Luxury cars remain loyal to manual transmissions.

Although manual transmissions are gradually being phased out in mainstream vehicles to make way for the convenience of automatic transmissions, many luxury and sports car manufacturers still retain them to provide a pure driving experience for speed enthusiasts.

Thanks to their simple design, low cost, and ease of repair, manual transmissions have dominated the automotive industry for decades. However, automatic transmissions are currently in their heyday. According to the latest data from CarGurus , by early 2026, only 67 new car models in the UK will be offered with a manual transmission, a significant decrease from the 82 models offered last year.

In Vietnam, many car models still retain manual transmission versions, mainly targeting customers in the service industry.

PHOTO: TN

In the Vietnamese market, the situation is similar. About 10 years ago, most mainstream A, B, and C-segment cars had manual transmission versions, with reduced features to cater to customers using them for ride-sharing services. Currently, manufacturers mainly distribute automatic transmission models. Familiar names from the past, such as Toyota Vios, Hyundai Accent, and KIA Morning, still maintain manual transmission versions, but sales have decreased significantly compared to before.

In today's new car market, the number of models using a three-pedal transmission can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Even those that do exist often have their features drastically reduced to keep prices as low as possible.

Not only in Vietnam, but in many countries around the world , urban infrastructure in major cities is under pressure, and frequent traffic jams make driving a manual transmission car a nightmare. In addition, advanced driver assistance systems, which work effectively with automatic transmissions, are becoming increasingly popular.

Some sports car models still offer manual transmissions for customers who prefer a pure driving experience.

PHOTO: BMW GLOBAL

Therefore, integrating these technologies into manual transmissions is both expensive and complex. However, while mainstream cars consider manual transmissions as purely "mechanical tools" for movement, the situation is quite different in the luxury and sports car segments.

Many luxury and high-performance car brands, such as Porsche, BMW, and Honda with its Civic Type R, are still determined to retain the manual transmission option, considering it a brand hallmark. For discerning customers, the act of pressing the clutch pedal and shifting gears is a way to "enjoy" the experience. Directly controlling the engine speed and performing downshifting maneuvers provides a thrilling, pure driving sensation that true speed enthusiasts seek.

In the future, as the automotive industry shifts entirely towards electric and self-driving vehicles, manual transmission cars will possess high collectible value and uniqueness, becoming highly sought-after by collectors.

The decline of manual transmissions is inevitable according to the laws of technological development. However, instead of disappearing, this type of transmission will move to a new product niche, where the driving experience is prioritized over practical value. The fact that luxury car manufacturers remain loyal to manual transmissions is a way of honoring heritage and affirming that driving is also an art of enjoyment.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xe-sang-van-trung-thanh-with-manual-transmission-185260409082627517.htm