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From: chris@pixutl.UUCP (chris)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: cars in Europe
Message-ID: <63@pixutl.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 10-Dec-84 15:09:55 EST
Article-I.D.: pixutl.63
Posted: Mon Dec 10 15:09:55 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 13-Dec-84 01:44:47 EST
References: <133@ur-cvsva.UUCP> <4000002@uiucdcsp.UUCP> <744@oliven.UUCP>
Organization: Pixel Computer Inc., Wilmington, Mass.
Lines: 26


>>By the way, the Citroen referred to is popularly called the 'two horses'
>>(in French naturally).  This name apprently comes from the fact that its engine
>>has two cylinders. 

>An aquantance (nice word, ain't it?) (it's also mizpelled) of mine who returned
>from living in germany says that the "two horses" is referring to the power of
>the engine . . .

>rick

The name "Deux chevaux", usually abbreviated (2cv) in France comes from its
'fiscal' horse power ('chevaux fiscaux').
There is a yearly tax on cars in France (called 'vignette') based on the power
of your car and the 'fiscal horse power' is the bracket in which your car
belongs (from 2 to about 15 for European cars).
I don't think a 2 horse power engine could move a car (even a 2cv) very far.

Chris
-- 

 Chris Bertin            :         (617) 657-8720 x2318
 Pixel Computer Inc.     :
 260 Fordham Rd.         :  {allegra|ihnp4|cbosgd|ima|genrad|amd|harvard}\
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