As electrification increases globally, automakers are also witnessing a shift in customer preferences. Just like Maruti Suzuki and Volvo phased out their diesel engines in favour of cleaner petrols and hybrids. Manual transmissions too seem to be getting the boot globally. The journey from ‘most popular to novelty’ will be a 180 degree turn in the manual transmission’s life where by the end of the decade, we might only see them survive in select sports cars that are out of reach for most.
Here are the top three reasons behind the MTs being pushed out of mass market.
1. Electrification:
With the emergence of electric vehicles, the demand has shifted towards electric mobility components, batteries, partial or full electric drive systems. Majority of EVs today feature a single-speed gear reduction unit. There is no clutch, no disengagement of gears and no difference in size of the gears. In simple terms, there is no transmission.
2. Low demand:
Demand for the manual transmission has seen a constant dip in ICE vehicles since automatic transmissions have become more mainstream. Not everybody is a driving enthusiast and majority of commuters want their car to just stop and go. Volkswagen is reportedly under the process of phasing out MTs by 2030, by which time, approximately 70 per cent of their sales in Europe and 50 per cent in US and China will be EVs. Even enthusiast brands such as
Aston Martin have had to phase out the MT from their entire line-up owing to changing regulations and low customer demand. As it did not make sense for the luxury automaker to continue any MT models.
3. Efficiency:
From engine to wheels, a manual transmission ICE vehicle can transmit power at only 12 to 30 per cent efficiency, as majority of the power generated by fuel burned, gets wasted as heat. Whereas, in a ‘single-speed’ electric vehicle, 77 per cent of the electricity stored (on average) will be utilised to move the car. The lack of a transmission further reduces friction, wear and tear. And single-speed propulsion makes EVs far more efficient.
Representational: Manual transmission with different size gears
Manual transmissions are still very popular in India as they are cost efficient and easy to maintain. In the past decade we have also seen the emergence of Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT) systems in commuter cars from popular brands such as Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. However, this is also a sign of the shift in a customer's preference, away from the clutch and gear shifter. As India grows its EV portfolio at a quick pace, eventually the AMTs would also be phased out.
Mercedes-Benz is the latest automaker to join the bandwagon of manufacturers, axing the manual transmission. As per a report in German publication, Automobilwoche, Mercedes-Benz will begin the MT’s phase out as newer models are introduced in 2023. It now joins the list with Ferrari and their own performance division Mercedes-AMG. However, enthusiasts can still find an MT in other performance brands such as Porsche and BMW. As they continue to offer manual transmission option for the Porsche 911 GT3 and BMW M3 and M4.
However for the rest of us common folk, the government’s aim to make India a 100 per cent EV nation by 2030 is set to change how we commute. Majority of the nation could be driving or riding an EV in the next two decades. EVs do not cause pollution, cost cheaper to run and offer all comforts of an ICE vehicle and more. But one thing they do not have, is a manual transmission.
