At the beginning of 2023, an article published by the Wall Street Journal stipulated that new vehicles equipped with a manual gearbox sold in the United States were gaining popularity. Compared to 2022, manual cars had increased in number by 0.5% on the market, but there was nothing to suggest that this increase would continue. Now a new study, this time conducted by JD Power, has verified that yes, the manual transmission has remained more popular than usual this year.
Surprising stability
At first glance, it must be said that the marketing figures for manual cars remain marginal compared to those of cars equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual models currently represent 1.7% of sales in the automobile market across the border. This volume is the same as that reported by the Wall Street Journal at the beginning of the year, confirming that the latest vehicles with manual transmissions have retained their popularity thus far.
That may seem low, 1.7%. On the other hand, this represents an interesting increase in sales compared to the last two years. In 2022, 1.2% of new new cars were equipped with three pedals, and this figure rose to 0.9% in 2021.
Used vehicles with manual transmissions are popular
The increase in sales of manual vehicles is also true in the second-hand sector. Indeed, used cars equipped with three pedals have also increased in popularity in the United States. CarMax, a sales site specializing in the subject, estimates having sold more than 807,823 used cars during the year 2023. The company said that sales of cars with stick shifts increased by 2.4 % in 2020 to 2.9% in 2022. Today, manual transmission vehicles represent 3% of transactions carried out on the platform.
Surprisingly, the retailer added that shoppers in their 20s played a big role in driving this figure. “Customers have expressed interest in manual transmission vehicles due to a variety of factors, including nostalgia and throwback culture,” said Mark Collier, regional vice president and general manager of CarMax.
With driving fun in mind, CarMax adds that it’s no surprise that best-selling vehicles equipped with a manual are considered cars for car enthusiasts. CarMax’s best-selling manuals are the Honda Civic, Ford Mustang, Subaru WRX, Jeep Wrangler, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Focus and Dodge Challenger, according to the report.
Manual, safer?
Several reasons explain this popularity, according to some experts. The acquisition cost remains on the list, but is not the first reason which pushes motorists to choose this gearbox. Indeed, Ivan Drury, head of Insights at Edmunds.com, attributes this resurgence to factors like nostalgia and the desire for a pure driving experience. He points out that learning to drive a manual transmission improves the driving experience, giving people a greater sense of control over their vehicle.
Mark Collier, regional vice president and general manager of CarMax, says some parents view manual transmissions as a way to discourage texting while driving because they require the use of both hands. This therefore states that, for certain parents, this box is safer in their eyes.
