Hyundai Sparks Debate Over the Fate of Manual Transmissions

ArabGT

4 days ago

In a statement that stunned driving purists, Hyundai has acknowledged a sharp drop in global demand for manual transmission vehicles—so much so that in certain markets, such cars are virtually extinct. This bold declaration came from the head of product planning at Hyundai Europe, who didn't mince words: 'Nobody wants a manual anymore… The numbers speak for themselves.'
Is this simply a business decision, or are we witnessing the slow death of a driving symbol that once stood for skill, engagement, and control? The news echoes a similar sentiment from Ferrari, which recently stated that anyone seeking a manual Ferrari should turn to the second-hand market.
From Hero to Relic: The Manual Transmission's Quiet Exit
Just a decade ago, manual gearboxes were dominant, particularly across Europe and Asia. Today, the automotive landscape tells a different story:
Younger drivers favor ease and comfort behind the wheel.
City traffic has made constant shifting a daily frustration.
Automatic transmissions have caught up—offering equal or better performance and fuel efficiency.
Even performance-focused models like the Hyundai Elantra N, once a go-to for manual enthusiasts, are now seeing higher demand for the more modern dual-clutch (DCT) option.
Why Are Manuals Vanishing from Production Lines?
There are several forces accelerating their decline:
Economic inefficiency: Developing and maintaining manual gearboxes no longer makes business sense.
Technological incompatibility: Advanced systems like autonomous driving and adaptive cruise control don't work well with manual setups.
The EV revolution: Electric vehicles eliminate the need for multi-speed transmissions altogether.
As a result, the manual transmission is increasingly seen as an outdated technology with no place in the evolving automotive ecosystem.
What Are We Losing Along the Way?
To many car lovers, driving a manual isn't just about changing gears—it's about immersion. The tactile feedback, the rhythm of shifting, the joy of mastering technique—even the occasional stall—all contribute to an experience that automatics simply can't replicate.
Still, automakers like Hyundai argue that emotion alone can't justify production decisions. The market today is driven by convenience, refinement, and efficiency—not nostalgia.
Are Consumers to Blame?
The numbers don't lie, and perhaps neither do our habits. How often do buyers today actively choose a manual? Would most drivers really want to wrestle with a clutch in heavy traffic? Or would they rather sit back and enjoy the music, air conditioning, and smart controls with no extra effort?
This evolution in customer preference has pushed brands like Hyundai to quietly retire manual options, even in models that once thrived on driver engagement.
Is There Still a Future for Stick Shifts?
A few brands continue to defend the manual transmission's honor—Mazda with its MX-5, Honda with the Civic Type R, and Ford with the Mustang GT—but such cars are now the exception, made in smaller volumes for a shrinking base of enthusiasts.