Why Manual Transmissions Are Getting Harder To Find

Manual cars are becoming a thing of the past. Once a standard feature in most vehicles, manual transmissions are becoming increasingly rare. With many new cars manufactured with automatic transmissions, and most drivers preferring the convenience of an automatic transmission, it’s no surprise that buying a stick shift off the lot is becoming a challenge. But what is the real reason behind this significant change? Well, this article is here to explore why manuals are getting harder to find!

The History Of The Manual Transmission

The manual transmission has a centuries-long history in the automotive world. First developed and used in the 1790s by Thomas Voith, it quickly became the preferred transmission of choice for early motorized vehicles during the 19th century. So popular was the manual transmission that until recently, most traditional cars came with them rather than an alternative automatic one. At their height, manual transmissions were in over 80% of cars, and every car enthusiast knew how to drive one.

But as the popularity of automatic transmissions grew in the later half of the 20th century, manual transmissions went from being a staple of automotive design to becoming almost obsolete. Today, over 70% of new cars have an automatic transmission, and it’s getting harder and harder to find a stick shift on the used market.

Manual Transmissions Vs. Automatic Transmissions

Manual and automatic transmissions have been around for decades, but technology has improved dramatically in recent years. Although both are effective ways to drive a car, they can differ significantly in terms of performance, cost, and ease of use. Those accustomed to driving with a manual transmission may find that the manual option provides greater flexibility with the ability to adjust speeds while keeping the engine in its power band.

Meanwhile, those looking for more effortless shifting and fewer distractions when driving may prefer an automatic transmission, as it can be more comfortable than a manual and requires minimal input from the driver. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference; there are advantages and disadvantages to both types of automotive transmissions.

Reasons Manuals Are Getting Harder To Find

If you have been searching for manual cars, you probably know how difficult they can be to find. But why are they getting so hard to find? A few major reasons may explain this change in driver preferences.

Improvements In Automatics

Automatics have come a long way in the last few decades, with increasingly sophisticated technology becoming available for automakers to use. In addition, improvements such as smoother shifting and enhanced fuel efficiency have made them more attractive and economical than manual transmissions for many drivers, resulting in fewer and fewer of them being produced. Additional improvements like cruise control and self-parking options have also made it more difficult for manuals to compete, leading many drivers to choose an automatic transmission over a manual one.

Increasing Urbanization Of Society

Urbanization of society is leading to a shift in the ways people do things. For example, as more and more people are moving into cities, it’s becoming easier for them to rely on public transportation and on-demand car services like Uber. This means that fewer people are buying cars, which in turn reduces the demand for manual transmissions.

Furthermore, those driving find themselves in more crowded and busy areas, making it a little more complicated to operate a manual car. As such, drivers are increasingly choosing automatic transmissions over stick shifts to minimize the stress of driving in these complex environments.

Safety Concerns

While not as common as other reasons on this list, safety concerns can also play an important role in reducing manual transmissions. For example, many experienced drivers are concerned about their ability to shift quickly and correctly in high-pressure or emergencies, which is why they often opt for automatic transmissions that make it easier to avoid accidents.

In addition, manufacturers are increasingly adding safety technologies like blind spot and collision warning systems, which have proven to be especially effective when paired with an automatic transmission. As such, many drivers are choosing automatic transmissions to minimize their risk of traffic accidents and keep themselves and others safe on the road.

Fuel Efficiency

You may have heard in the past that manual transmissions are more fuel-efficient than automatics, but with modern engine and transmission technology, this is no longer necessarily true. Because newer automatic models are often now more efficient than their manual counterparts, many drivers are choosing them over stick shifts to save money on gas.

And although it is probably only a small factor in the decline of manual transmissions, it is certainly something people think about buying a car with a stick shift. Those extra pennies each month can add up over time, so it makes sense that many drivers are looking for the most efficient option.

Rise Of Autonomy

In recent years, the rise of autonomy has also contributed to the decrease in the production and availability of manual transmissions for vehicles. As autonomous driving technology advances, cars have more advanced automatic transmission systems that require less input from the driver. This has resulted in fewer and fewer cars having the option to be manually shifted, leading to difficulties in finding a manual transmission car when shopping around.

And with manufacturers slowly working toward self-driving cars, most companies have turned their focus to simplifying what it takes to drive a vehicle, and one of the first elements to go is often the need to shift through gears by hand.

Ability To Have Both

Another element that has affected the decline of manual transmissions is the ability to have both an automatic and manual transmission in one vehicle. In the past, it was necessary to choose between having a stick shift or another type of driving mode. Still, manufacturers have started integrating features that allow drivers to quickly switch back and forth as needed.

This means that drivers can easily switch to manual mode for a particular trip or situation but still have the convenience of an automatic transmission when they want it. Likewise, drivers who prefer automatic transmissions can easily switch to manual mode if desired without completely giving up all their advantages.

Sadly, Manuals Getting Harder To Find Is The New Normal!

Overall, several factors have contributed to the decline of manual transmissions in cars, from safety concerns to the rise of autonomy. While some drivers may still prefer a stick shift option, most people now choose automatic transmissions because they offer a simpler, more convenient driving experience.

As such, manual transmissions are becoming increasingly harder to find on the market, and this trend will likely continue into the future. So if you are one of the few remaining drivers looking for a car with a manual transmission, now may be the time to buy!