You most likely learned to drive in a car with a manual transmission. 

In fact, the entire old guard learned how to use the clutch pedal.

However, the truth is that over the years, manual transmissions have begun to disappear. 

Today, cars with automatic transmissions are the most common. 

However, there are purists who prefer to shift gears manually, for the fun of it. 

But the truth is, at least in large cities, that automatic transmissions offer drivers much more comfort. 

While this news changes nothing for some, for others it is heartbreaking. 

In fact, some automakers plan to phase out manual transmissions in less than 10 years. 

In other words, the device is really going to die. 

A classic example of automatic transmissions dominating the sector occurred recently in the US. 

Criminals tried to steal a car, but failed because the vehicle had a manual transmission, which they didn't know how to operate. 

Thus, with the aim of providing quality information, our experts bring you everything about the end of the manual transmission. 

To find out why the device was discontinued, just read our full article. 

Let's go?

Nothing is universally agreed upon, and the automotive industry is no exception! 

Although some models still come from the factory with manual transmissions, if you pay attention, you'll quickly notice that they are a minority. 

Today, only the most basic and popular models feature a manual transmission. 

Some sedans and SUVs are sold with an automatic transmission only.

Two car manufacturers have already announced: we will no longer have manual transmissions in our cars.

They are: Volkswagen and Mercedes. 

According to the German website Auto Motor Und Sport, Volkswagen aims to phase out manual transmissions by 2030. 

This measure is aimed at European countries, but it will be extended to other parts of the world. 

Volkswagen has even stated that starting in 2023 it intends to reduce the number of vehicles with manual transmissions offered. 

Here, the next generation of the Tiguan, for example, will be the first model with only an automatic transmission option. 

The recently launched VW Taos is yet another example of a vehicle that has never seen, and will never see, a manual transmission.

In other words, the vehicle was designed for an automated transmission from the start. 

In addition, the measure will be adopted for other models, such as the Passat (or Variant). 

Mercedes is yet another automaker that has declared the end of manual transmissions in its vehicles. 

This is, in fact, a fundamental part of the company's cost reduction strategy. 

Furthermore, the German automaker has already announced that there will be a substantial reduction in its platforms. 

All this is due to the reduction in the supply of combustion engines!

In Brazil, for example, Mercedes doesn't sell any cars with manual transmissions in its current lineup!

Speaking of the global market, the brand is already focused on a transition to electric cars.

In a simple and direct way, Mercedes aims to simplify its product line, making it cheaper, more accessible, and consequently more functional. 

So, it's not just the manual transmission that's going to disappear. 

Platforms, powertrains, and components tend to be unified across the company's various models. 

Mercedes aims to reduce its portfolio of combustion engine vehicles to 40% by 2025 and to 70% by 2030. 

And an important part of this strategy is not offering manual transmissions in the medium term. 

However, this change will occur naturally as new generations of vehicles are launched. 

New safety-focused technologies are considered one of the main reasons for the retirement of manual transmissions. 

Thus, what was already visible to those who follow the sector became even clearer in a report published by the specialized media outlet "Automotive News Canada".

According to the study, automated emergency braking systems, for example, are impractical in vehicles with manual transmissions. 

As you can easily see, this and other advanced security features are common and present in many models sold here. 

However, their prices are higher.

Systems that use sensors and cameras to activate the brakes when they "perceive" the risk of collision or pedestrian accidents will be mandatory in countries in Asia, Europe, as well as the US and Canada. 

Therefore, they should decree the end of manual transmission in these markets. 

Another factor contributing to the popularization of automatic transmissions is electrification!

Electric vehicles are cited as one of the main reasons for the phasing out of manual transmissions. 

After all, battery-powered vehicles don't have gear ratios. 

In other words, its driving consists only of accelerating and braking. 

Thus, with the growth of automakers setting a deadline for producing combustion engine cars, the manual transmission is becoming a thing of the past. 

Hybridization is also cited as a reason for the end of manual transmissions.

Similar to electric vehicles, hybrids feature automated transmissions alongside both electric and combustion engines. 

Today, in the Brazilian market, automatic transmission is already the preferred option. 

After all, it's already standard equipment on most new cars sold here. 

In fact, there are categories like mid-size sedans and SUVs that no longer have manual transmissions. 

The presence of automatic transmissions in Brazil continues to grow. 

However, the end of the manual transmission is something that will likely take a little longer to happen here. 

Contributing factors include the higher price of automatic transmissions and the fact that Brazil has a history of delaying mandatory implementation schedules for new vehicle technologies. 

The most recent change that was not followed, for example, concerns the mandatory electronic stability control in new cars. 

The security device was planned for 2022.

However, automakers claimed that the pandemic caused a series of delays and logistical problems.

Thus, CONTRAN – the National Traffic Council – postponed the mandatory implementation until 2024. 

Thus, veteran models that should have been discontinued because they couldn't support the system due to their high price, gained a new lease on life. 

These models, in particular, are the ones that see the highest demand for manual transmissions. 

Although it is a more expensive technology, it is important to point out that popular models already have automatic transmissions in Brazil. 

Popular models like the VW Gol, Hyundai HB20, and Fiat Uno, for example, already have automatic transmission versions available.

And although models with manual transmissions are cheaper, the trend is for them to gradually disappear. 

Today, the list of popular vehicles with automatic transmission in Brazil includes the following models:

One point that always comes up when talking about vehicles with automatic transmissions is the need for a driver's license for this type of car. 

The Transportation and Traffic Committee of the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill that allows for obtaining a specific driver's license for driving vehicles with automatic transmissions. 

The text even provides for a fine in case of violation.

Made back in 2017, the proposal is being processed in a conclusive manner and will still be analyzed by the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee. 

The proposal envisions the possibility for candidates to obtain their driver's license and take their exams in vehicles with automatic transmissions. 

Therefore, if the bill is approved, anyone who gets a driver's license for an automatic car will only be able to drive models with that type of transmission. 

However, there's no need to worry. 

If you have an automatic car, you won't need to get a new driver's license. 

Furthermore, it will continue to be possible to be licensed to drive vehicles regardless of the type of transmission, whether manual or automatic. 

What would come into existence, according to the original plan, is a subcategory. 

In other words, more bureaucracy!

Now that you've seen that manual transmissions are truly going to disappear, although in Brazil it will be a slower process, you must be wondering:

Will I have to learn how to drive an automatic car? Is it difficult?

In fact, driving an automatic car is easier than driving a car with a manual transmission.

However, as with everything in life, a little testing is necessary. 

If you're thinking about changing cars and aim to buy a vehicle with an automatic transmission, don't worry. 

Our experts have created special content with 10 simple and practical tips to help you succeed with this type of exchange. 

To check it out, you already know, right?

Just click on the link below!