Imagine you run a small dealership outside Nairobi and need ten clean, low-mileage SUVs before the end of the quarter. Or perhaps you are a private buyer in Barbados who has found the exact Range Rover specification you want in Britain but needs someone to handle sourcing, export paperwork and shipping. Buying from Britain can make sense because qualifying vehicle exports may be zero-rated for UK VAT, while buyers also gain access to deep stock of prestige marques and established sea and air routes to Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Europe. This guide to the best UK vehicle exporters for right-hand and left-hand drive cars is intended for overseas dealers and private buyers, ranking eight options by drive-type coverage, destination reach, marque focus and logistics support.
Our top pick is Import Marques for overseas dealers and private buyers who need both RHD and LHD prestige vehicles sourced and shipped with logistics support. It brings more than 20 years of trading history, dual RHD and LHD supply, tax-free pricing for eligible exports and a growing EV and PHEV range alongside established prestige marques. Buyers focused on high-volume RHD brands for Africa or Asia should also consider Milele Motors. European buyers who need a dedicated left-hand drive specialist may prefer My LHD Car France LTD.
This article gives you a plain-English explanation of what to check before committing, a quick side-by-side comparison and full profiles with practical pros and cons for each exporter. Whether you need prestige LHD stock for Europe or volume RHD stock for Africa and Asia, the guide should help you identify which provider best fits your buying scenario.
What to look for
Use this short checklist to compare UK vehicle exporters as a trade buyer would. Working through these five points can help you avoid common problems involving drive-type mismatch, incomplete paperwork and unclear shipping arrangements.
Drive type coverage
Check whether the exporter can supply right-hand drive, left-hand drive or both. Many British suppliers mainly sell RHD vehicles, which may suit buyers shipping to Kenya, Japan or the Caribbean but not those seeking LHD models for France, Spain, Portugal or the Middle East. Ask the exporter to confirm the steering side in writing before you pay a deposit.
Destination reach and route experience
Look for evidence that the exporter serves your market rather than relying solely on a general claim that it ships worldwide. A supplier familiar with your destination may be better placed to address port requirements, vehicle age limits and inspection rules. Cross-border used-car rules and demand vary by market, making destination-specific knowledge worth checking.
Marque and vehicle type focus
Match the supplier’s stock strengths to your customers. Some exporters focus on prestige and 4×4 models such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Range Rover, while others concentrate on volume brands such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan, as well as light commercial vehicles. A prestige specialist may not suit bulk economy orders, while a volume supplier may have limited access to unusual luxury specifications.
How complete the logistics are
Some suppliers manage sourcing, export documentation, customs paperwork, insurance and sea or air freight through one point of contact. If you need to arrange your own freight forwarder or obtain the V5C logbook and export declaration separately, include that time and expense in your comparison. The quotation should state clearly whether shipping is insured and whether the service is door-to-port or port-to-port.
Years in operation
Favour businesses with a traceable operating history, clear company details and consistent customer feedback. A 20-year history cannot guarantee a trouble-free transaction, but it shows that the business has operated through changing market conditions. When dealing with a smaller or less established operation, starting with one vehicle can limit your exposure before you place a bulk order.
The 8 best UK vehicle exporters for RHD and LHD cars
The eight companies below cover a broad range of overseas buying needs, from prestige LHD sourcing for European dealers to higher-volume RHD supply for African markets. Each profile explains who the exporter may suit, what the service includes and where you should seek further confirmation. Our number one is the strongest all-round recommendation for buyers seeking prestige choice in both drive types.
