#BMW #putting #manual #transmissions
Auto giant BMW intends to put an end to manual transmission cars for good. This was stated by Frank Weber, a member of the company’s board of directors, quoted by the world automotive media.
According to the expert, the end of manual transmissions in the cars of the brand is fast approaching, including in the most powerful M models.
BMW will sell cars directly to consumers in Europe from 2024
Retailers will remain the point of contact for customers, receiving a fixed commission
“The sales of the cars with manual gearboxes do not justify the development costs. If you want a manual M model, you should buy it now. These are fun cars, but let’s be honest, sales of cars with manual transmissions are dwindling, so it just doesn’t make sense to make them anymoreWeber stated.
The representative of the German car company did not specify an exact date when BMW will completely abandon all its cars with manual gearboxes, but according to sources at the car brand, it will probably be soon.
Demand for manual transmission BMW models proved somewhat stronger than expected in the US in 2023. Although cars with automatic gearboxes are widely driven overseas, there has recently been a demand for cars with manual gearboxes – mainly by racing drivers, high-speed enthusiasts and auto experts.
About 20 percent of all BMW M3 and M4 sales in the U.S., as well as over half of M2 sales last year, were with manual transmissions.
That state banned Porsche from selling 911s with manual transmissions
Because of noise regulations last updated in the last century
