RML started running them on the Ecurie Ecosse Vauxhall's in 1993, when they took over the works Vauxhall's in 1994 it stayed. Infact every new Vauxhall from 1994-2000 had a column shift.
A number of other manufacturers followed suite. Off the top of my head in 1996 Ford, Renault, Peugeot & Vauxhall all had column shifts. In 1997 only Peugeot & Vauxhall had them, while in 1998 it was Volvo & Vauxhall who ran with them.
In 1999 the works Honda's gear lever was mounted more on the dashboard, but it was closer to the column than the console
