Overview

• Manual gearboxes account for just 19% of new car models in the UK, down from about 30% three years ago
• Research by Auto Express finds 404 models are automatic-only compared with just 96 offering a manual transmission
• Electric vehicles’ exclusive use of automatics and a rise in automatic-only driving tests have prompted brands to drop manual options
• The number of automatics on UK roads climbed 118% between 2014 and 2024, and 21% of driving tests in 2024 were taken in automatic cars
• Driving enthusiasts warn that losing manual gearboxes could erode driver skills and reduce engagement behind the wheel