Riken tires are made by Michelin, which acquired the brand through its Michelin Okamoto Tire Corporation joint venture in 1989.
Riken is known as one of Michelin’s budget focused brands, offering everyday passenger and light truck tires at accessible prices.
The Riken name traces back to a Japanese research institution founded in 1917, though the modern tire brand emerged decades later through a separate corporate lineage.
This guide covers who owns Riken, where the tires are manufactured, the brand’s unusual history, and how Riken compares to Uniroyal within the Michelin family.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns the Riken Tire Brand?
Riken is owned by Michelin, the French tire giant, as one of several budget brands in its global portfolio alongside Kleber and Taurus.
Michelin gained control of Riken in 1989 through the formation of the Michelin Okamoto Tire Corporation.
This ownership structure places Riken alongside other Michelin owned value brands, including Kormoran, Orium, and Strial.
Riken is one of the few Michelin owned budget brands actually sold on the North American market.
Where Are Riken Tires Manufactured?
Riken tires are manufactured at Michelin facilities, including the Tigar plant in Pirot, Serbia, which produces several of Michelin’s sibling budget brands.
Michelin’s ownership of Riken and its related brand family is documented by Jalopnik’s overview of every tire brand owned by Michelin.
The Pirot factory has produced rubber products since 1935 and tires specifically since 1959.
This shared manufacturing base means Riken benefits from the same automated production standards as its sister brands.
What Is the Unusual History Behind Riken?
The Riken name originates from a Japanese research institution founded in 1917, officially called Riken Gomu Industry.
Riken tires themselves did not exist until 1956, when Nippon Riken Rubber Co. was formed as a separate entity.
In 1966, Nippon Riken Rubber merged with Okamoto Rubber Co. to become Okamoto Riken Rubber Co.
Michelin entered the picture in 1989, forming the Michelin Okamoto Tire Corporation and bringing Riken under its ownership.
How Does Riken Compare to Uniroyal Tires?
Riken and Uniroyal are both budget positioned brands owned by Michelin.
Uniroyal has a much longer standing, more established presence specifically in the North American market.
Riken is more widely distributed in European markets, with a smaller but growing US presence.
Both brands benefit from Michelin’s manufacturing standards despite their different regional focuses.
Are Riken Tires a Good Value?
Riken tires are generally well regarded for offering Michelin backed manufacturing at a budget price point.
Because Riken shares production infrastructure with other Michelin budget brands, quality control remains consistent.
Owner reviews frequently highlight solid all season performance for the price.
For budget conscious drivers who want Michelin engineering without the Michelin price tag, Riken offers real value.
Where Can You Buy Riken Tires?
Riken tires are sold through independent tire shops and select online retailers in North America.
Availability in the US is more limited than in Riken’s core European markets.
Drivers interested in Riken should check with local independent tire shops for current stock.
Shoppers comparing Michelin owned budget brands may also want to read Who Makes Uniroyal Tires and Who Makes BFGoodrich Tires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Riken Tires
Who owns Riken tires?
Riken is owned by Michelin, which acquired the brand in 1989.
Where does the Riken name come from?
The name traces back to a Japanese research institution founded in 1917, though the tire business itself began in 1956.
Are Riken tires sold in the United States?
Yes, Riken is one of the few Michelin owned budget brands available on the North American market.
Are Riken tires good?
Yes, Riken tires are generally well regarded for offering Michelin backed quality at a budget price.
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.