Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Germany’s Shift to Automatic Transmissions Accelerates, But Manuals Retain a Niche

Automatics now dominate 64% of the market, but manual transmissions remain a key preference for 40% of drivers, supported by niche sports car offerings and emerging EV innovations.

Overview

  • The share of automatic transmissions in Germany has increased from 45% to 64% over the past five years, driven by comfort and urban traffic conditions.
  • Manual transmission vehicles have become scarcer, with supply on used-car platforms declining by 49% during the same period.
  • A mobile.de survey reveals 40.2% of drivers still prefer manual gearboxes, citing greater control (36.5%), sportiness (26.7%), and a more engaging driving experience.
  • Automakers are introducing manual-only sports cars and exploring electronic manual-shifter systems for electric vehicles to preserve the manual driving experience.
  • Generational preferences show a shift, with only 30.1% of drivers aged 18–24 favoring manuals, compared to 43.1% of those over 45.