Fortune has released this year’s "Global 500" list, which names the world’s largest companies in respect to turnover for the fiscal year ending before or on March 31, 2013. While no tire firm could hold a candle to Royal Dutch Shell, whose revenues of $481.7 billion propelled it into the number one position, three leading tire majors made it onto the list.
Germany’s Continental showed up exactly halfway through the Global 500, ranking at 250 with a turnover of $42.1 billion. Admittedly, only around 40% of this turnover was generated by the company’s Rubber Group; when rated solely on tire sales, Continental would have failed to make the Global 500 grade.
The next tire manufacturer to put in an appearance was Bridgestone, which with a 2012 turnover of $38.1 billion secured place 283 on the list. Further down the Global 500, at position 421, came Michelin. The French manufacturer reported a 2012 turnover of $27.6 billion. Goodyear, with 2012 turnover of $20.9 billion, found itself on the wrong side of the 500th place cutoff.
When calculating revenue, Fortune’s figures include consolidated subsidiaries and reported revenues from discontinued operations, but exclude excise taxes. (Tyres & Accessories)
