Everyone knows that the United Kingdom is one of the countries in the world that drives on the left. This peculiarity, which extends to 75 states and territories around the world according to the study Ways of the World: A History of the Worlds Roads and the Vehicles that Used Them, encourages vehicles sold in the British Isles to equip the steering wheel on the right side, that is, on the opposite side of what is common in most countries.
Until now, Tesla sold its vehicles in the United Kingdom with the steering wheel on the right side, so that the British could drive them more comfortably and in accordance with the country's driving regulations. Recently, however, the US automaker has taken a significant step forward by announcing that it is ceasing production of its Model S and Model X vehicles with right-hand drive configuration, thus breaking with British tradition.
This decision responds to Tesla's need to optimize the production of its vehicles and reduce the costs associated with the manufacture of specific models for the British market. The strategy will allow Elon Musk's company to reach higher production levels and meet the growing global demand for its electric vehicles.
To minimize the impact that this decision may have on those who have placed orders for the right-hand drive Model S or Model X, Tesla has designed a strategy to try to keep its customers happy. It offers them the alternative of choosing between three options: cancel their order, opt for a Model Y or a Model 3 with right-hand drive and receive compensation of 2,000 British pounds (about 2,340 euros) or accept a version with left-hand drive of the model booked in advance.
At the same time, the American company provides those who prefer to proceed with the order with a tool to facilitate the procedures that they must carry out from inside the car.
This gadget has been baptized with the name of 'The Reacher' (the reacher) and is used so that customers of Model S and Model X vehicles that purchase the car with the left-hand drive configuration can perform the actions that are designed for motorists sitting in the seat on the right.
The piece, which is delivered disassembled in a box, consists of two tubes that are assembled together and is finished off by a kind of clamp. Thanks to it, which works like a hand, the motorist can grasp the parking ticket and perform other actions that would normally be done effortlessly from the right side without leaving the seat.
Despite the fact that this curious tool is not for sale on the website of the North American manufacturer in the United Kingdom, Tesla Owners UK affirms that 'The Reacher' is included in the purchase of a car from the company run by Elon Musk. The price of tools similar to this on the large e-commerce platforms ranges between 15 and 40 euros.
