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From: lrd@drusd.UUCP (DuBroffLR)
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: Re: cars in Europe
Message-ID: <1163@drusd.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 3-Dec-84 17:31:18 EST
Article-I.D.: drusd.1163
Posted: Mon Dec  3 17:31:18 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 4-Dec-84 19:43:12 EST
References: <910@druxj.UUCP>
Lines: 21
RE: "I heard that the reason that Citroen is not selling cars in he U.S.  is that Citroens cannot pass a test where the car is dropped to the floor from x feet up in the air.  Certain parts of the car must not be damaged by this test.  Although Citroen has one of the best, (if not the best) suspensions on the market it failed the test. Why? It is specified that the engine cannot be turned on for this test.  A Citroen with the engine urned off has no suspension due to its hydraulic suspension system. Can anyone verify that this is correct?"  Per Gyllstrom AT&T Information Systems Denver, Colorado

I'm not familiar with the test you describe.  My understanding of the
situation is that U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements,
starting with the 1974 model year, mandated certain bumper
characteristics.  This was the first year that the massive and ugly
5 m.p.h. crash-resistant bumpers were required.  Part of the bumper
requirements included a standard for bumper height.  Citroen could not
meet the height standard due to a feature (not bug!).  The height was
controllable by the driver, who could select one of three ride heights,
to meet road conditions.  In addition to the three driving heights,
there were two extremes (high and low) that were used in lieu of a
jack when changing tires.

The last Citroens imported legally into the U.S. were the 1973 models.
When further imports became illegal, Citroen dealers started
disappearing.  I saw the handwriting on the wall -- lack of dealer
support, poor parts availablility, etc., and, reluctantly sold my
1972 DS-21 Pallas.  It was the most comfortable car I ever owned,
with by far the best handling in poor road conditions (unpaved roads,
potholes, snow, ice, etc.), excellent fuel economy, etc.  I had nothing
but good to say about this car and would probably still have it if
there were a reasonable support network for it in this country.