"Automatics Overtake Manual Transmission"
Wave GOODBYE to Manual Transmission and Say HELLO to Automatics
The trend in the UK is starting to follow suit as automatics have been steadily accelerating over the last 3 years. In 2018, automatics accounted for 43% of sales, which increased to 49% in 2019. In 2020, for the first time in the UK, more than half of new-car sales were automatics, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reporting 54% in the first 9 months.
It will not be long before the sale of automatic vehicles takes over manual sales completely, especially with the growth of hybrid and fully electric vehicles, all of which have an automatic transmission. This paired with countries implementing initiatives to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in the near future, is increasing the sale of automatics. This year, automatics have had a strong start to the year, with What Car reporting 2,000 more vehicles purchased in January than the previous year (even whilst we were in lockdown).
The trend in the UK is starting to follow suit as automatics have been steadily accelerating over the last 3 years. In 2018, automatics accounted for 43% of sales, which increased to 49% in 2019. In 2020, for the first time in the UK, more than half of new-car sales were automatics, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reporting 54% in the first 9 months.
It will not be long before the sale of automatic vehicles takes over manual sales completely, especially with the growth of hybrid and fully electric vehicles, all of which have an automatic transmission. This paired with countries implementing initiatives to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in the near future, is increasing the sale of automatics. This year, automatics have had a strong start to the year, with What Car reporting 2,000 more vehicles purchased in January than the previous year (even whilst we were in lockdown).
The Growth of Automatics
Performance of automatics has improved, especially
the dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which offers
drivers better control. Automatics also offer a less
stressful driving experience whilst many OEMs are
racing to cut CO2 emissions with innovative
eco-friendly technology. A win-win for both
parties.
OEMs have already started to phase out manual
gearboxes, especially within the luxury car market,
which have adopted this change much more easily and
quickly. In fact, manuals were often known as the
best choice for sports cars, but innovative race-led
technology is making it possible to replace them
with automatics.
The Growth of Automatics
Performance of automatics has improved, especially
the dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which offers
drivers better control. Automatics also offer a less
stressful driving experience whilst many OEMs are
racing to cut CO2 emissions with innovative
eco-friendly technology. A win-win for both
parties.
OEMs have already started to phase out manual
gearboxes, especially within the luxury car market,
which have adopted this change much more easily and
quickly. In fact, manuals were often known as the
best choice for sports cars, but innovative race-led
technology is making it possible to replace them
with automatics.
Will this change occur worldwide?
Will this change occur worldwide?
Whilst a manual transmission can be more fun to drive, it allows drivers to feel physically connected with their car, but modern automatics are simply better. They are more responsive, easier to handle, and boost performance. Manuals will continue to survive within the budget segment in the poorer countries for a while longer but it is inevitable that the switch will occur worldwide one day.
Whilst a manual transmission can be more fun to drive, it allows drivers to feel physically connected with their car, but modern automatics are simply better. They are more responsive, easier to handle, and boost performance. Manuals will continue to survive within the budget segment in the poorer countries for a while longer but it is inevitable that the switch will occur worldwide one day.