General Tire is made by Continental AG, the German tire giant that has owned the brand since 1987.
General Tire is an American brand with more than a century of history, best known today for its rugged 4×4 and all terrain Grabber tires.
Continental is one of the largest tire and automotive technology companies in the world, headquartered in Hanover, Germany.
Knowing that a major global maker stands behind General Tire helps explain how it offers near premium quality at a friendlier price.
This article covers who makes General Tire, where they are produced, who owns the brand, its history, how it compares to a rival, and whether the tires are any good.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes General Tire?
General Tire is made by General Tire, which operates as a brand of Continental AG.
In North America, the business runs as Continental Tire the Americas, doing business as General Tire.
Because Continental is a full manufacturer, General Tire is engineered and built within Continental’s global plant network.
That backing gives General Tire access to Continental’s research, technology, and quality systems.
So while General Tire sits below Continental on price, it benefits from the same parent company expertise.
Where Are General Tires Made?
General Tire is built at a mix of plants in the United States and abroad.
The company still manufactures tires at its plant in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, which produces millions of tires a year.
A large share of General Tire production also takes place in Europe, in line with Continental’s manufacturing footprint.
Some buyers have reported General tires built in other countries such as Brazil, depending on the model.
As always, the sidewall code on each tire confirms the exact plant where it was made.
Who Owns General Tire?
General Tire is owned by Continental AG, often simply called Continental.
Continental acquired General Tire from the American conglomerate GenCorp in 1987, which made Continental a truly global tire company.
The North American arm is based in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Today General Tire sits alongside Continental’s other brands as part of one of the world’s top tire groups, as noted in its company history.
What Is the History of General Tire?
General Tire was founded in 1915 in Akron, Ohio, by William O’Neil and several partners.
The company built a reputation early on for truck tires and later for specialty and off road designs.
By the 1980s it had become part of a larger conglomerate before the tire division was sold to Continental in 1987.
Under Continental, General Tire has grown a strong global reputation for its 4×4 and all terrain tires, as covered by industry sources.
General Tire vs Cooper Tire: How Do They Compare?
General Tire and Cooper both compete as strong mid tier brands with a focus on light trucks and all terrain tires.
General benefits from Continental’s European engineering, while Cooper is an American maker now owned by Goodyear.
Both offer well regarded off road lines, with General’s Grabber range a popular rival to Cooper’s Discoverer tires.
The choice often comes down to specific models and pricing, since both deliver solid quality below premium brands.
Are General Tires Any Good?
General Tires are widely regarded as a strong value choice.
Backed by Continental, the brand offers near premium quality at a price below the top tier names.
The Grabber all terrain and mud terrain tires are especially popular with truck and SUV owners.
General also offers dependable touring and all season tires for everyday drivers who want good value.
For drivers who want trusted engineering without paying premium prices, General Tire is an easy recommendation.
For more on related tire brands, see Where Are Falken Tires Made and Where Are Cooper Tires Made.
Frequently Asked Questions About General Tire
Who owns General Tire?
General Tire is owned by Continental AG, the German tire and technology company. Continental acquired the brand in 1987.
Are General Tires made in the USA?
Some General Tires are made in the United States, including at the Mt. Vernon, Illinois plant. Many are also built in Europe and other countries.
Is General Tire a good off road brand?
Yes, General Tire is well known for its Grabber 4×4 and all terrain tires. They are a popular choice among truck and SUV owners.
Is General Tire the same as Continental?
General Tire is a separate brand owned by Continental. Continental tires sit higher in price, while General offers strong value below them.
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.