Manual transmission being phased out, not efficient & slower

[bhtooefr]

The DMF has been an issue on the DSGs, too, though. So, I'd say that's a wash, with the advantage that the older manuals can easily be retrofitted with a SMF, and it can be done on the newer models.

[supton]

Does the DSG hold a gear? I had a rental Camry, and if you stepped on it, despite being in "sport" or "manual" mode, it would still drop down a gear. Or two.

I guess as I lower my anual driving a fluid change every 40k isn't so bad. [Dirt driveway precludes crawling under the car. Or doing much of anything on my car, really.] But that would still be 6 fluid changes to the two that I've done thus far on my car.

[FredS]

Wouldn't Americans have to stop buying cars only offered as autos, to get anyone's attention? Seriously, if they're selling, who's going to tell them noone wants them.
There's always times/reasons/situations where the auto is more favorable than a manual. But pure driving enthusiasts would probably rather have a manual, vs any controlled transmission. Where's the fun in not shifting.
Do we seriously think what the high-end cars are getting will become the norm for all other cars.
Like someone else stated, certain markets wouldn't work trying to force more expense auto options on them. But if the manufactures only offer an auto, what choice do we get then.

PS: Don't get me wrong. Building expensive automatics has been beneficial to me over the last several years, so as long as they keep making them, someone will pay to have them fixed or upgraded.