GIANT UNIROYAL TIRE REACHES 60-YEAR MILESTONE

• Giant tire built as Ferris wheel for 1964-65 New York World’s Fair

• Relocated to Detroit area in 1965, where it became a Motor City mainstay

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (April 22, 2024) – Uniroyal Tires is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Giant Uniroyal Tire, an Interstate 94 landmark that signals home to area residents and welcomes visitors to the Motor City.

Not only that, but the Giant Tire symbolizes Uniroyal’s history of making quality, dependable tires for more than 130 years.

“For decades, the Giant Uniroyal Tire has brought smiles to the faces of many people,” said Uniroyal brand director Michelle Grim. “As a Detroit native myself, I am among those who enjoy the sight of the landmark that embodies the endurance, grit and automotive industry ingenuity that is rooted in the city of Detroit and also in Uniroyal tires. At Uniroyal, we take pride in the Giant Tire’s history and plan to maintain it for future generations.”

Timeline

1964: Built for 1964-65 World’s Fair in Queens, New York, it carried more than 2 million riders during its time as a 96-passenger Ferris wheel.

1965: Shipped by truck in 118 sections to Detroit, where it was reassembled in four months and placed permanently at the Uniroyal sales office on I-94. 

1994: Updated with neon lighting and new hubcap.

1998: Modified to include a giant embedded nail, to promote Uniroyal’s self-sealing NailGard tire.

2003: Renovated as part of I-94 corridor revitalization effort. Uniroyal invested nearly $1 million to replace 30 steel interior beams, install asphalt and storm drains, paint the exterior, apply reflective lettering and make other upgrades.

2015: Hosted the Automotive Press Association for a 50th anniversary event.

Factoids

• The Giant Tire was designed by Shreve, Lamb and Harmon – the same architectural firm that designed the Empire State Building.
• At 80 feet tall and about 100 tons, the Giant Tire is the largest model tire ever built.
• The tire’s interior is 120,576 cubic feet, and the tread measures half-a-foot deep.

About Uniroyal

Uniroyal stands for value. For passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks and commercial vehicles, Uniroyal delivers reliable performance at an affordable price. With a 130-year heritage and popular tire lines including Tiger Paw and Laredo that have been relied on for generations, Uniroyal is among the most trusted names in tires.

For more information, contact:

Andrew Festa

andrew.festa@michelin.com