Just wondering if rough figures are available.

I heard this from Marc Trahan at AoA.

I recall reading that manuals are in the single digit percentile in general. Manuals are still popular in Europe, or really, worldwide excluding North America.

What a shame too. Although I will admit to having my head turned by DSG, when I test-drove an A3.

Another factor might be that in a lot of other countries you first learn to drive a manual so when it comes to picking their own car they already know how to?

True, there's a huge difference between the Tip in our A6 and my MT6, but when driving a DSG car I really have to think about the "benefits" of a MT6. The only one that I could come up with is that I would have to give up my illuminated shift knob that's been in my past three cars. While that gimmick matters to me, it doesn't matter to me that much =)

The DSG can do everything I can do, just much better, plus has an Auto mode when I am stuck in traffic - like every day.

But whatever the current DSG does (that I drove in an A3) was definitely better than what I can do - I have no illusions there. And I think we are just getting started with this technology.

I learned to drive with a manual and never had an auto car, but will definitely get a DSG if it's offered on the B8.

Historically, manuals always got better mileage than automatics. So, in Europe where IMHO gas is appropriately taxed, most people opted for manuals. In the US where gas is cheap, the mileage penalty for autos was less significant.

-James

Seattle, WA
1998 A4 2.8Q Tip (Got the car second hand, otherwise would have gotten a manual)

Asked a few coworkers out in Asia and Europe why manuals are so popular out there - cheaper vs buying an automatic.

Here in North America - it's more of a convenience factor. Heck, friend wants to by a 911 and he has to get a tip because of his wife. Okay, maybe it's the "wife" factor!

Other than the enthusiast... mileage is no longer a reason to get a manual.

Although learned on a manual have a tip now. Not as fun, but the wife insisted... didn't give up much of a fight since with the traffic around here I'm happy with the choice, plus I'm getting old and lazy ;) Driving the A3 with DSG was simply amazing. So smooth and quick even when I was trying to make it trip up. Hope they can cram it into the B8.

I love a good stick shift, but have moved to automatics for several reasons (none related to alleged "wife" factor): 1) The last couple of my stick shift cars had clutch problems and the manufacturer walks away from them 'cause they're so subjective in terms of abuse. The cost of replacing a Porsche clutch is sky high - the option of an automatic when new is cheaper; 2) resale - everyone buying assumes they'll have to replace the clutch on a manual, so they knock a grand or more off what they're willing to pay; 3) Traffic in the NYC metro area - enough said!!; 4) Better slushboxes over the years narrowing the performance and economy of stick vs. auto, unless you always drive "balls to the wall", 9/10ths-style.
For these reasons I am content with my Tiptronic. Besides, it is easier, giving more time to play with the toys in the car like radio, DVD, seat adjustments, etc. - plus full attention for focusing on the suicidal other motorists on the road.

I remember this girl in high school who drove an AT Jeep Wrangler... WTF?!