Topic: This is why there aren't manuals offered in more trims on consumer level cars

[Ice]

http://jalopnik.com/5694777/67-of-vehicles-sold-in-us-have-manual-transmissions

According to this article, 6.7% of vehicles in the US are sold with manual transmissions. It's barely a market worth considering by some automakers standards. It's a miracle that they offer the option at all. So when I see the next comment for a manual sport wagon that's like trying to fit 6.7% of 0% of the market (for wagons ). I know everyone here wants one but... that's how things go these days.

[sailor723]

http://jalopnik.com/5694777/67-of-vehicles-sold-in-us-have-manual-transmissions

According to this article, 6.7% of vehicles in the US are sold with manual transmissions. It's barely a market worth considering by some automakers standards. It's a miracle that they offer the option at all. So when I see the next comment for a manual sport wagon that's like trying to fit 6.7% of 0% of the market (for wagons ). I know everyone here wants one but... that's how things go these days.

However, many manufacturers continue to show automatics as "optional" at an additional cost of $1500 or so.

[Bubba]

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be the market for them.  However, if they were marketed better, maybe?  The North American public can be sold ANYTHING.  Look at television and listen to radio these days.  If car makers told everyone that they weren't cool unless they drove a stick, things might change.

[Trainman]

http://jalopnik.com/5694777/67-of-vehicles-sold-in-us-have-manual-transmissions

According to this article, 6.7% of vehicles in the US are sold with manual transmissions. It's barely a market worth considering by some automakers standards. It's a miracle that they offer the option at all. So when I see the next comment for a manual sport wagon that's like trying to fit 6.7% of 0% of the market (for wagons ). I know everyone here wants one but... that's how things go these days.

However, many manufacturers continue to show automatics as "optional" at an additional cost of $1500 or so.

As far as I know, that is only for vehicles were the MT is available.  There was no AT markup for our Sienna, as there was no transmission option.

I our house, a MT is not even considered as my wife will not drive one, regardless of "cool" or not.  And based on the majority of people we know, same answer.  I have also noted a marked increase in AT's in work trucks, from guys who 10 years ago wouldn't be found dead in an AT.  But the times they are a changing.

Interesting with the Forester is that it seems the current AT is a better performer than the MT version, especially off-road.  With no low range, or low first gear, in the MT, the AT allows for more "slipping" and crawling ability than the MT.  Subaru also has a slightly different AWD set-up between the MT and AT.

[johngenx]

The last stats I saw on Subaru stated that ~50% of their sales were manual.  Of course, that number is probably shrinking, but I know when I scan the used ads for Scoobs, many of them are sticks.

Mercedes tried offering six speed DIY shifters, and no one bought them.

[dkaz]

In the Buick Regal Turbo, the automatic transmission is standard and the standard transmission is a no charge upgrade. Lol. I would welcome if most car manufacturers decided to make standards cost the same as automatics as long as it was still available.

[Erik]

Just read that half of all Challenger SRT8 sales are manuals...

[G0dspd]

According to this article, 6.7% of vehicles in the US are sold with manual transmissions. It's barely a market worth considering by some automakers standards.

The US may not like MTs but the rest of the world (Europe, Asia, etc.) is far from going clutchless anytime soon.

However, many manufacturers continue to show automatics as "optional" at an additional cost of $1500 or so.

 
Some manufacturers may offer manual models to lower their starting price.  I noticed that Kia (and others I'm sure) is offering some of their base model in manual only.  If you want to go automatic, you have to upgrade to the next package and pay 4-5k more.

2011 Kia Sportage LX (MT only) = $23 895
2011 Kia Sportage EX (AT only) = $28 895

It's great for buyers who are in the market for a stick shift but it must be a shock for someone who assumes its an automatic ... like most (95%+) CUVs on the road.

[Leviathan]

of the 7 cars I've owned only 2 were automatics. I will keep buying manuals as long as they are available.

I went with a "lesser" model Tribute GX because that is all they offered a manual with.

[marineboy]

I think the main reason is that you can't eat a Big Mac and talk on a cell phone at the same time with a manual...

[Dante]

I think the main reason is that you can't eat a Big Mac and talk on a cell phone at the same time with a manual...

Yes you can. 

[Thinking Out Loud]

I'd likely have an SE-R Spec V if it weren't for the fact the spouse can't drive stick (in case of emergencies).  It's only available in manual.   

[Mitlov]

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be the market for them.  However, if they were marketed better, maybe?  The North American public can be sold ANYTHING.  Look at television and listen to radio these days.  If car makers told everyone that they weren't cool unless they drove a stick, things might change.

What is the financial incentive for manufacturers to use advertising to re-educate buyers to want a less expensive, less-convenient transmission when they prefer a more expensive, more convenient setup?  To paraphrase a BMW executive explaining why North America got the 1-Series coupe instead of the 1-Series hatchback, car companies are in the business of selling people what they do want, not re-educating them as to what they should want.

I love manual transmissions.  But automatics are a lot more convenient for people who don't want to think about driving and just want their vehicle to be as low-fuss as possible.  Now that automatic transmissions are not only more convenient than manuals, but more fuel-efficient, it's no surprise that manual transmissions are reserved for a small percentage of enthusiasts.

[Marko]

Now that automatic transmissions are not only more convenient than manuals, but more fuel-efficient

I don't buy that... Where'd you hear this?

[wing]

A lot of the newer autos are more fuel efficient than the manuals offered.  And in real world driving perform even better as driver's driving manual rarely shift at the optimal rpm.

[Mitlov]

Now that automatic transmissions are not only more convenient than manuals, but more fuel-efficient

I don't buy that... Where'd you hear this?

www.fueleconomy.gov

Look up for yourself.  Examples for model year 2010 include the Lexus IS250, the Acura TSX, the Infiniti G37, the Scion tC, the Nissan Altima (both i4 and V6), etc.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Lady Osis couldn't drive stick when we first started dating in 1990. One of the very few times I put my foot down. She learned and wouldn't have it any other way now.

We've only had two cars with automatics, a 1968 Wildcat (kept it one year) and a 1990 Eagle Premier ES (kept it 6 months).

[Ex-airbalancer]

A lot of the newer autos are more fuel efficient than the manuals offered.  And in real world driving perform even better as driver's driving manual rarely shift at the optimal rpm.

 

[dougjp]

When I go to this link, I get this which I have never seen before. NOT good, surf safely 

[safristi]

Lady Osis couldn't drive stick when we first started dating in 1990. One of the very few times I put my foot down. She learned and wouldn't have it any other way now.....

 Oh you magnificent romantic beast you.................. .......