Originally Posted by
ABCD
This is another example of how statistics coming out of VW just cannot be trusted. They are quoting only 10% of GTIs are manual, to imply dwindling demand for a manual transmission has been the driver for their decision. But then they claim that culling the (fractionally) less fuel efficient manual from the range will somehow help them meet more stringent emissions targets. Perhaps this logic would have legs if say 80% of GTIs were sold in manual guise but if “only” 10% are manual something does not stack up.
So I just had a quick look at carsales.com and entered Golf;7.5;GTI; Transmission – Any into the search tool. 136 ads. Change “Transmission” to Manual and there are 31 ads. Even with my maths this is a long way from 10%!!
Here's the spin on it from Car Advice ... No Golf GTI manual: Is this the beginning of the end? It's plainly aimed at provoking argument with words like "beginning of the end", "wank" and "bull****", but I can see the trend loud and clear from other manufacturers.
If the numbers don't add up, maybe the fact that the company is culling a component already in production is salient. If they weren't willing to tool up for a new manual 'box claiming the demand wasn't there, you might be suspicious. But they'd be waving goodbye to profit if manuals were still making them decent sales, and that's something that any company is obviously reluctant to do.
I know I had problems selling my Mazda 2, despite it having bugger all mileage and sharpest price in it's bracket. The manual tranny was the only thing that could've held it back for so long. But the numbers of manuals appearing on the websites just reflects the numbers of owners wishing to sell of course, and won't be represented proportionally if one aspect (the transmission) of their cars is unfavorable. Resale was the first thing in my head ordering my DSG, looking at the market in 10 years time when I'm likely to sell again.
As a new auto convert, I miss the "rowing" only very occasionally. But I'm very glad even for the only slightly greater chance the tool driving towards me around the sharp bend we're both on with his mobile on the passenger seat has both hands on the wheel.
2017 - Golf R 7.5 - Blue - DSG - Proper Roof - DAP - Res' delete - Dynaudio delete
2008 - Mazda 2 - (Maybe my first child scared me a bit) -1998 - Wrx (modded up to but not including forged pistons)
1988 - Corolla TwinCam - (couldn't insure a 323 Turbo)
1967 - Tonka Tip Truck - Red with 2 inch plastic rims and a massive sand scoop.
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