2015: when Michelin revolutionised the market.
For decades, drivers had to adapt their tyres to the seasons.
In 2015, with Michelin CrossClimate, Michelin changed perspectives. The aim was no longer to ask motorists to adapt to climatic conditions but to design a tyre capable of supporting them all year round.
Michelin then developed the Michelin CrossClimate tyre and transformed the market by offering the only summer tyre combining the benefits of a winter tyre, certified for winter use (3PMSF). (1) An innovation that addresses a straightforward demand: driving confidently regardless of the road conditions.
An innovation meeting evolving demands.
Over the years, mobility habits have evolved.
Many drivers are looking for greater simplicity. They want to maintain a high level of safety throughout the year without undergoing multiple tyre changes.
Michelin CrossClimate meets this evolution with a clear promise: helping motorists take to the road with greater peace of mind, in both summer and winter.
In ten years, all-season tyres have become a major solution in the European market. The market has grown from approximately 8 million tyres before 2015 to around 50 million in 2025. (2)
How does Michelin CrossClimate technology work?
To meet this challenge, Michelin’s Research and Development teams focused on three key areas:
A specific rubber compound to maintain flexibility across a wide temperature range,
New materials beneath the tread to limit heat build-up,
A unique V-shaped tread design with self-locking sipes, similar to its winter tyres.
2021: Michelin CrossClimate 2 pushes seasonal limits.
A complete range.
With Michelin CrossClimate 2, Michelin continues its commitment to continuous improvement.
The second generation expands the options offered to drivers while maintaining a high level of performance in varied climatic conditions. It also reaffirms that the concept imagined in 2015 continues to meet market demands long term.
Its success among consumers has justified the creation of a very comprehensive range tailored to all vehicle types, from passenger cars to vans and motorhomes. Discover Michelin Agilis CrossClimate and Michelin CrossClimate Camping.
2025: a new generation of all-season tyres.
A new revolution.
A decade after the range was launched, Michelin introduces the Michelin CrossClimate 3. The context has changed. Electric vehicles are developing, and expectations for longevity, energy efficiency, and safety continue to grow.
The Michelin CrossClimate 3 tyre has been designed to meet these new needs, offering a 15% increase in longevity and 4% improved wet grip compared to the Michelin CrossClimate 2. (3)
The objective remains unchanged: to deliver consistent performance from the first to the last mile. (4)
A first for sports cars.
In 2025, Michelin takes another major step with the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport, a sporty tyre with winter capabilities.
For the first time, CrossClimate technology is adapted to sports vehicles. This new tyre has been designed for drivers seeking precision handling, high performance, and versatility throughout the year.
This innovation showcases Michelin’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of tyre technology to meet evolving needs. Is Michelin about to revolutionise the market once again?
Everything you need to know about the history of Michelin CrossClimate
Get answers to your questions!
FAQ on the history of Michelin CrossClimate
The first Michelin CrossClimate tyre was launched in May 2015. It marked a breakthrough in the tyre industry by becoming the first summer tyre certified for winter conditions. This innovation paved the way for a new generation of all-season tyres.
The Michelin CrossClimate range was developed with a simple ambition: to address evolving driving needs. Michelin created this innovation to offer a solution capable of supporting drivers throughout the year by combining the performance of a summer tyre with mobility tailored to winter conditions.
Before 2015, drivers generally had to choose between summer tyres and winter tyres. Michelin CrossClimate was designed to provide a solution for year-round use, aiming to combine safety, mobility, and everyday simplicity.
To date, the range includes three primary generations: Michelin CrossClimate (2015), Michelin CrossClimate 2 (2021), and Michelin CrossClimate 3 (2025). In 2021, Michelin expanded the CrossClimate range to include van-specific Michelin Agilis CrossClimate and motorhome-specific Michelin CrossClimate Camping. In 2025, Michelin also introduced the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport, a version tailored for sports vehicles with winter capabilities.
An all-season tyre can be used year-round. It combines summer and winter tyre technologies, allowing driving on dry and wet roads in both winter and summer, as well as on snow, with complete safety. (5) It meets the safety needs of European motorists, most of whom use summer tyres. For those alternating between summer and winter tyres, all-season tyres simplify life by eliminating the need for seasonal changes during mild winters.
All Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport and Michelin CrossClimate 3 tyres are manufactured in Europe for the European market.
Executive summary
Since its launch in 2015, the Michelin CrossClimate range has revolutionised the tyre market with its innovations. These all-season tyres combine the benefits of summer and winter tyres, offering reliable performance and enhanced safety all year round.
(1) 3PMSF - Tyres in the Michelin CrossClimate line are certified for use on snow (with the 3PMSF marking). To qualify for the 3PMSF marking, tyres must provide a minimum level of safety and mobility on snow.
(2) Source: data from Michelin and the ETRMA (European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers Association)
(3) See notes on the page https://www.Michelin.co.uk/auto/tyres/Michelin-crossclimate-3
(4) The “last mile” refers to the minimum legal tread depth (1.6 mm in Europe). Please refer to the minimum legal tread depth in your country. The following tyre ranges are designed to offer a high level of durability and long-lasting performance: MICHELIN CrossClimate 3, MICHELIN CrossClimate 3 Sport, MICHELIN CrossClimate 2, MICHELIN CrossClimate 2 SUV, MICHELIN Primacy 5, MICHELIN Primacy 4+, MICHELIN e.Primacy, MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4S, MICHELIN Pilot Sport 5, MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV, MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 SUV, MICHELIN Alpin 6, and MICHELIN Pilot Alpin 5.
(5) Michelin recommends that drivers who frequently encounter extreme winter conditions continue to use winter tyres from the Michelin Alpin line.
Photo credits: (c) Michelin
This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence and then reviewed and approved by Michelin teams.