| Provider | Best for | Key strength | Drive config |
| Import Marques | Overseas dealers and private buyers needing prestige RHD and LHD with full logistics | Dual drive prestige supply plus insured sea and air freight | Both RHD and LHD |
| Hamilton Cars (UK) Ltd | Budget-conscious buyers shipping to Kenya, Guyana, Barbados and worldwide | Proven Africa and Caribbean routes with VAT-free sourcing | RHD, LHD on enquiry |
| Milele Motors | RHD volume buyers in Africa and Asia wanting Toyota, Honda and Nissan | Multi-country RHD stock and tax-free pricing | RHD |
| My LHD Car France LTD | European buyers needing a dedicated LHD specialist | LHD-only focus with registration help and warranty | LHD |
| Beck Evans | South East trade buyers wanting a franchised dealer export service | Established sales and service setup with responsive communication | RHD, confirm LHD on enquiry |
| Lee Game Prestige | Prestige and 4×4 buyers wanting a boutique Essex specialist | Personalised service for luxury SUVs and performance cars | RHD, confirm LHD on enquiry |
| Gocarz | Buyers importing UK vehicles to France, Belgium or Luxembourg | Search, inspection, customs and delivery managed end to end | Confirm per vehicle |
| Chorley Group | North West trade buyers wanting a multi-franchise network | Nissan, Kia and other franchise access with client services team | RHD, confirm LHD on enquiry |
#1. Import Marques – best for overseas dealers and private buyers needing prestige RHD and LHD vehicles with full logistics
*The all-round prestige choice if you want both steering sides, eligible tax-free pricing and shipping handled from sourcing to delivery.*
Import Marques sources new and low-mileage prestige and luxury vehicles for overseas trade and private buyers, with Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Range Rover, Ferrari, Bentley and Rolls-Royce among its core marques. You deal with one team from vehicle sourcing through to export paperwork and delivery, which may suit you if you do not have your own UK agent or freight contact. The operation has traded since 2001, giving it a long record of arranging inspections, documentation and insured transport.
You can order both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles, making the company relevant to buyers who supply mixed markets or European customers who specifically require LHD. Tax-free export pricing is available on qualifying overseas sales where the relevant conditions and evidence requirements are met. Sea or air freight can be fully insured, with customs documentation prepared as part of the service. The catalogue also includes a growing range of EV and PHEV models alongside petrol and diesel prestige stock.
The specialism will not suit every buyer. This is a prestige-focused supplier, so customers seeking high-volume budget hatchbacks or economy fleet cars should look elsewhere. There is no general published price list, meaning you need to request a tailored quotation for each vehicle or proposed bulk deal.
Pros
- More than 20 years in operation since 2001
- Dual RHD and LHD supply at the prestige end of the market
- End-to-end service covering sourcing, paperwork, customs and insured freight
- Broad prestige marque coverage, including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Range Rover
- Growing EV and PHEV choice for markets with limited local supply
Cons
- Prestige and luxury focus, rather than economy or high-volume budget vehicles
- No published price list, so each deal requires a direct enquiry and quotation
- Buyers planning large simultaneous orders should confirm availability and lead times
- Premium models may not suit cost-first buyers working to tight per-unit budgets
Who it is best for: overseas franchise dealers, independent trade buyers and private clients seeking prestige RHD or LHD stock, eligible tax-free pricing and one team to handle logistics to more than 50 countries.
#2. Hamilton Cars (UK) Ltd – best for budget-conscious buyers shipping to Africa and the Caribbean
*A practical option if your priority is UK sourcing and shipping to Kenya, Guyana or Barbados.*
Hamilton Cars (UK) Ltd is a new and used vehicle exporter based in West Sussex, England. It sources vehicles according to customers’ stated budgets and requirements, then exports them to Kenya, Guyana, Barbados and other destinations. VAT-free treatment may be available for eligible qualifying exports when the required evidence and conditions are satisfied.
Buyers can arrange sourcing and shipping through the same business, reducing the coordination involved if they do not have a UK freight partner. The company offers worldwide shipping by sea or air, depending on the buyer’s requirements and timetable. Sea freight may suit standard dealer stock where cost is the main concern, while air freight provides an alternative for urgent or high-value vehicles.
Some points need to be confirmed directly because public information is limited on the exact marque range and steering-side coverage. Based on the available information, the main appeal is destination coverage and a choice of freight methods rather than a narrow prestige specialism. Ask for examples of recent shipments to your destination and request a clear breakdown of everything included in the quoted price.
