Report: Manual transmissions are slowly gaining popularity among Americans

Believe it or not – Americans are slowly reigniting their love-addir with manual transmissions. While the percentage of new vehicles sold with a manual gearbox remains a very small slice of new vehicle sales, the percentage is starting to grow.

During the first-quarter of 2012, 6.5 percent of all new vehicles sold were sold with manuals – that’s the highest since 7.2 percent in 2006, according to figures provided by Edmunds.com.

The take rate is even more surprising when you realize that only 19 percent of the 2,360 different models on sale offer manuals transmission.

Five years ago, 29 percent of the 2,391 vehicles available come with a manual.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: USAToday