Manual Transmission on the Way Out

The manual transmission is quickly disappearing from the Swedish car market. So far this year, only 2,848 new cars with manual transmission have been registered in Sweden, which is nearly 40 percent fewer than in the same period last year. Just a few years ago, manual gearboxes were standard in many car models, but today the majority of new cars are sold only with automatic.

This trend has accelerated in tandem with the rise of electric cars. Since electric vehicles lack traditional gearboxes, the need for manual alternatives has diminished even further. Today, it is primarily smaller and cheaper car models that are still offered with manual transmission, while the option has virtually disappeared in several other segments.

One of the models that still holds on to classic shifting is, according to Carup, the Dacia Sandero. This budget-friendly small car has become something of an exception on the market and attracts buyers who want to keep costs down. The Kia Picanto is also still sold with a manual transmission.

Among more traditional popular cars, the Volkswagen Golf is one of the last models where customers can still choose a six-speed manual gearbox. But interest has dropped significantly, and so far this year only 292 manual Golfs have been registered in Sweden. The Audi A3 also still offers manual transmission in certain versions, making it one of the few premium cars where the option remains available.

There are also a few SUV models that are still available with a manual transmission, including the Peugeot 2008, Volkswagen T-Cross, and Hyundai Bayon. In most cases, however, this applies to simpler engine options and lower equipment levels.

At the same time, it is primarily commercial vehicles that are keeping the manual gearbox alive on the Swedish market. The Volkswagen Caddy tops the statistics with 416 manual units registered so far this year. The Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit Connect, and Mercedes-Benz Citan are also still often sold with manual transmissions.

Soon Gone

There are several reasons behind this trend. More and more Swedes are getting licenses for automatic cars, while many prefer the convenience of automatic transmissions, especially for city driving and in traffic queues. In addition, it is cheaper and easier for manufacturers to focus on fewer drivetrains and transmission options.

About ten years ago, more than four out of ten new cars in Sweden had manual transmissions. Today, they make up only a small part of the market, and much suggests that the manual gearbox may soon be completely gone from Swedish showrooms.