Percentage of Manual Transmission Cars Sold in the U.S.
Introduction
Manual transmission cars have been steadily declining in popularity in the United States for decades. In 1980, over 50% of new cars sold in the U.S. had manual transmissions. By 2020, that number had fallen to just 1.3%.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the decline of manual transmission cars in the U.S., including the increasing popularity of automatic transmissions, the rising cost of gasoline, and the growing number of drivers who are unfamiliar with how to drive a manual transmission.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Manual Transmission Cars
There are a number of advantages to driving a manual transmission car, including:
* Greater control over the car: With a manual transmission, you have more control over the car’s acceleration, braking, and handling. This can be especially beneficial in slippery or dangerous driving conditions.
* Improved fuel economy: Manual transmission cars typically get better gas mileage than automatic transmission cars. This is because manual transmissions are more efficient at transferring power from the engine to the wheels.
* Increased driving enjoyment: Many drivers find that driving a manual transmission car is more engaging and enjoyable than driving an automatic transmission car. This is because manual transmissions require more driver input, which can make driving more rewarding.
However, there are also some disadvantages to driving a manual transmission car, including:
* Difficulty learning how to drive: Manual transmission cars are more difficult to learn to drive than automatic transmission cars. This is because manual transmissions require drivers to coordinate their left foot (clutch) and right foot (gas) in order to shift gears smoothly.
* Increased fatigue: Driving a manual transmission car can be more tiring than driving an automatic transmission car. This is because manual transmissions require drivers to shift gears more frequently, which can lead to muscle fatigue in the left leg.
* Limited availability: Manual transmission cars are becoming increasingly difficult to find in the U.S. This is because most manufacturers are now focusing on producing automatic transmission cars.
Reasons for the Decline of Manual Transmission Cars in the U.S.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the decline of manual transmission cars in the U.S., including:
* The increasing popularity of automatic transmissions: Automatic transmissions are easier to drive than manual transmissions, which has made them more popular with consumers. In addition, automatic transmissions are now available on a wider range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs.
* The rising cost of gasoline: The rising cost of gasoline has made fuel economy more important to consumers. Manual transmission cars typically get better gas mileage than automatic transmission cars, but the difference in fuel economy is not as significant as it once was.
* The growing number of drivers who are unfamiliar with how to drive a manual transmission: As manual transmission cars have become less common, the number of drivers who are familiar with how to drive them has also declined. This has made it more difficult for consumers to find used manual transmission cars, which has further contributed to their decline in popularity.
Conclusion
The percentage of manual transmission cars sold in the U.S. has been declining for decades. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of automatic transmissions, the rising cost of gasoline, and the growing number of drivers who are unfamiliar with how to drive a manual transmission. It is likely that manual transmission cars will continue to decline in popularity in the years to come.
