It’s become harder and harder to find vehicles equipped with manual transmissions in recent years, but Mini’s decision to stop selling stick shift models nonetheless comes as a surprise.
The automaker blames ongoing supply chain disruptions for the decision to stop building manual models, according to Britain’s Autocar, which first reported on Mini’s move. It’s unclear what shortages, in particular, led to the decision, but the British automaker apparently wants to simplify its production operations at a time when it is struggling to deal with shortage-fueled disruptions.
The good news for members of the “Save the Manual” club is that this is likely a manual moratorium rather than a permanent move. According to a company representative, the carmaker eventually hopes to resume offering a stick shift option.
Dwindling demand
That’s likely to come as cautious relief for manual aficionados. The number of products offering buyers a chance to “row their own” has been steadily dwindling throughout the years. Even Ferrari has abandoned the manual.
Only about 13% of the 2022 vehicle nameplates sold in the U.S. now offer a manual option, down 37% a decade ago, according to industry data. Customer “take rates” vary across the country, like in Idaho it’s 4.2%, but it’s averaging less than 2% nationwide. That’s despite the fact that manual models typically come in around $1,000 less than comparable automatic models.
In fact, in the third quarter of 2019 more electric vehicles were sold in the U.S. than vehicles with manual transmissions, according to J.D. Power.
There are exceptions. Mini has generally had a stronger-than-average level of demand for its manual gearboxes, reflecting its position as a sporty brand. It charges the same price for models with a 6-speed manual that it does for one with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Coping with shortages
Production changes have become commonplace in an industry facing numerous supply disruptions, starting with the global semiconductor shortage. To keep factories going, GM eliminated seat heaters on some models. BMW deleted some infotainment system features.
Whether Mini is having trouble specifically getting manual gearboxes is unclear. The issue could involve electronic control modules or other gear, as well.
If and when Mini will restart manual production is another uncertainty.
A bleak future?
What seems clear is that the trend away from manual transmissions will continue despite some new vehicles, like the Cadillac Blackhawk models, being offered with a manual. Others are still moving away. There are a number of reasons for the decline, according to industry experts:
- Newer alternatives, such as dual-clutch gearboxes, often delivering better performance;
- Where manual transmissions once ensured better fuel economy than automatics, that’s less often the case anymore. And manuals may result in higher emissions levels;
- There’s a dwindling pool of U.S. motorists who even know how to drive a stick, especially among millennials and Gen-Zers.
Then there’s the electric vehicle. Most rely on single speed transmissions, so there’s no need to shift at all — except when backing up or parking.
Can’t steer (lane centering, AV), can’t shift (autos), can’t accelerate (cruise control, AVs), can’t brake (AEB); what’s left? If you don’t want to drive, TAKE A BUS and leave the roads to those of us who can and want to drive.
Why are the OEMs coddling to drivers who can’t drive? If we didn’t have all these unnecessary ‘features’ there probably wouldn’t be a chip shortage and we could buy the Yugo of our dreams.