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Manual Transmissions Drop to 1.3% of U.S. Car Sales

3/30/2026

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Story summary
  • Manual transmissions now account for 1.3% of new U.S. cars, down from 34.6% in 1980.
  • Automakers shift toward more efficient automatics, now typically with eight to ten speeds.
  • In 2026, brands such as Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) and Cadillac have seen slight increases in manual transmission sales.
  • There are over 25 models offered with manual transmissions in the United States, including SUVs, sports cars, and pickups.