Pros
- Routes offered to Kenya in Africa and Guyana and Barbados in the Caribbean
- VAT-free treatment for eligible qualifying exports
- Combined sourcing and shipping service through one supplier
- Choice of sea or air freight according to budget and timing
Cons
- Limited public detail on the marque range or prestige and volume split
- LHD capability should be confirmed for your chosen vehicle and market
- Pricing and payment terms require a direct enquiry
Who it is best for: trade and private buyers shipping to Africa or the Caribbean who want a budget-aware UK exporter to source and ship vehicles on their behalf.
#3. Milele Motors – best for RHD volume buyers in Africa and Asia wanting volume-brand stock
*The volume RHD option if you need Toyota, Honda, Nissan and similar marques for Africa or Asia.*
Milele Motors describes itself as an exporter of tax-free right-hand drive motor vehicles to Africa and Asia. It operates through branches in Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, giving buyers access to stock from several markets rather than relying on UK supply alone. This may improve availability when a particular specification is difficult to source in Britain.
The range covers passenger and light commercial vehicles from Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz and other manufacturers. Buyers can request petrol or diesel models with manual or automatic transmission to reflect local demand. The company specialises in vehicle procurement, export management and customer service technology, making it particularly relevant to repeat trade customers as well as buyers placing individual orders.
The main trade-off is its drive-type focus. The company primarily promotes RHD exports, so buyers seeking LHD stock for continental Europe or other left-hand drive markets should confirm whether suitable vehicles are available. Those planning large or simultaneous shipments should also discuss current capacity, stock availability and lead times before committing funds.
Pros
- Clear focus on RHD exports to markets in Africa and Asia
- Brand roster spanning volume names and Mercedes-Benz at the premium end
- Multi-country sourcing from the UK, Japan, Australia and the UAE
- Light commercial vehicles as well as passenger cars
- Procurement and export management systems suitable for repeat orders
Cons
- Primarily RHD focused, making it less suitable for LHD-market buyers
- Capacity and scheduling for large bulk orders need direct confirmation
- UK-specific pricing and payment terms are available only on enquiry
Who it is best for: overseas dealers and fleet buyers in RHD markets across Africa and Asia who need volume brands, potentially eligible tax-free pricing and repeat stock replenishment.
#4. My LHD Car France LTD – best for European buyers needing a dedicated LHD specialist
*The specialist to shortlist if you live in Europe and want left-hand drive stock with registration support.*
My LHD Car France LTD presents itself as a UK left-hand drive car specialist. It holds an inventory of LHD cars for sale and focuses on left-hand drive supply rather than offering it only as an occasional option. Buyers based in France, Spain, Portugal or elsewhere in Europe may find this focus helpful when discussing specifications and compliance requirements.
The company also offers practical ownership support beyond the sale. European registration assistance can reduce the administrative work involved in re-registering a UK-sourced vehicle abroad. Warranty cover is available on its vehicles and the business describes its delivery service as secure, both of which may provide reassurance when a buyer cannot visit in person. The company was founded in 2008 and its UK operation is centred on Nottingham.
Buyers should discuss order size and timescales directly, particularly when seeking several vehicles or an urgent delivery. This is not the right choice for customers who need RHD stock, while marque availability and prices must be confirmed because neither is presented in comprehensive public detail. Request current inventory, warranty terms and expected delivery dates before paying a deposit.
Pros
- Dedicated focus on LHD supply and continental buyer requirements
- European registration assistance to support re-registration
- Warranty provision for additional buyer confidence
- Established in 2008 with long-term LHD specialisation
Cons
- Capacity for large or urgent multi-unit orders needs confirmation
- Not suitable for RHD-market buyers
- Limited public detail on specific marques and price ranges
- Current inventory and lead times must be checked directly
Who it is best for: private and trade buyers in Europe who want a dedicated LHD vehicle with help covering registration, warranty and secure delivery.
#5. Beck Evans – best for South East trade buyers wanting an established dealer export service
*A sensible enquiry if you prefer to export through an established franchised dealer setup with sales and service support.*
Beck Evans operates as a franchised dealer business with sales and service departments, as well as an export section for overseas buyers. That structure may appeal if you prefer buying through an established dealer operation rather than a standalone broker. Industry recognition through a Lifetime Achievement Award also indicates a long-standing presence in the motor trade.
