How Many Cars Are Built in the US with Manual Transmissions?
The number of cars built in the US with manual transmissions has been declining for decades. In 2000, about 12% of new cars sold in the US had a manual transmission. By 2015, that number had fallen to just 5%. And in 2020, only about 2% of new cars sold in the US had a manual transmission.
There are a few reasons for this decline. One reason is that automatic transmissions have become more popular. Automatic transmissions are easier to drive, especially in stop-and-go traffic. They also offer more features, such as overdrive gears and paddle shifters.
Another reason for the decline in manual transmissions is the rise of fuel-efficient cars. Manual transmissions are less fuel-efficient than automatic transmissions. This is because manual transmissions have to be shifted into neutral when the car is stopped. This causes the engine to idle, which wastes fuel.
Finally, the decline in manual transmissions is also due to the changing demographics of car buyers. Younger car buyers are more likely to prefer automatic transmissions. This is because they are more familiar with automatic transmissions and they don’t want to have to learn how to drive a manual transmission.
Which Cars Are Still Built with Manual Transmissions?
Despite the overall decline in manual transmissions, there are still a few cars that are built with them. These cars include:
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Ford Mustang
- Honda Civic Si
- Hyundai Veloster
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Mini Cooper
- Subaru WRX
- Toyota 86
- Volkswagen Golf GTI
These cars are all performance-oriented cars. They are designed for drivers who want a more engaging driving experience. Manual transmissions offer drivers more control over the car, which can be beneficial in performance driving situations.
The Future of Manual Transmissions
It is difficult to say what the future holds for manual transmissions. However, it is likely that they will continue to decline in popularity. Automatic transmissions offer too many advantages for most drivers. They are easier to drive, more fuel-efficient, and offer more features.
However, there will always be a small number of drivers who prefer manual transmissions. These drivers are typically performance enthusiasts who want a more engaging driving experience. As long as there are drivers who want manual transmissions, car manufacturers will continue to build them.
Conclusion
The number of cars built in the US with manual transmissions has been declining for decades. There are a few reasons for this decline, including the popularity of automatic transmissions, the rise of fuel-efficient cars, and the changing demographics of car buyers. However, there are still a few cars that are built with manual transmissions. These cars are all performance-oriented cars and they are designed for drivers who want a more engaging driving experience.
