Percentage of New Cars Sold with Manual Transmission

Introduction

The percentage of new cars sold with manual transmission has been declining in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of automatic transmissions, the rising cost of fuel, and the perception that manual transmissions are more difficult to drive.

In 2015, just 3.6% of new cars sold in the United States had manual transmissions. This is down from 10.4% in 2005 and 27.6% in 1995.

Why are manual transmissions less popular?

There are a number of reasons why manual transmissions are becoming less popular.

Automatic transmissions are easier to drive.

Automatic transmissions shift gears automatically, making them easier to drive than manual transmissions. This is especially true in stop-and-go traffic, where manual transmissions can be tiring to operate.

Automatic transmissions are more fuel-efficient.

Automatic transmissions can be more fuel-efficient than manual transmissions, especially in city driving. This is because automatic transmissions can shift gears more smoothly, which reduces wasted fuel.

Manual transmissions are perceived as being less safe.

Some people believe that manual transmissions are less safe than automatic transmissions. This is because manual transmissions can be more difficult to control in slippery conditions or emergency situations.

Conclusion

The percentage of new cars sold with manual transmission is likely to continue to decline in the years to come. This is due to the increasing popularity of automatic transmissions, the rising cost of fuel, and the perception that manual transmissions are more difficult to drive and less safe.