The history of Dunlop began in 1888 with the invention of the first pneumatic tire by John Boyd Dunlop in Belfast, Northern Ireland. A year later, Dunlop built the world's first tire factory at the same time as Michelin. Dunlop is the most successful supplier in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, boasting 34 victories. In 1972, the company launched its RunOnFlat technology, which allowed vehicles to keep driving after a puncture. In 2014, Dunlop introduced Noise Shield technology, which reduces a vehicle's interior rolling noise by 50%.