In general, do buy and use winter tyres in winter months.

BBC: Your tips for coping in a colder UK climate

Besides selling control of AvtoVAZ to Renault-Nissan, RT has already sold a controlling stake in two tyre factories to Pirelli of Italy, which will try to turn them into exporters of winter tyres to Canada and the Nordic countries.

ECONOMIST: Industry in Russia

Michelin said the decision was taken in response to the economic situation in Europe and the mild winter, which hit demand for specialist tyres.

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