A 7-speed manual is still offered in the 2023 Porsche 911
Manual transmissions are making a surprising comeback, slowly reversing their decline in popularity over the past seven decades. While the growth is modest, it signifies a small victory for driving enthusiasts who appreciate the unique experience of manual transmission.
The roots of automatic transmissions trace back to the birth of the automobile itself. The 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen featured the world’s first automatic transmission, a continuously variable automatic transmission. However, this early innovation was inefficient and unreliable. In 1894, Emile Levassor and Louis-Rene Panhardare introduced the first manual gearbox. Despite the increased effort required from the driver, the “stick shift” provided smoother and faster gear changes, greater efficiency, and a more enjoyable driving experience. It quickly became the standard choice among drivers.
Automakers recognized the inherent laziness of humans and dedicated themselves to developing an automatic transmission that could shift gears seamlessly, eliminating the need for driver input. It wasn’t until the mid-1950s that automatic transmissions became refined enough for consumers to prefer them over manuals, even willingly paying a premium for the convenience. Since then, the sales of traditional manual gearboxes have steadily declined.
A recent report by CarMax, a reputable used vehicle retailer in the United States, reveals a slight resurgence in manual transmission sales. In 2020, only 2.4% of CarMax sales were manual transmissions, but that figure rose to 2.8% in 2021 and 2.9% in 2022. These numbers are impressive, considering the growing popularity of electric vehicles and the limited availability of new vehicles with manual gearboxes (experts estimate that less than 20% of American drivers can operate a manual transmission).
The report also highlights the demographics of manual transmission buyers at CarMax. They tend to be younger and predominantly male, with the average manual car buyer being four years younger than the overall customer base. The Honda Civic, a popular compact car, emerged as the top-selling manual vehicle. While manual transmissions have traditionally been favored by price-conscious shoppers due to their no-cost option, CarMax suggests that price is no longer the primary driver for consumers selecting a stick shift.
Studies show that fewer than 20% of all drivers can operate a manual gearbox
CarMax emphasizes that customers’ interest in manual transmission vehicles stems from various factors, including nostalgia, a preference for throwback culture, and an appreciation for the visceral experience of driving a sports car with manual transmission. Furthermore, parents shopping for cars for their teenage children find stick shifts appealing as they require the use of both hands, potentially discouraging texting while driving.
However, it is highly unlikely that manual transmissions will replace automatics as the dominant choice among consumers. The majority of car buyers prioritize convenience and ease of use in their vehicles, opting for automatic transmissions. Standard transmissions demand more engagement from the driver, utilizing both arms and legs. This added effort does not resonate with most consumers.
Nonetheless, there will always be a dedicated market for manual gearboxes, catering to driving enthusiasts who crave the intimate connection with their vehicle. Automakers will continue to serve this niche as long as regulatory and emission requirements permit.
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