Endangered Species
Manual transmission sales collapsed 2010-2023: from ~7% US new car sales (2010) to <2% (2023). #SaveTheManuals documented enthusiast desperation: “buy manuals or lose them,” three-pedal romanticism, engagement vs convenience, and generational divide. EVs’ single-speed transmissions and dual-clutch automatics outperforming humans on track accelerated decline.
Last Stands
Certain models maintained manuals: Mazda Miata, Toyota GR86, Honda Civic Si/Type R, VW GTI, Porsche 911. But mainstream disappearance was inevitable: cheaper automatics, fuel efficiency regulations favoring automatics, younger buyers uninterested. The hashtag evolved from defiance (2011-2016) to mourning (2017-2020) to acceptance (2021-2023): manuals became luxury option for purists, not default.
Sources:
- Manual Transmission Market Share (2020)
- Save the Manuals Campaign (2016)