Why is the Vios manual transmission hard to buy?

[VanLaura]

Not the main configuration, so it is relatively hard to buy. The following is a detailed introduction about the Toyota Vios: 1. Background: The Vios is an entry-level family car specifically designed and developed by Toyota for the Asian market. Based on the NBC platform, with an extended wheelbase, the Vios developed on a compact car platform almost reaches the level of a compact sedan. The body design of the Vios is derived from Toyota's new century design theme "VIBRANT CLARITY" (lively and refreshing), full of dynamism yet robust; the interior space is exquisite and sophisticated, combining high-end design with cutting-edge technology. 2. Exterior: The smooth body lines combined with a low center of gravity design create a sporty temperament. The spoiler, high-mounted brake light, and combination taillights make the rear view of the VIOS Vios refined and stylish.

[Jill]

I've been driving manual transmission cars for over twenty years, and now it's really hard to find a manual Vios. The main reason is that automatic transmission technology has become increasingly mature, with fuel consumption almost on par with manual transmissions. Young people learning to drive now go straight for automatics and don't even want to deal with the clutch. Manufacturers see fewer orders for manual transmissions, so they simply reduce production lines, making only a few dozen units a month, all allocated to taxi companies. 4S dealerships are smart too—manual transmissions take up inventory space without making money, and sales commissions are lower, so they mainly push automatic models. Plus, with severe urban traffic congestion, constantly pressing the clutch with the left foot is exhausting. Look at the Vios' competitors like the Fit and Polo—they also mainly promote automatics now.

[LuciaLynn]

Recently, I was helping my cousin look at the manual transmission version of the Vios, and three dealerships all said it would take three months to wait. The salesperson privately mentioned that manual transmissions have low profit margins, with manufacturers allocating less than 10% of production to them, and the manual transmission option is placed at a very low priority in the ordering system. Nowadays, even taxi companies are starting to switch to electric vehicles, further shrinking the market for manual transmissions. In fact, the manual transmission version of the Vios comes with very basic configurations—there isn’t even a screen in the center console, making it unattractive to young buyers. Dealerships now rely on high-end automatic transmission models to make profits, while manual transmissions are mostly used as a tool to attract customers. Keeping manual transmission models in stock for too long can even lead to losses.

[Jean]

I found that the disappearance of manual transmissions is related to production line adjustments. Manufacturers need to produce different models on the same production line, and the procurement volume of manual transmission parts is small yet costly. Changing molds once can delay production by two hours. Currently, the main model of the Vios is the 1.5L CVT version, and the production line prioritizes ensuring supply for this model. The monthly production of manual transmissions might not even reach 300 units, which then need to be distributed to numerous 4S stores nationwide. Additionally, with Toyota pushing its hybrid strategy—models like the Levin and Corolla are now electric-driven—the manual transmission Vios, as a pure fuel vehicle, is essentially positioned as a transitional product.