Buyers want an easy life.(Generalisation). So they opt for an auto. So autos sell better than manuals. And manufacturers don't really care about the small number of buyers who actually enjoy "driving", and don't want the committee designed computer deciding which gear to be in. That's the sad truth, and what modern "motoring" has become.
How those choice words about auto's bring back memories.....in my youth I always called my father an 'old man' for his preference from when in his 30's for automatic Jaguars, that is until I experienced the 'speed hold ' feature ( a flick switch) wow that car took off like a scolded cat. Mind you. my father used to take my mom out in my Honda S800 if I was out on my motorcycles, I could always tell as the petrol tank was always full after a trip out, so he enjoyed stirring the gear box from time to time. I hated driving my Aunts cars down to the farm in the 70's they were 3 speed auto's and absolute torture to use with the small engine cars she preferred.
I have had auto's for over 30 years now and to be honest for the few odd occasions one gets these days to enjoy some spirited motoring, most of the auto's these days allow manual changes should the feel or need arise. Having been a big annual mileage guy, often spending hours in motorway or A road traffic snarl ups,inching my way to somewhere, I'll take the auto any day over a manual for those quite rare number of halcyon gearbox shifting moments I come across. Driving an auto fast round twisty bits requires considerable driving skill as the only real source of retardation are your brakes
When I took my father for a ride in my first auto Mercedes convertible in the late 80's he's first comment with a broad smile was what is it like being an 'old man'.
