Interestingly, think these lights point up an automotive cultural difference. This is probably to the extreme, but hey, it's a conversation-starterc
Given that the electro-mechanical aspects of the car are German, the ability to turn on only those lights which are necessary, i.e. the side closest to traffic while parked, fits the popular impression of germans as precise, logical, accomplished drivers. Here in the ol' US we doing everything to excessc what the hell, turn ALL the parking lights on!