Why Are Most Cars Now Equipped with Automatic Transmissions?
2 Answers
This is related to market demand. Since automatic transmissions are simpler and more convenient to drive, many people prefer to buy them. Additionally, due to China's national conditions—urbanization is very evident, cities are densely populated, people have strong purchasing power, and urban areas have a high volume of vehicles—traffic pressure in cities is significant. Moreover, driving a manual transmission is more cumbersome, so most people opt for automatic transmissions primarily to save effort. The advantages of automatic transmission cars are as follows: 1. Convenience of Driving an Automatic Transmission: It eliminates the hassle of shifting gears, unlike manual transmissions where drivers must juggle gear changes. 2. Automatic Transmission Cars Do Not Stall: Especially during starts, uphill climbs, or crossing obstacles, they rarely stall. In contrast, manual transmissions require precise coordination of the clutch, brake, and accelerator; otherwise, stalling is common during starts or uphill driving. 3. Effortless and Practical Driving Experience: Automatic transmissions are suitable for everyone—beginners, experienced drivers, men, and women alike. While automatic transmission vehicles are highly popular, manual transmission cars still offer the joy of driving. Consumers can choose the type that best suits their needs.
I've been driving for over twenty years and witnessed the rise of automatic transmissions firsthand. In the early days, manual transmissions were more fuel-efficient and offered better control, but now with increasingly severe traffic congestion in cities, your left foot cramps from constantly pressing the clutch. Automatic transmissions are different—during rush hour traffic jams on elevated roads, they free both feet to focus on steering, especially cars with auto start-stop functions that save fuel by automatically shutting off the engine at red lights. Younger drivers also prefer this; nowadays, automatic transmission classes at driving schools are packed, as graduates can directly drive new cars without needing to adapt. Car manufacturers naturally follow market trends—ten years ago, manual transmissions still made up over half of sales, but now virtually all new cars priced above 100,000 yuan come with automatic transmissions, even performance cars adopting dual-clutch transmissions.
