Last Updated on October 2, 2021 by Michael
Looking for a rental car with a manual transmission? Like driving a car with a stick shift and a clutch pedal? They’re disappearing features in North America, where less than three percent of new car models sold in the United States now have a manual transmission.
But outside of North America, it’s a whole different story.
Stick Shifts Are an Endangered Species in the U.S.
The trend line is clear. In 2006, 47 percent of new car models offered in the U.S. were available with both automatic and manual transmissions, according to a study by Edmunds.com. By 2011, that number had dropped to 37 percent. In 2016, the number had fallen to 27 percent.
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This trend is true not just of sedans but also souped-up sports cars. By 2016, even Ferrari, Lamborghini and Alfa Romeo did not offer a single model with manual transmission. Audi and Jaguar offered just one model each.
Why is it so hard to purchase or rent a car with a manual transmission in the U.S. and Canada? There are many reasons:
- Only one in five of all U.S. licensed drivers know how to drive a car with a stick shift.
- Rental car companies know many manual-transmission cars would be used to train new drivers. Car-sharing services like Turo explicitly forbid using manual transmission vehicles for driver training.
- Automatic transmissions have improved over time.
- It’s cheaper for manufacturers to focus on one transmission type—especially if consumers show a clear preference toward it.
For driving enthusiasts, this is a sad phenomenon. Once preferred for its dependability, fuel efficiency and sporty characteristics, the four-on-the-floor is disappearing from major car manufacturers’ lineups in North America.
If you really want to rent a car with a stick shift, fly to Kansas City, because that’s the only place in the US where you can still reserve a manual transmission.
Outside North America, Manual Transmission is Still King
Outside the U.S. and Canada, you have to specify if you want a rental car with an automatic transmission—and, depending on the country and size of the city—it can sometimes be hard to find one.
When automatic transmissions are available, it is often far more expensive to rent one in the same car class as a vehicle with a manual transmission. In some smaller cities and off-the-beaten-path regions, it’s simply impossible to find a rental car with a stick shift. Considering a visit to Ponta Delgada, Portugal? There are never automatic transmissions available.
Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops
If you require a rental car with an automatic transmission in Europe, it’s important to book as early as possible because automatic vehicles often sell out as you get closer to your travel dates, especially during the peak summer season.
Ask AutoSlash for a quote and we’ll scour the Internet for the best possible rate. Then, ask us to track your reservation and if we see a price drop, we’ll alert you so that you can cancel and rebook at the lower rate.
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