According To Hyundai, People No Longer Desire Manual Transmissions

Despite the efforts of enthusiasts and fans of driver-focused cars to revive the trend, it is evident that the days of manual transmissions—characterized by three pedals and a classic gear lever—are dwindling. Manufacturers are under pressure to bring back manual options in some sports models, but the future increasingly favors automatic transmissions.

Market trends show a clear decline in real sports cars and a daily increase in electric vehicles. Most customers are seeking a more enjoyable and stress-free driving experience. In line with this, the general manager of Hyundai’s European technical center recently stated in Car Magazine that “practically nobody wants manual transmissions anymore.”

Manual transmissions are becoming rare and are mainly chosen by sports car enthusiasts. For example, only 30% of buyers selected a manual transmission for the Elantra N in the USA, while the rest opted for an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Tyrone Johnson claims that the trend goes beyond manual gearboxes, as many younger buyers prefer digital features over classic hand brakes and analogue instruments. In contrast, older drivers still favor traditional gauges and handbrakes.

The trend is statistically clear, but on the other hand, manufacturers do not have many choices, because due to lower development and production costs, most new cars come standard with an electronic handbrake, a fully digital instrument panel, and an automatic transmission.

Johnson also said we shouldn’t lament the decline in popularity of sports cars with internal combustion engines. He claims that older cars are a big disappointment compared to the sporty electric Ioniq 5 N and is convinced that electric cars have evolved in 10 years as much as petrol cars have in 100 years.

He emphasized his enthusiasm for electric cars, saying that the artificial engine sound is a suitable substitute for internal combustion engines. “I don’t understand why sports cars would disappear. If you want speed, nothing beats an electric vehicle. I don’t understand the nostalgia,” he added.

• Also See: Hyundai Is Getting Ready To Manufacture Batteries “In-house.”