Imagine a world without manual gearboxes! Hyundai, one of the big players in the automotive market, openly claims that the three pedals are on the path to extinction because buyers simply don’t want them anymore. Yes, you read that right – manual shifting, which has been a symbol of driving freedom and control for decades, is slowly but surely becoming a relic of the past.
Why? Because automatic transmissions today are smarter, more efficient, and better integrated with modern driving assistance systems. Hyundai’s technical director for Europe, Tyrone Johnson, bluntly states: “Nobody wants a manual gearbox.” While this sounds shocking, statistics confirm the decline in demand for manuals, especially among younger generations who don’t want to bother with three pedals and a handbrake.
But that’s not all! Production costs and emission regulations further push manufacturers towards automatics. Electric vehicles, which almost always come with automatic transmissions, accelerate this trend. Johnson even claims that electric cars have advanced in 10 years as much as gasoline engines have in a whole century, and engine sounds can be easily replaced by speakers.
For enthusiasts, this is almost like the end of the world. But reality is ruthless – manual gearboxes have become a luxury for a minority, and the industry adapts to the majority. If you thought sports cars with manuals would survive, think again. With fewer sports models and the rise of electric vehicles, three pedals are slowly fading into history.
Is this the end of an era or just natural evolution? Maybe it’s time to say goodbye to manual shifting, but don’t be surprised if you soon hear nostalgic drivers staging a rebellion on the streets. What about you, are you ready to forget the three pedals or will you fight for them to the last breath? Share your thoughts, maybe you’ll be the voice that changes the course of automotive history!
