why do have European and some japanes cars the fuel tank inlet on the right vs. left on most US models?

Question

Most European countries drive on the right side, the same as the US.

ALL European models have their fuel intake on the right, it varies on US and Japanese models, is there any technical explanation

Answer 1

I've seen them on both sides in the UK, and even in the middle (between the boot and the rear windscreen) on some old saloon cars.

Answer 2

Very easy and basic answer. In many european countries they drive on the left side of the road instead of the right. Therefore the driver sits on the left side. When the vehicles are modified to US standards they do not move the fuel tank as part of that adaptation.

Answer 3

In the first place, many US vehicles do have the filler on the right and not on the left. I have a 92 Buick skylark, for example, and it is on the right. This is quite true with many of the so called SUV's as well. Several Chevy full sized pick ups also have it on the right side. Some even still have it in the center of the back, behind the license plate. Go figure.

Answer 4

The fuel tank nozzle is always located on purpose on the opposite side of the car from the exhaust ( UNLESS YOU HAVE DUEL EXHAUST) for safety reasons.

ie. You want the gas fumes and flowing exposed gasoline to be as far away from the hot exhaust system in order to prevent the possibility of fire.

Answer 5

Your statement about U.S. cars is incorrect. I've had mostly Fords and they have fuel doors on both sides of the car, depending on the model.