The term was coined in the 1960s to describe cars targeted at successful professionals and middle-to-senior managers.[3] It was used by businesses as an incentive for employees in senior roles and to exploit Britain and Europe's tax schemes as a company owned vehicle. Early executive cars typically offered engines with displacements of 2.0–3.5 L (122–214 cu in), compared with 1.6–2.4 L (98–146 cu in) for an equivalent sized— but less luxurious— "large family car".[citation needed]