The manual gearbox isn’t the most popular transmission in the United States. Only a select few prefer a sick shift, with mainstream consumer interest having largely shifted to automatic and CVT units. On top of the convenience of the automatic or CVT, manuals aren’t a cheaper option anymore. Back in the day, the manual transmission was standard kit on many cars, with an automatic transmission being optional, but that’s no longer the case. And since automatics are generally more frugal and much easier to live with, more buyers are opting for them, which means manufacturers have to supply.
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