They love their 2CVs

They came in various colours

More than 4000 aficionados of the classic Citroen 2CV will have visited the gathering at the neighbouring communes of Garons and St Gilles in the Gard these last few days. The "deuchistes", so called because 2CV is "deux chevaux", still have a chance to see the collections today (Sunday), the last day of the meeting, before the traffic jams predicted for the last day of the Ascension "pont" kick in.
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Yes We-Van

A couple of young Toulousains enamoured of the traditional VW Combi van started up a van hire business exclusively for this iconic transport. Originally popular with surfers and climbers, the Combi had a hippy image in the 70's and is proving popular with young campers and travellers today.
The company, We-Van, started with just 4 vehicles but such was the demand that they now offer sixty. They do not own all the vehicles, but ask owners, who often only use them a few weeks a year, to hire their vans in return for payment and repair and maintenance. The latest models are "less iconic but more reliable" yet it is the vintage model which is most popular with younger customers.

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Or what about a new Citroen?

Super Citroens: photo France 3

Well, new to you. The maire of Pamiers (Ariege) is to sell 41 of his vintage Citroens at auction in Paris next month. Andre Trigano owns over 150 old cars and plans to open a motor museum in Mazeres. Estimates range from 5000 - 50000 euros, but enthusiasts will often pay much more for the model they want.
Trigano is a well-known local businessman who caught the bug for cars when driving in the Monte Carlo Rally in the 1950's.
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Want to trade in your diesel?

Since last April the government has offered a bonus of 10000 euros if you scrapped your diesel car (over 15 years old) and bought a new electric vehicle and lesser amounts for hybrid or low emission cars. In the near future the age of the qualifying diesel will reduce to 10 years, but the bonus for hybrids will reduce.
Some 11000 electric cars have been bought this year, about half in return for a scrapped diesel. France has the largest proportion of diesel vehicles in Europe and it will be difficult to move people to buy what are seen as more expensive, unproven cars. Perhaps a first step would be to equalise the price of diesel fuel and petrol, there often being a difference of 20 centimes per litre. The running costs of an electric car are said to be between 5 and 7 times lower than conventional fuels, at about 2 euros per 100 kms.
Our diesel estate car is now 14 years old and if it ever gives up we must think of a greener alternative. But are there electric cars suitable for two large and dirty dogs?
Val adds ... and bonny and Eldo!
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Love old sports cars?

Then look out for the Optic 2000 rally passing through the Tarn tomorrow (Thursday 23rd April). En route from Clermont to Toulouse the classic cars, mainly dating from the 1950s, will be at the Albi motor racing circuit at around 15.30. They will then take the Tarn valley arriving in Marssac at about 17.30, before heading on to Toulouse.
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