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Marc Birkigt, an inventor of Swiss origin, developed Hispano-Suiza (meaning Spanish-Swiss) engines, and first manufactured them in Barcelona for use in automobiles. Hisso engines were very successful and, to save weight, featured innovative cast-aluminum cylinder construction with internal water passages and screwed-in steel sleeves. Particularly to meet demand in World War I required licensing of Hisso aircraft engine manufacturing in France, England and the U.S by Wright-Martin, later the Wright Aeronautical Corporation.