the alternative for cost- and performance-conscious drivers of standard and luxury cars.

For the 12th edition of the Fulda Challenge, in 2012, we premiere the new Fulda EcoControl HP, modern summer tyre, optimized for rolling resistance.