Just like the trend towards SUVs in the United States throughout the first decade of the twentieth century, there is another major transformation that cannot be stopped. Automatic transmitters have become the standard in many markets, threatening to survive Manual transmission cars.
In 2001, almost every passenger car was registered in the five major European markets – Jeremani, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain – manual. The data shows that at that time, manual transmission cars made up 91 percent of recordings in those five markets. This type of transmission was more popular than automatic, even between distinguished and luxurious brands.
At that time, the technology was almost as it was as it was today, so high development costs had a direct impact on the final price, and automatic transport was more than a luxury feature more than anything else.
However, as was the case with air bags and other car technologies, gradual adoption helped reduce cost and price. With the growth of traffic in big cities and drivers more passionate than ever, the automatic carrier quickly became the solution to the new reality.
Last year, manual transmission cars made up only 29 percent of recordings in the five major European markets. The collapse between the prevailing and distinguished brands also shows major changes.
In 2001, excellent automatic transmission cars made 31 percent of sales. By 2024, they reached 97 percent. As for the main brands, the change is completely exciting: the market share of automatic transmission increased from 5 percent in 2001 to 63 percent last year.
Car sales with manual transmission
| 2001 | 2024 | |
| Germany | 83 % | 18 % |
| UK | 86 % | 22 % |
| France | 95 % | 28 % |
| Italy | 98 % | 48 % |
| Spain | 97 % | 41 % |
| The total of the five adults | 91 % | 29 % |
| USA | 28 % | 0.7 % |
Also in America
The severe (intended transformation) also affects the United States. Land of huge SUVs and long rapid roads are the largest automatic transport market. In fact, General Motors was the one who developed the first automatic transmission of the wholesale producer, presented in 1939.
These vehicles were already common in 2001, and they are more popular today. The data indicates that 25 years ago, approximately 72 percent of new light vehicles, including small trucks, were equipped with automatic transport, while only 28 percent did not include a manual transmission. Last year, the latter represented only 0.8 percent of new light vehicle sales in the United States.
Manual transport is a targeted type, with the exception of a few sports cars that keep the traditional edge alive. But given the recent trends, even those vehicles may be in danger in the next few years.
The author of the article, Felipe Monoz, is a auto industrialist in JatoDynamics.
