Does anybody Know why please?

falling-out-with-my-car · 14 Apr 2008, 14:23

Does anybody know why we cannot drive our Xantias in the US please? it has always intriged me as to why there is a warnning above the headlamps under the bonnet of my Xantia saying "this vechicle is not suitable for use in the USA" has it got something to do with the americans hating the French or something else?

It's just one of those irritation questions that has bothered me since I bought the car 5 years ago.

Thanks in advance Regards Nigel.

XantiaMan · Unread post by **XantiaMan** » 14 Apr 2008, 14:46

It shouldnt bother you unless you intend to export your car to the US. It wont comply with emissions and safety regs, they also don't like car with self levelling suspension. Funny old lot, then again plenty of people like that here too.

Unread post by **myglaren** » 14 Apr 2008, 14:49

It is due to a now defunct regulation that stated the bumpers had to be at a defined height above road level.

Vehicles with hydropneumatic suspension could not conform as they (then) sank when the engine wasn't powering the pump. Although this was only when the car was not in use, the PWB wouldn't accept an exemption.

The irony was that Hydraulic Citroens were the only cars that could maintain the bumper height when in use, regardless of load.

As a result of the American's intransigence in amending the regulations Citroen withdrew form the market. More trouble than it was worth.

Then the regulation was dropped as the SUV/4X4 mob couldn't comply and it was costing the industry money.

It is always about money, in the end.

falling-out-with-my-car · 14 Apr 2008, 16:46

xantiaman583,

My purpose in this world is to question the reason why.
if more ppl did this then we would'nt be living in such a rip off country.

Steve, Thank You that explains it then Much appreciated.

regards Nigel.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 14 Apr 2008, 18:02

falling-out-with-my-car wrote:My purpose in this world is to question the reason why.
if more ppl did this then we would'nt be living in such a rip off country..
.

Make it :

.. then we would'nt be living in such a rip off world ..

reblack68 · Unread post by **reblack68** » 14 Apr 2008, 18:59

The C5 has that warning too, and it self-levels even when it is parked. Was it just habit to write that on the cars by then?

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 14 Apr 2008, 19:09

they did an SM for the yanky market, and that has self leveling susp
regards malcolm

reblack68 · Unread post by **reblack68** » 14 Apr 2008, 19:25

I think the rule came in at the same time as the rubber bumpered MGs so it would have been just after the SM's time.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 14 Apr 2008, 20:04

citronut wrote:they did an SM for the yanky market, and that has self leveling susp
regards malcolm

They had to change the headlamps to regulation Yank ones though. Really spoilt the look of the front of the XM

juraj · Unread post by **juraj** » 15 Apr 2008, 01:17

not only did the us headlamps spoil the XM but so the DS, i think the problem was havinga it of perspez in front of thelights hence the DS and XM couldnt have the prspex screen and they looked really bad, funny tho im sure headlight protectors are ok in the US - but maybe not then

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 15 Apr 2008, 08:10

the SM and DS had glass in front of there head lamps, i agree they look ugly with it removed
regards malcolm

oscarloco · Unread post by **oscarloco** » 15 Apr 2008, 18:34

US has a lot of stupid regulations because the country has a lot of stupid people that sue everybody for the most stupid reasons and stupid judges that hear this lawsuits.

So to prevent a lawsuit that can cost lots of money to the government, they use smallest details, blow them out of proportion and voila! Citroen is out of the US market. And the irony here is that Citroens with hydraulics and all their goodies are safer that the cheap US cars.

Unread post by **elma** » 15 Apr 2008, 22:58

You can import a Xantia into america.
I've looked into it as I may end up working there in a few years or so.

falling-out-with-my-car · 16 Apr 2008, 11:33

elma, perhaps you had better read the black plastic panel under your bonnet above the headlamps, it says you can't use your Xantia in the USA./....lol.

Regards Nigel.

Unread post by **elma** » 16 Apr 2008, 13:24

yes I have.

When it was made it was not allowed in the states

Rules are different now and you can import one.
Look at all the cars they have now on hydraulic or air suspension.

You do have to pay a lot for the compliance test but under current regs it will pass so long as its in good nick.

http://www.citroen-ca.com/faq.html#anchor56703

If its 25yrs or older then can import w/o tests. So a Gs/DS/Cx is easier

Definately allowed though, like I said I've researched it thouroughly in case I work there.