80% are slush boxes?!
#1
#6
North Americans really don't like manual boxes (and I have my opinions on why that is but I will avoid making a troll comment ) - and the rest of the world seems to be following suit. Although MINI has a high manualtrans sales as a % compared to other companies, they still only sell 30% or less as manuals.
It is sad but true - it is becoming harder to find cars with a manual transmission. I can see the benefit of a quality fast dual-clutch sequential gearbox for track use (when I win millions and can have a dedicated track car - or two), but give me a manual for everyday driving IMO in a small sporty car.
It is sad but true - it is becoming harder to find cars with a manual transmission. I can see the benefit of a quality fast dual-clutch sequential gearbox for track use (when I win millions and can have a dedicated track car - or two), but give me a manual for everyday driving IMO in a small sporty car.
Last edited by walk0080; 02-06-2012 at 10:23 AM.
#7
The idea that a manual is so much better is pretty much a myth perpetuated by snobs who throw out trendy catch phrases like "slushbox".
I have a 2012 MCSa with JCW suspension, tuning, aero, wheels, and strut brace, and I wouldn't trade it for a manual any day. But I understand that's just me, and I avoid petty flame wars over such nonsense. I respect those who choose manual, because it's an equally valid viewpoint.
The auto/manual debate is sort of like asking which is better: a flathead or phillips head screwdriver? The answer is neither, it just depends on which one is more applicable to the task at hand. It's really no more serious than that.
j
I have a 2012 MCSa with JCW suspension, tuning, aero, wheels, and strut brace, and I wouldn't trade it for a manual any day. But I understand that's just me, and I avoid petty flame wars over such nonsense. I respect those who choose manual, because it's an equally valid viewpoint.
The auto/manual debate is sort of like asking which is better: a flathead or phillips head screwdriver? The answer is neither, it just depends on which one is more applicable to the task at hand. It's really no more serious than that.
j
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#8
#9
I spend an hour and a half every day stuck between one hundred feet increments of stop lights. You couldn't give me a manual for free. Sure, I bet a manual MINI would be great flying around bends or tracking lap times, but for the other 363 days of the year I'll take an automatic.
I just think it is unfortunate that car companies (which are motivated by profit and greed among other things) don't want to cater to the minority motorists. Not surprised, just disappointing. I fully expect MINI to do a 180 someday and pretend their 'being MANual' campain never happened once it becomes too cost ineffective offering transmission choice.
Last edited by walk0080; 02-06-2012 at 10:30 AM.
#10
On the White Roof Radio podcast, they said sailes were running at about 80% automatics, and for BMW around 98%. I'm not surprised at all. 30% manual seems too high.
#12
#13
There are more significant reasons why some car companies are nearly bankrupting themselves. Perhaps it is because their are not selling enough manuals!
I have driven a MCSa on the track and it was decent (not great - but that is just me). I drove a MCa (Canadian model with paddle shift - no Sport Button) for several years and it was a miserable experience. Moral of the story - MINI would sell MORE automatics if they offered the Canadian justa Coopers with a Sport Button.
#14
Interesting. My MA said that her sales are pretty evenly split. I prefer a manual for the fun factor, and I just feel more involved and alert with one. But every car I owned at my old house (where I sat in bumper to bumper traffic for my commute) was an automatic for obvious reasons. It's sad (to me) that manuals are becoming so rare. Rather than not offering one at all, I'd be somewhat satisfied if a manual were even a costed option.
#15
I do think that the regular torque-converter automatic transmission is less efficient and delivers less performance than a manual transmission. The difference is much less with lockup torque converters and manual control of which gear you're in, but it is still there.
The "automated manual" transmissions (e.g., VW's DSG) offer more performance than a manual, mostly because they can be set up to change gears in significantly less time than a human can do it.
Automatics of all kinds are much less annoying to drive in very heavy traffic.
...And I still don't want one. I tried a DSG-equipped car, and found that I wanted the extra work of managing the clutch pedal and the gear shift lever. But that is purely personal preference.
Frankly, the actual rational reasons for manual transmissions are getting fewer and less distinct every year with new technology. But it's not a rational choice for me.
The "automated manual" transmissions (e.g., VW's DSG) offer more performance than a manual, mostly because they can be set up to change gears in significantly less time than a human can do it.
Automatics of all kinds are much less annoying to drive in very heavy traffic.
...And I still don't want one. I tried a DSG-equipped car, and found that I wanted the extra work of managing the clutch pedal and the gear shift lever. But that is purely personal preference.
Frankly, the actual rational reasons for manual transmissions are getting fewer and less distinct every year with new technology. But it's not a rational choice for me.
#16
In what is dated as September of 2011, you can see that here at AutoGuide that Jim McDowell (someone important at MINI???) apparently claimed. However not a direct quote from McDowell, apparently he said something like:
As others have stated, certain regions have different needs. Makes sense to me. I purchased a manual because I don't do have stop and go traffic, and I'd be in an auto if I was in that situation.
However, believing what one dealership states off their hip is hardly representative of the whole brand. I'll stick with this report (34%). I've seen it elsewhere in correlation with MINI's Manualhood campaign, just couldn't seem to find it.
While total sales of manual transmission models make up just five to six percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. each year, the take rate for MINI buyers is vastly higher at 34 percent. Depending on the region, that number can be even higher, with roughly half (49%) of all MINIs sold in New England being manuals.
However, believing what one dealership states off their hip is hardly representative of the whole brand. I'll stick with this report (34%). I've seen it elsewhere in correlation with MINI's Manualhood campaign, just couldn't seem to find it.
#18
Interesting. My MA said that her sales are pretty evenly split. I prefer a manual for the fun factor, and I just feel more involved and alert with one. But every car I owned at my old house (where I sat in bumper to bumper traffic for my commute) was an automatic for obvious reasons. It's sad (to me) that manuals are becoming so rare. Rather than not offering one at all, I'd be somewhat satisfied if a manual were even a costed option.
SCMountaineer, I guess you don't understand the concept behind a "costed option"... You can only charge for something the customer actually wants and is willing to pay for! Recently MINI was offering $500 rebate for Manual buyers... What do you think that means? Go figure!
#19
#20
SCMountaineer, I guess you don't understand the concept behind a "costed option"... You can only charge for something the customer actually wants and is willing to pay for! Recently MINI was offering $500 rebate for Manual buyers... What do you think that means? Go figure!
#21
My parents are the same way...neither have ever owned an automatic. My stepmom has kept her current Honda Accord much longer than she normally would have because she simply can't replace it---Honda no longer makes a loaded 4 door Accord with a manual.
#22
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#24
As for the auto-vs-stick: Neither one is "better". They each have pluses and minuses. They are merely "different from each other".
#25
Oh wait... I didn't mean to say "love"