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In reply to the discussion: Why Stick Shifts Are Going Extinct. The End of the Stick Shift. [View all]muriel_volestrangler
(101,295 posts)31. 2020 was the first year in which sales of automatics were more than manuals in the UK
Automatics accounted for 54% of UK new-car sales in the first nine months of this year, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, breaking the 50% barrier for the first time. Last year, automatics accounted for 49% of sales, up from 43% in 2018. A decade ago, they took only a fifth of sales.
The shift to electrified drivetrains is one big reason for this something that becomes clear when you look at the top five automatic cars sold this year, according to Jato data. In first is the BMW 3 Series, which is also the leading plug-in hybrid (in 330e form), and in second is the electric Tesla Model 3. Third and fourth are hybrid-only Toyotas, the Corolla and C-HR, while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class in fifth is also the third most popular plug-in hybrid (in A250e form).
...
Manuals will survive longer in budget cars, due to their lower production cost. The Ford Fiesta was the best-selling manual in the first nine months of 2020 in the UK, according to Jato, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa. Across Europe, just 3% of Dacia sales were automatic in 2018, while it was 6% for Fiat and 14% for Opel and Vauxhall. Manuals are often thought of as the drivers choice for sports cars, but theyre losing ground there, too. BMW wont offer a manual version of its new M4 Coupé in the UK, yet will in the US a country where manuals took just 1.1% of sales last year, according to JD Power.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/analysis-are-manual-gearboxes-way-out
The shift to electrified drivetrains is one big reason for this something that becomes clear when you look at the top five automatic cars sold this year, according to Jato data. In first is the BMW 3 Series, which is also the leading plug-in hybrid (in 330e form), and in second is the electric Tesla Model 3. Third and fourth are hybrid-only Toyotas, the Corolla and C-HR, while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class in fifth is also the third most popular plug-in hybrid (in A250e form).
...
Manuals will survive longer in budget cars, due to their lower production cost. The Ford Fiesta was the best-selling manual in the first nine months of 2020 in the UK, according to Jato, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa. Across Europe, just 3% of Dacia sales were automatic in 2018, while it was 6% for Fiat and 14% for Opel and Vauxhall. Manuals are often thought of as the drivers choice for sports cars, but theyre losing ground there, too. BMW wont offer a manual version of its new M4 Coupé in the UK, yet will in the US a country where manuals took just 1.1% of sales last year, according to JD Power.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/analysis-are-manual-gearboxes-way-out
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Possibly, though I find that when I do need to use stick, I remember just fine.
Happy Hoosier
Jun 2021
#95
I won't miss the 2400 dollars I spent on my previous vehicle when the tranny went.
Marrah_Goodman
Jun 2021
#90
There's no doubt in my mind that those of us that drive stick shifts
MarineCombatEngineer
Jun 2021
#59
I have a VW Golf 1.8T auto now. Love that car, and would love a GTI. Had an original 1984 GTI.
Hoyt
Jun 2021
#71
When I was renting cars here, I would specify manual. There was never a problem.
GoneOffShore
Jun 2021
#108
We bought are very first automatic a few years ago. A Honda Fit, couldn't get a manual.
yonder
Jun 2021
#27
I had a Fit with a CVT auto... hated it. When I came to a stop it always took off in faux second gea
mitch96
Jun 2021
#43
The CVT on a Prius (I had a prius V) and it's pretty good. I also test drove a new Honda CRV
mitch96
Jun 2021
#92
I just paid $655 today on repairs for my 2005 Ford Focus 5-speed here in San Francisco.
NBachers
Jun 2021
#30
2020 was the first year in which sales of automatics were more than manuals in the UK
muriel_volestrangler
Jun 2021
#31
A few years ago I was in Ireland and EVERY car/truck/taxi I was in had a manual..
mitch96
Jun 2021
#45
Not scientific, just a feeling, but I think standards made me a better driver.
chriscan64
Jun 2021
#39
"Do think that stick shifts give drivers more control". Yes. The combination of b eing able to
mitch96
Jun 2021
#46
I used to drive nothing buts sticks. MR2 Turbo, Corvettes, Miatas...but my legs & knees are,
Dial H For Hero
Jun 2021
#58
What? I used to start an automatic when I was in college. It had a carborater...old car and
Demsrule86
Jun 2021
#81
My sister loves them...she has always driven a stick. Last time I was home, I took her car
Demsrule86
Jun 2021
#80