Shifting Gears: Is Europe Saying Goodbye to the Manual Transmission?

Once a rite of passage, learning to drive manual is becoming less common.

For decades, the manual gearbox was synonymous with driving skill, control, and engagement- a badge of honour for European motorists compared to their American cousins. But today, that third pedal is disappearing from new car showrooms at an accelerating pace.

So, is Europe finally turning its back on the manual transmission, or are we simply entering a new automotive era defined by automation, electric motors, and evolving consumer preferences?

As electric vehicles (EVs) rise and urban traffic increases, the appeal of simplicity and convenience grows stronger.

This shift represents more than just a technical change, it's a cultural shift.

With this said, will manuals survive, and will they remain relevant in the cars of tomorrow?

Percentage of UK New Car Sales That Were Automatic from 2001 to 2020

Europe has long held a deep affinity for the manual gearbox. In countries like Germany, France, and the UK, driving manual was considered standard- fuel efficient, cheaper to buy and maintain, and offering more control over vehicle dynamics.

By contrast, the United States adopted automatics early, favouring ease of use over control. There, manuals have been a niche choice for decades.

Licensing also played a role. In the UK, passing a driving test in a manual car grants a license to drive both manual and automatic vehicles. But if you test in an automatic, you're restricted to automatics only- an incentive that kept manual instruction dominant for years. Until recently, that is.

Manual transmissions are fast disappearing from new car sales across Europe. According to the UK's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), less than 20% of new cars sold in 2023 were manual- a sharp drop from over 70% just a decade earlier. Similar declines are seen across the EU.

Major automakers are responding. Volkswagen and Peugeot have scaled back manual offerings, while Audi has announced plans to eliminate manual options altogether in upcoming lineups. Even once manual-heavy brands like BMW now sell the majority of their vehicles with automatic transmissions.

Electric vehicles are accelerating the shift. Since EVs use single-speed drivetrains, there's simply no need for gear-shifting. 20% of new car sales in the EU are EVs, and that's only going to increase.

Several forces are converging to push manuals towards obsolescence. The rise of electric and hybrid vehicles- nearly all of which are automatics.

Urbanisation and traffic congestion also play a role. In stop-and-go city driving, using a clutch can be a hassle. Automatics offer stress-free mobility, especially for daily commuters and less experienced drivers.

For new drivers, simplicity is key. In an age of convenience, automatics suite best.

Technological improvements have helped to. Modern automatic gearboxes- like dual-clutch (DCT) and continuosly variable transmissions (CVT)- deliver faster, smoother, and more efficient performance than older automatics.

Still, not everyone is ready to give up the manual. Enthusiast communities across Europe and beyond continue to celebrate it, in person and online. Motoring journalist often lament the loss of driver involvement in today's increasingly digitalised cars.

The used car market remains rich with manual options, from affordable hatchbacks to high-end sports cars. And a handful of automakers—Mazda, Toyota (with the GR series), and certain Renault Sport models—still offer manuals in niche segments.

While shrinking, the manual gearbox club is far from dead—it’s just becoming more exclusive.

So, will manuals disappear entirely?

Not quite yet—but they are clearly on the way to becoming niche. As electric vehicles dominate future lineups, the need for gear-shifting will continue to evaporate.

Experts predict that by the early 2030s, manuals could be nearly extinct from new car showrooms across most of Europe.

Manual driving instruction might also become a relic. If fewer manual cars are available, what’s the point of learning to drive one? Some driving schools already foresee a future where manual lessons are optional or phased out completely.

Like vinyl records or film cameras, manuals may endure among hobbyists and collectors—but their role in mainstream motoring is nearing its end.

The shift marks the end of an era, but those who love manuals will always keep them alive, for as long as there are enthusiasts who are passionate about them.