Communication is a positive theme in the limited public feedback available. One customer review reports good customer service and regular updates during a one-week transaction. For trade buyers managing payments, documents and transport remotely, consistent communication can be an important part of the service.
Expectations should remain measured because public information about the export offering is limited. Available details do not provide a confirmed breakdown of RHD and LHD capability, a detailed export marque list or published destination coverage and pricing. Treat Beck Evans as a shortlist candidate for South East England trade business, then ask directly about steering side, stock access, export paperwork and freight arrangements.
Pros
- Industry recognition indicating a long-standing market presence
- Positive customer feedback on communication and transaction updates
- Established sales and service infrastructure supporting the export service
Cons
- Limited public detail on export processes, marques and destinations
- RHD and LHD availability must be confirmed for each requirement
- Pricing, payment terms and freight arrangements require an enquiry
Who it is best for: trade buyers who prefer a South East England franchised dealer and want to test its export capability with a single vehicle.
#6. Lee Game Prestige – best for prestige and 4×4 buyers wanting a boutique Essex specialist
*One to consider if you want prestige or 4×4 stock with personalised attention.*
Lee Game Prestige is based in Stapleford Tawney in Essex and specialises in prestige and 4×4 vehicles. It sells used cars through a personalised, boutique service model. Buyers who prefer dealing with a named contact familiar with the available stock may favour this approach over a larger, more centralised operation.
The business maintains an export section, so overseas enquiries fall within its stated services. Its Essex location may be convenient if you have a UK agent who wants to view or collect a vehicle or if you plan to conduct inspections in person. The prestige and 4×4 focus is relevant to customers seeking luxury SUVs, performance models and high-specification used stock.
Several details need direct confirmation because the public export information is limited. There is no confirmed RHD and LHD split, published list of export destinations or comprehensive explanation of freight, insurance and customs support. Buyers seeking several vehicles should discuss availability and delivery times early in the process.
Pros
- Clear prestige and 4×4 specialisation for SUV and luxury demand
- Boutique service model offering personalised attention
- Essex location convenient for viewing or collection
Cons
- Limited public information on drive types, export reach and logistics
- Buyers seeking bulk orders need to confirm stock and delivery capacity
- Pricing and payment terms require a direct enquiry
Who it is best for: buyers seeking prestige or 4×4 used stock with a personal service, particularly those with UK representation available for inspections.
#7. Gocarz – best for buyers importing UK cars to France and nearby European markets
*A practical option if you want UK vehicle sourcing, inspection, customs and delivery handled for France or nearby markets.*
Gocarz specialises in importing vehicles from the UK for customers in France and nearby European markets. Its current terms identify Gocarz as a brand operated by DYN Services UK Limited under English law, with customers principally in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. The business says it has operated from Norfolk since 2013.
Its service covers vehicle search, on-site inspection, purchase, customs formalities, transport and tax documentation, with a customer tracking area showing the progress of each import. The site also reports more than 700 completed imports since 2013. This end-to-end approach may suit buyers who want one provider to manage the process from sourcing through to delivery.
The main consideration is geographic fit. The current service is geared primarily towards France, Belgium and Luxembourg rather than broad global export routes. Gocarz is not positioned as a dedicated LHD specialist, so buyers should confirm steering side, exact costs and delivery timing for the vehicle they want.
Pros
- UK-to-France import specialism with service also aimed at Belgium and Luxembourg
- Vehicle search and on-site inspection before purchase
- Customs formalities, transport and tax paperwork handled in one process
- More than 700 imports completed since 2013
Cons
- Primary focus on France, Belgium and Luxembourg rather than worldwide routes
- Not positioned as a dedicated LHD specialist
- Exact import costs vary by vehicle, taxes and delivery requirements
Who it is best for: buyers in France, Belgium or Luxembourg who want UK vehicle sourcing, inspection, customs and delivery managed through one provider.
#8. Chorley Group – best for North West trade buyers wanting a multi-franchise network
*Useful if you want new-car access through mainstream franchises and a structured client services team.*
Chorley Group is a multi-franchise dealer group in the North West of England, with franchises including Nissan and Kia alongside other brands. It maintains a dedicated vehicle exports page, meaning export enquiries are handled as a distinct service. For buyers seeking mainstream new stock rather than prestige used vehicles, its franchise access is the main attraction.
