Share of US Car Market with Automatic Transmission
Introduction
Automatic transmissions have become increasingly popular in the United States over the past few decades. In 2022, over 95% of new cars sold in the US were equipped with an automatic transmission.
There are a number of reasons for this shift towards automatic transmissions. One reason is that automatic transmissions are easier to drive than manual transmissions. They can also be more fuel-efficient, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Historical Trends
The share of US car market with automatic transmission has been steadily increasing since the 1950s. In 1950, only about 10% of new cars sold in the US had an automatic transmission. By 1970, that number had increased to over 50%. In the 1980s, the share of automatic transmissions continued to rise, and by 1990, over 80% of new cars sold in the US were equipped with an automatic transmission.
The following table shows the share of US car market with automatic transmission from 1950 to 2022:
| Year | Share of US Car Market with Automatic Transmission |
|—|—|
| 1950 | 10% |
| 1960 | 25% |
| 1970 | 50% |
| 1980 | 70% |
| 1990 | 80% |
| 2000 | 90% |
| 2010 | 95% |
| 2022 | 98% |
Reasons for the Increase in Automatic Transmission Market Share
There are a number of reasons for the increase in automatic transmission market share in the United States. Some of these reasons include:
- Ease of driving: Automatic transmissions are easier to drive than manual transmissions. This is especially true in stop-and-go traffic, where drivers do not have to worry about shifting gears.
- Fuel efficiency: Automatic transmissions can be more fuel-efficient than manual transmissions, especially in stop-and-go traffic. This is because automatic transmissions can shift gears more smoothly than drivers can, which reduces fuel consumption.
- Convenience: Automatic transmissions are more convenient than manual transmissions. Drivers do not have to worry about shifting gears, which can be a hassle, especially in heavy traffic.
Conclusion
Automatic transmissions have become increasingly popular in the United States over the past few decades. Today, over 95% of new cars sold in the US are equipped with an automatic transmission. This shift towards automatic transmissions is likely to continue in the future, as more and more drivers realize the benefits of automatic transmissions.
