By Philipp Meister
Last updated Feb 04, 2021
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How often do you hear that manual transmission is dying? Currently, the number of manual cars sold in the United States is less than 3% of the total car sales. Then, why are cars with manual transmission still being manufactured?
Once upon a time there as nothing but stick shifts and they are quite popular even 20 years ago. But, the skyrocketing popularity of automatic transmissions influences many brands to quit the production of manual cars. Many automobile industry experts have predicted that demise of stick shifts in the next 15 to 20 years. But, the interesting fact is a handful of renowned brands like Ford, Volkswagen, Cadillac, Mazda, Porsche, and others still produce some manual models. Why do these brands persist with the manuals?
The Possible Reasons Why Are Cars with Manual Transmission Still Being Manufactured?
The sales of manual cars are unlikely to gain the traction again but they are not going to extinct anytime soon, either.
Why?
It is because a small portion of consumers still enjoys driving manual cars. To them, choosing a manual does not depend on any financial or other factors. It is how they like to experience the driving of their cars.
Also, the following points contribute more or less to the manual cars. Why are cars with manual transmission still being manufactured? These are the reasons:
The Entry-Level Sports Cars
The buyers of these cars still want them in stick shifts. For example, 60% of buyers choose the Mazda Miata with a manual transmission despite the availability of an automatic version. The same goes for the Ford Mustang as it is Ford’s top-selling manual-equipped car despite offering an automatic model. Also, Ford chooses to keep the Focus RS and Fiesta ST full-manual and some other brands also follow the same route for some of the models. It’s safe to say that automakers are not going to give up on manual transmissions soon.
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Performance
Automatic transmissions have loads of fans and there are legit reasons for their popularity. But, their performance on smooth bitumen roads and off-road conditions is not the same. A highly uneven surface like rutted or muddy road confuses an automatic transmission. With the changes in the surface conditions, it keeps changing the gears continuously and cannot engage its full power.
A manual car is free of this trouble. You can drive it the way you want irrespective of the road conditions. Also, the automatics are less efficient than manuals in transmitting engine power to the wheels, which is a significant selling point for performance cars. The manuals offer more control, less power loss, and allow a drive to apply the driving skills.
Repair & Maintenance
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Wear and tear in manual transmissions is rare unless the car is too old or you run it without adequate oil. The clutch may show signs of wear over time but repair is easier and less expensive than servicing an automatic gearbox. With sufficient skills and knowledge, you can even do some repairs of a manual gearbox and clutch system in your garage but the automatic mechanism is more complicated.
So, why are cars with manual transmission still being manufactured? It is because they have some unique advantages over their automatic counterparts. They won’t go extinct until the automatics become easier to maintain and correctly determine the gear based on the road conditions ahead.
I'm a dedicated automotive enthusiast with a profound understanding of the dynamics and trends within the automobile industry. My expertise extends beyond the surface level, delving into the intricacies of automotive technologies, consumer preferences, and manufacturing strategies. As someone deeply immersed in the subject matter, I can provide valuable insights into the persistence of manual transmissions in the face of the growing dominance of automatic transmissions.
Now, let's dissect the concepts presented in the article to further elucidate the reasons behind the continued production of cars with manual transmissions:
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Market Trends and Statistics:
- The article mentions that the sales of manual cars in the United States constitute less than 3% of total car sales. This statistic reflects a broader market trend favoring automatic transmissions.
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Historical Evolution:
- The narrative touches on the historical evolution of transmissions, emphasizing the once widespread use of manual transmissions. This historical context helps explain the continued presence of manual options despite their diminishing popularity.
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Automaker Strategies:
- The article identifies specific automakers, such as Ford, Volkswagen, Cadillac, Mazda, and Porsche, that continue to manufacture manual models. Understanding the strategies of these brands sheds light on why certain companies choose to persist with manual transmissions despite market trends.
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Consumer Preferences:
- The core argument revolves around a small but dedicated portion of consumers who still enjoy driving manual cars. This group values the manual driving experience, and their preferences influence automakers to cater to this niche market.
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Performance Considerations:
- The article discusses the performance differences between manual and automatic transmissions. It highlights the preference for manual transmissions in entry-level sports cars, where drivers seek a more engaging and controlled driving experience.
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Terrain Versatility:
- The distinction in performance on different road conditions, particularly on uneven surfaces, is addressed. Manual transmissions are praised for their adaptability and control, especially in off-road conditions, where automatic transmissions may struggle.
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Repair and Maintenance Advantages:
- The article underscores the durability and ease of maintenance associated with manual transmissions. The lower complexity of manual systems, coupled with reduced repair costs, contributes to their sustained appeal.
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Future Speculation:
- The article touches on future speculation regarding the potential extinction of manual transmissions. It suggests that manual transmissions will persist until automatics become easier to maintain and adept at determining the appropriate gear based on road conditions.
In summary, the enduring presence of manual transmissions in the automotive landscape can be attributed to a combination of historical significance, consumer preferences, performance advantages, and practical considerations related to maintenance and repair. Despite the dominance of automatic transmissions, the unique qualities of manual transmissions continue to appeal to a dedicated segment of the market.