Support is organised through a central Client Services Team working across Chorley Group locations and franchises. The team handles enquiries and updates through a joined-up process, which may help customers sourcing across several sites or seeking consistent communication. The regional footprint also makes viewing and relationship building more convenient for North West based trade contacts.
Buyers should note the segment and information gaps. This is a mainstream volume franchise operation rather than a prestige or luxury specialist. Available details do not confirm the RHD and LHD split, international freight and insurance arrangements or the full geographic reach of the export service. Clarify paperwork, delivery terms and drive-type availability before committing.
Pros
- Multi-franchise network with confirmed Nissan and Kia access
- Dedicated client services team providing structured support
- North West presence convenient for regional trade relationships
- Export section confirms that overseas enquiries are accepted
Cons
- Mainstream franchise focus rather than prestige or luxury specialisation
- Limited public detail on drive types and international logistics
- Pricing and destination coverage require a direct enquiry
Who it is best for: trade buyers seeking mainstream franchise stock through a North West dealer group with centralised enquiry handling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between RHD and LHD and which markets need each?
RHD means right-hand drive, with the steering wheel on the right, and is used in the UK, Japan, Kenya, Australia, Barbados, Guyana and many African and Asian markets. LHD means left-hand drive, with the wheel on the left, and is used across most of Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and parts of Africa and Asia. You must match the steering side to the rules of the country where the car will be registered because some markets restrict or impose additional costs on the other configuration. Some cross-border purchases fall within the concept described in this guide to grey-market vehicles, so check vehicle age limits, emissions rules and inspection requirements before buying.
How does VAT-free export work from the UK and who qualifies?
A vehicle permanently exported from the UK may qualify for zero-rated VAT treatment when the sale satisfies the applicable rules and the exporter obtains the required evidence within the relevant period. The process may involve paying a deposit, providing overseas delivery details and supplying proof of export, including shipping documents. Eligibility depends on the transaction, destination and documentary requirements rather than simply on whether the customer is an overseas private buyer or dealer. Ask the exporter to confirm in writing whether the sale qualifies, what evidence is needed and how any deposit or VAT amount will be handled.
What paperwork do I need to export a car from the UK?
You will normally need a sales invoice showing the applicable VAT treatment, the relevant V5C documentation for permanent export, a valid MOT where required, proof of identity and overseas address, plus shipping and insurance documents. Your exporter or freight forwarder may also prepare the UK export declaration and assist with the import declaration, duty assessment and port clearance at the destination. Requirements vary by country, particularly for vehicle age, mileage, emissions and pre-shipment inspections, so obtain a document checklist for your port before transferring funds. Keep copies of every document until the vehicle is registered locally.
Can I buy an LHD car from a UK-based exporter?
Yes, but you need an exporter that stocks or sources left-hand drive vehicles. Many British dealers primarily hold RHD stock, while some specialise in LHD for Europe or offer both configurations for selected prestige models. Ask for the VIN, written steering-side confirmation, dashboard photographs and details of European registration support where relevant. Regular LHD buyers may find a dedicated LHD specialist or dual-supply prestige exporter more suitable than a volume seller focused mainly on RHD vehicles.
Which exporter fits your scenario best
If you need prestige choice in both RHD and LHD, potential tax-free treatment for eligible exports and one team handling paperwork and insured freight, Import Marques remains the top all-round pick in this comparison. Buyers interested in sourcing and delivery to Kenya, Guyana or Barbados can approach Hamilton Cars, while Milele Motors is better aligned with volume RHD brands such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan for Africa or Asia. European buyers focused solely on LHD should consider My LHD Car France LTD. Other options include Beck Evans in the South East, Lee Game Prestige for boutique 4×4 stock, Gocarz for UK imports into France, Belgium and Luxembourg, and Chorley Group for mainstream franchise access in the North West. Contact the providers that match your market and budget, request a written quotation itemising freight and documents and consider starting with one vehicle when testing a new relationship.
