The Michelin star was invented to sell tyres

The Michelin Guide was created in 1900 by tyre manufacturers André and Édouard Michelin to encourage more people to drive — and therefore wear out more tyres. It listed petrol stations, mechanics, and restaurants along French roads. The star rating system for restaurants was introduced in 1926 and expanded to three stars in 1931. The guide was so successful that chefs began designing entire careers around winning stars, and restaurants receiving stars often saw bookings increase by 40% overnight. The world's most authoritative culinary award was conceived as a tyre marketing exercise.

Source: Lane, The Michelin Men (2005)