The tyre features a range of newly developed technologies, and is also the first tyre in the range to obtain the top A label rating on the EU Tyre Label for both wet grip and rolling resistance.

The move comes as the firm’s in-house studies point to a growing market for hybrids in the future, which could account for as much as 8% by 2020.

The Conti.eContact also offers a 20% reduction in rolling resistance, whilst maintaining the highest level of handling and braking performance when pushed to the limit, thanks to the newly developed Green Chili compound.

And the sidewalls of the new Conti.eContact have also been redesigned to minimise aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance.

The new Conti.eContact is designed to generate minimal audible noise in the interior, with the aid of ContiSilent technology.

The Conti.eContact will feature the “BlueEco” logo on the sidewall and be available in six sizes for 17 and 18-inch rims, specially designed for models such as the Vauxhall Ampera, BMW 5 series ActiveHybrid, Lexus LS 600h and Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid. The Conti.eContact will also be available for other cars and SUVs with hybrid drive.