Atlas tires are made by Linglong Americas, Inc., the North American arm of Shandong Linglong Tyre Co., one of China’s largest tire manufacturers.
Atlas is known as an affordable budget brand offering all season, all terrain, and mud terrain tires for cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
Shandong Linglong Tyre Co., a publicly traded Chinese manufacturer with roots dating back to 1975, rebuilt the Atlas name starting in 2009 and now supplies it through its Linglong Americas subsidiary.
Knowing that Atlas is a Linglong owned brand helps explain how it can offer such low prices while still meeting DOT safety standards.
This guide covers who owns Atlas today, where the tires are manufactured, the brand’s original history, and how Atlas compares to Ironman in the budget segment.
So let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Atlas tires are made by Linglong Americas, Inc., backed by Shandong Linglong Tyre Co., one of China’s largest tire manufacturers. Atlas was originally an American brand founded in the 1930s, and today’s tires are manufactured in China and Thailand.
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Who Makes Atlas Tires Today?
Atlas is a brand of Linglong Americas, Inc., backed by Shandong Linglong Tyre Co., a fact confirmed on Linglong Tire’s official brand announcement.
Linglong began rebuilding the dormant Atlas name in 2009, aiming to create a globally distributed value brand.
In North America, Tire Group International handles Atlas distribution rights, while Linglong controls the brand and manufacturing.
Linglong is a publicly traded company and one of the largest tire manufacturers in China, giving Atlas access to significant production capacity.
Where Are Atlas Tires Manufactured?
Atlas tires are manufactured primarily in China and Thailand, at plants operated by Linglong and its manufacturing partners.
Linglong operates large scale facilities that also produce tires for other global brands, a scale documented on Wikipedia’s Linglong Tire entry.
Because Atlas is a brand line rather than a single dedicated factory, the exact plant can vary by tire model and production run.
Drivers who want to confirm the exact origin of a specific set can check the DOT code stamped on the tire sidewall.
What Is the Original History of Atlas Tires?
Atlas Tires began in the 1930s in the United States, originally under the ownership of Standard Oil Company.
The brand name references the Greek Titan Atlas, symbolizing strength and the ability to carry heavy loads safely.
After changing hands several times through the twentieth century, the Atlas name largely faded from the American market.
Linglong revived the brand starting in 2009, eventually building it into a global value line sold in dozens of countries.
How Does Atlas Compare to Ironman Tires?
Atlas and Ironman both compete in the budget segment, though they come from entirely different corporate owners.
Atlas is backed by Linglong’s Chinese manufacturing scale, while Ironman is backed by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company under American Tire Distributors.
Ironman generally has a longer standing presence in US dealer networks, while Atlas leans on Linglong’s global production reach.
Both brands are frequently cross shopped by drivers who want the lowest possible price on replacement tires.
Are Atlas Tires a Good Value?
Atlas tires generally deliver around 40,000 to 50,000 miles of service, somewhat below premium brands but reasonable for the price.
Warranty coverage varies by model, with some performance lines like the Force UHP covering 40,000 miles.
Owner reviews frequently mention solid dry and wet grip for the price, though some note more road noise than premium tires.
For budget conscious drivers who prioritize price over refinement, Atlas remains a reasonable choice.
Where Can You Buy Atlas Tires?
Atlas tires are sold through independent tire shops and online retailers across the United States.
Several online retailers offer fast shipping and installer coordination for Atlas purchases.
Availability can vary more by region than with larger established brands, since Atlas relies on independent dealer networks.
Shoppers comparing budget Chinese made tires may also want to read Who Makes Ironman Tires and Who Makes Crossmax Tires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Atlas Tires
Is Atlas a Chinese tire brand?
Atlas began as an American brand, but it is now owned and manufactured by China’s Shandong Linglong Tyre Co. through Linglong Americas.
Where are Atlas tires manufactured?
Atlas tires are manufactured primarily in China and Thailand at Linglong operated factories.
When did Linglong acquire Atlas?
Linglong began rebuilding the dormant Atlas brand in 2009 and has continued expanding it globally since.
Are Atlas tires good quality?
Atlas tires are considered a reasonable budget option, with solid grip for the price though somewhat shorter tread life than premium brands.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.