Yeah, it has a special spark, designed for those tri-electrode 'Fleur-de-Lis" spark plugs... :)

At least its better than the CHRYSLER ignition Volvo stuck on some '82-'83 240s!

I figure it is the same reason there are ATE or Girling brakes, Bosch or SEV Marchall alternators, VDO or Yasaki gauges, etc. European manufacturers have been burnt badly in the past by union strikes which slowed down or stopped production and shut them down too.

Another possibility is Bendix gave Volvo a hell of a deal on the systems to try to increase their market share- a foot in the door so to speak. Lord knows they will never get anywher putting their parts on French cars. A small tip- the map sensor is the very same unit, once you get it out of the metal cover, as the one found on most every GM car built through the 80's and early 90's. I have never confirmed this, but the coil looks a lot like the one on my 86 Jeep Commanche pickup too.

The coil is insulated with pate de fois gras, the distributeur (sic) was designed by Balzac in the 1800's, and la systeme will emit the best kind of spark if equipped with Eiffel/Elf brand sparque plugs.

Now, don't you wish your car also came equipped with Citroen hydraulics, and that the horn played the Marseillese?

Desolee, mon frere!