BMW M Boss: Manual Transmission Too Popular to Throw Away

BMW, like many other automakers, is currently on hold regarding manual transmissions; it wasn't that long ago that Frank van Meer, head of BMW's M division, said that manuals might be discontinued. And now, while he acknowledges the shortcomings of the manual transmission, he wants to keep it around as long as possible.

"From a technical point of view, there is little reason to preserve it," he told Autocar in an interview published last week. 'It's heavy, it's slow, it gets poor fuel economy. But customers and fans alike love manuals."

"I'm not sure why I'd want to keep it," he said.

In the interview, van Meer noted that the U.S. is the largest market for the redesigned M2, which will be unveiled in October, with half of the orders for manual-equipped models. It has been confirmed that the new M2 will be available with a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.

The BMW M boss had previously said that the arrival of automated cars would mean the end of manual transmissions, but that such a time was still a long way off. This is because it is unlikely that automakers will retain manuals when they shift their lineups to electric vehicles at the end of the current decade.

Thus, manuals are part of the fading glory for both enthusiasts and performance car makers. Some are willing to see manuals become a thing of the past, while others will forever hold on to the shift lever without loosening their grip. These days, buying a car with a stick is almost a badge of honor. It also has the effect of deterring theft.