The End of the Manual Transmission in America

The five-speed manual transmission has been a staple of American cars for decades, but its time in the spotlight has come to an end. The last remaining manual transmission in America has quietly been killed, leaving many car enthusiasts feeling a sense of loss. The Nissan Versa S, which was the last car to come standard with a manual transmission, had a unique selling point that set it apart from its competitors. It was the cheapest car in America, with a starting price of $17,190. The manual transmission was seen as a way to add some excitement to the car’s features, with the slogan “shift up into fun.”

Despite its affordability, the manual transmission was not as popular as one might expect. In fact, less than 5% of Versas sold in the United States last year had a manual transmission. This number may seem insignificant, but it highlights the fact that the demand for manual transmissions is dwindling. The demise of the manual transmission can be attributed to several factors. One major reason is the increasing popularity of automatic transmissions. With the advancement of technology, automatic transmissions have become more efficient and reliable, making them a more attractive option for many car buyers. Additionally, the rise of crossovers and SUVs has led to a shift away from traditional sedans like the Nissan Versa. Another factor that contributed to the decline of manual transmissions is the impact of tariffs. The tariffs imposed on imported cars from countries like Mexico, where the Nissan Versa is manufactured, have made it more expensive for automakers to produce cars with manual transmissions. This has led to a decrease in the number of manual transmissions being produced, further contributing to the decline of the manual transmission. The decision to discontinue the manual transmission in the Nissan Versa S was not unexpected. In a statement to Car & Driver, Nissan said “We are focusing on the most popular Versa grades that deliver the strongest business performance and are in line with what customers are looking for from this type of sedan.”

The numbers speak for themselves. Less than 5% of Versas sold in the United States last year had a manual transmission. This translates to a mere 2,129 units. This number may seem insignificant, but it highlights the fact that the demand for manual transmissions is dwindling. In fact, one dealer told Automotive News that they only sold four or five units with the manual transmission last year. This is a stark reminder of the limited demand for manual transmissions. The decision to discontinue the manual transmission in the Nissan Versa S is expected to have a significant impact on the automotive industry. As one expert noted, “The manual transmission is a dying breed, and it’s only a matter of time before it’s completely phased out.”

The Nissan Versa S is expected to go out of production next year, and previous reports have suggested that the Mexican-made Versa could die in April. The demise of the manual transmission in America marks the end of an era, and it’s a sad day for car enthusiasts who have come to love the thrill of shifting gears. The end of an era is a phrase that is often used to describe the end of something that has been a part of our culture for a long time. In this case, the end of the manual transmission in America marks the end of a tradition that has been a part of American cars for decades. The five-speed manual transmission was a staple of American cars for decades, and its demise is a testament to the changing times. The rise of automatic transmissions and the shift away from traditional sedans like the Nissan Versa has led to a decline in the demand for manual transmissions. The impact on the automotive industry will be significant, as the manual transmission is a key component of many cars. The demise of the manual transmission in America marks the end of an era, and it’s a sad day for car enthusiasts who have come to love the thrill of shifting gears. The