It takes a true visionary to turn something as utilitarian as an automotive tire into an object of desire. But in 1914, Harry Hower, a chauffeur at the time, did exactly that by teaming up with the Woodbury family to create the first whitewall tire. The exclusive offering was given the name Vogue – and suddenly, the first designer tire brand was born.
That was over 100 years ago. Today, the Vogue Tyre and Rubber Company continues to fill a void that the industry has otherwise left untouched. For the discerning consumer who wants every part of their vehicle to make a statement, including the tires, Vogue is the only choice.
Vogue Tyre has decades of achievements and industry firsts in the rearview mirror. And exhilarating innovations in both design and technology lie ahead.
THE STORY OF THE VOGUE TYRE AND RUBBER COMPANY
For over 100 years, Vogue has been creating exclusive tires for the most prestigious vehicles around the world. At the same time, there has been a continual focus on offering world-renowned customer service and demonstrating devotion to employees.
That formula has taken Vogue from humble beginnings in the 1900s well into the 21st century. Let’s take a few moments now to appreciate the journey.
CREATING THE FIRST WHITEWALL TIRE
Harry Hower invented the whitewall tire because he knew chauffeurs would benefit from its eye-catching design. The whitewall concept quickly caught on, and his foresight allowed Vogue Tyre to expand from its home base in Chicago, all the way to the west coast.
The expansion was an early victory in Vogue's rich history. By the 1930s, the whitewall tire design Hower invented had become wildly popular. So much so, in fact, that in 1934, Ford began offering whitewalls as an option on many new models.
By the 1950s, however, whitewall tires were waning in popularity. When the 1960s rolled around, the general consensus was that whitewall tires were a thing of the past.
The whitewall tire wouldn't stay out of favor for long, though. In the mid-1960s, Vogue Tyre would find a new way to rejuvenate the classic design.
INNOVATION THROUGHOUT THE CENTURY
While the rest of the world was turning away from whitewall tires, Vogue was inventing a new strategy to modernize the timeless concept. The result was the handcrafted, Vogue Gold Streak Tyre that combines a thin whitewall with a slim outer gold band.
With the Gold Streak, Vogue once again revolutionized the tire, turning it into an inspiration, not just for automotive enthusiasts, but for anyone interested in craftsmanship and beauty. Rod and Custom magazine even listed the tire as being a preferred choice for street and track use. To this day, the iconic white and gold design is still available.
Creating the whitewall tire and its successor, the white and gold, are only two of Vogue’s past accomplishments. Other key achievements include the introduction of a Kevlar-infused tire, which was as robust as it sounds, a twin tread touring tire with a “Z” speed rating, and the CBR IX with a three in one asymmetrical tread.
REVITALIZING THE BRAND AND PREPARING FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS
In 2013, Vogue reinvented itself once again by revealing the brand-new Signature V Black Ultra High-Performance All-Season Tyre. The offering demonstrates Vogue's legendary quality isn’t limited to whitewalls. Buyers can get the tire in dozens of different sizes and styles, making it a premium choice for a variety of applications.
What’s more, the Signature V opened the door for two additional tires: The Custom Built Radial SCT and the Signature V Black SCT. Both are aimed at the SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks that make up the majority of today's market.
While Vogue still carries the classic whitewall tires that consumers know and love, the brand has diversified its portfolio in preparation for the next 100 years. The current lineup includes everything from black-wall tires for passenger cars to white and gold tires for SUVs.
At the same time, the lineup features just a handful of primary designs. That way, the focus can remain on making a limited number of designer tires.
AN EVERCHANGING PRODUCT BACKED BY UNWAVERING VALUES
Although Vogue Tyre has reinvented its products over time, its values remain unchanged. For over 100 years, the family-owned company has shown an unwavering dedication to both its customers and its employees. Making the finest products in limited quantities has always been the essence of the brand.
Vogue Tyre delivers a level of prestige that no other tire brand can provide. In the coming weeks, the company will continue to build its connection with LinkedIn users through a series of posts. You'll learn more about Vogue's rich history, its impeccable product lineup, and how offering Vogue Tyres can help you attract an exclusive customer segment.