Originally Posted by Wagner

To quote my sister, who would equate to an average driver:

"Why use a manual? Do you still use a rotary phone?"

Most people who are not looking for a performance aspect from their vehicle in the US would much rather the simplicity of an automatic. Not to mention they are busy messing with the radio, talking on their phone and eating....driving is about 4th on the responsibility list there.

And now that autos are producing the same "speed" and "mpg" as manuals, you will see even less.