In what it terms "one of its most important launches for a decade", Michelin has unveiled a summer tyre that has been certified for use in winter.

Branded 'CrossClimate', it combines the benefits of a summer tyre in terms of grip, durability, dry or wet braking, energy efficiency and total mileage performance with those of a winter tyre with regards to traction and braking, occasionally on snow-covered roads.

Available from May, it will come in 23 sizes initially ranging from 15 to 17 inches ­ spanning 70 per cent of cars sold on the European market with other sizes scheduled for introduction in 2016.