These days, virtually all cars intended for sale in Europe are designed for LHD and RHD at the CAD stage - GM American models are notorious for not considering RHD which is why they're rarely sold here.

I suspect that even UK-designed cars are designed for LHD and RHD just like foreign-designed cars.

Edited by RT on 15/06/2022 at 18:55

I would expect manufacturers to design in a decision to go for both LHD and RHD markets at the design stage - major changes include steering column, pedal box space, light units.

Otherwise I would expect them to make only limited superficial changes on LHD to RHD - all changes cost money and increase assembly line complexity (a bit).

I would not expect them to re-engineer gearboxes unless sales volumes justify.

Example - on my Peugeot 308 the fuses are almost inaccessible on the passenger size and seriously limit glove compartment capacity. I would not expect this on a LHD version with fuses next to the steering column.

PSA have used a derivation of the same box (BE) on many of their cars since the BX in the early 80's. Early ones were reverse left of 1st, then it went to down and right (under 5th where fitted). 5th gear on this box was an add on, being just an extra set of gears under an end cover (which suffers if the oil level runs low!). When they went to 6 speed reverse went back to left of 1st with a collar. The box is pretty much indestructable - but it requires 75W80 oil - if 'normal' 90W oil is added the change can become very difficult when cold. 5th gear sometimes falls apart on higher load applications (motor homes...) if lugged in top.

My 3008 they haven't moved the lid on the box in the centre console over, so it opens towards the driver. The pollen filters on most modern PSA cars are accessed from the RH footwell - on a LHD car this is easy; on a RHD it is a royal PITA with the pedals and column in the way. The Mk1 C4 Picasso with a manual box was particularly bad! Changing the heater matrix on the other hand, which is in the passenger foot well on RHD, is a breeze....

As others have pointed out RHD cars in markets other than Europe still have the indicators on the right and is the "correct" way as technically you can change indication and gear at the same time. It does work well.

As a point of useless trivia the Honda Concerto and Rover 200 which were made in the same factory and basically the same car had indicators on different sides!

She is finding it so difficult since breaking her left wrist she often resorts to using two hands !

I can't see this as a valid complaint. If the other wrist had been broken there might be no problem, but the mirror-image problem would occur on the continent ! :-( It's just one of those unfortunate things.

Having indicator stalk opposite side of gear stick seems logical as you can still operate indicator while shifting gears.

Is it logical to take both hands off the steering wheel simultaneously?

Have never had any problem using the gear stick and indicator stalk sequentially with the left hand.

You don't need to take a hand of the steering wheel to operate the indicators - it can be done with the little finger while the others control the wheel.

Isn’t it just a question of checking the exhaust pipe and the fuel lid position ?

If the vehicle is primarily designed for RHD market, the exhaust pipe should be located on the driver side and the fuel lid on the passenger side. LHD other way round…..

For example, Nissan used to be like that but now different as they share the platform with Renault.

Is that right that some older Honda engines rotated in the opposite direction to other engines ?