Michelin has developed a new tyre that can be used in summer and winter with no loss of performance.

It looks like it might be the answer to the prayers of hard-pressed salesmen trying to battle the ice and snow to get to another survey; or the managing director in his high powered, rear-wheel drive luxury model that won’t get off the drive if there has been a snow flurry.

The Michelin CrossClimate claims to adapt to different climatic conditions to combine the advantages of summer and winter tyres.  It features an innovative tread compound that allows it to find a little friction on the smoothest road surface while reducing heat build up and improving fuel consumption; and a unique V tread pattern with new 3D interlocking sipes optimises grip on snow.

The company says that 65% of European motorists use summer tyres all year jeopardizing their safety in snow and ice (20% in Germany, where regulations require winter tyres to be fitted); 40% leave their seasonal tyre change to the last moment; and some drivers use their winter tyres all year round which reduces breaking efficiency and increases fuel consumption.

When the Michelin CrossClimate is launched in May 2015 it will be available in 23 sizes that cover 70% of the European market. More sizes are to be launched in 2016. 

Photo: The CrossClimate's V tread pattern.