Pop the clutch and don't let go of your stick
Stephen Hughes
Issue date: 4/1/07 Section: Automotive
Save the manual transmission from extinction. Never mind the global warming or other social health issues, the impending extinction of the manual transmission is the real problem we need to be worried about nowadays. I mean, just imagine a world without the shifting. Is this a world you want to be apart of? If we are going to save the manual we have to work together.
Since 1985, the lethargic and dim-witted automatic has slowly taken over the automotive landscape and is threatening to consume the market. Holding the manual afloat these days are national pastimes such as NASCAR and trucking. Some say that because these things are so deeply embedded into our country's culture, the stick shift can never die. However, isn't that what they said about 8-track tapes, Mischa Barton's character in the OC, and (soon to be) Hank Aaron's homerun record?
Luckily, it is not too late. Today, only about 9 percent of new cars and light trucks have manual transmissions. And even though the manual transmission numbers are down, we can reverse this trend and save the manual from extinction. An action you can take is to write to your congressman. Tell her: "Don't let the manual transmission go the way of the Dodo. Please put the manual transmission on the endangered species list."
Since 1985, the lethargic and dim-witted automatic has slowly taken over the automotive landscape and is threatening to consume the market. Holding the manual afloat these days are national pastimes such as NASCAR and trucking. Some say that because these things are so deeply embedded into our country's culture, the stick shift can never die. However, isn't that what they said about 8-track tapes, Mischa Barton's character in the OC, and (soon to be) Hank Aaron's homerun record?
Luckily, it is not too late. Today, only about 9 percent of new cars and light trucks have manual transmissions. And even though the manual transmission numbers are down, we can reverse this trend and save the manual from extinction. An action you can take is to write to your congressman. Tell her: "Don't let the manual transmission go the way of the Dodo. Please put the manual transmission on the endangered species list."
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Standardshifter
posted 4/02/07 @ 12:55 PM EST
I actually started a website a few years (standardshift.com) ago on this very topic. Lots of kids are now growing up in households where the primary vehicles are automatics. (Continued…)
Sleepa
posted 3/25/08 @ 6:56 PM EST
I grew up in a house with all auto cars (my dad had a few manuals but it was before i could drive). But i have since switched to manual and love it. To hell with auto with auto ur car drives you manual u drive ur car. (Continued…)
Juggalo68
posted 10/07/08 @ 10:19 PM EST
the manual transmission is a God send and his gift to every real driver in the world. I just got my first 5-speed and I love it. if they do away with manual transmission im gonna be pissed off. (Continued…)
russian singles
posted 3/28/10 @ 6:00 AM EST
I like articles like this. Great Article! Thanks!
meninggalsri
posted 4/23/10 @ 8:53 AM EST
I have thought and have removed this question
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