A driver in a car with their hand on the manual shift gearstick.

New cars with manual gearboxes predicted to disappear by 2030

Consumer Editor

4 minute read|27th May 2026

Once a common feature in all cars, the manual gearbox is expected to disappear from the new car market by the end of the decade.

A study by Vehicle Data Global (VDG) claims all new cars in the UK will be sold with an automatic gearbox by 2030. Diesel engines are also expected to be phased out due to lack of demand with car buyers.

The demise of the manual gearbox is driven by the rise in electric and hybrid cars, which are usually only available with automatic transmissions.

Ben Hermer, Operations Director at VDG, said: “The moment is fast approaching when the economics of maintaining a manual transmission option don't add up, given the R&D, certification and other overheads involved in developing and refining gearboxes, even if there remains some demand in the market.

“Based on current trend data, between 5% and 10% of cars will theoretically still be manual by 2030.

'But manufacturers will be looking hard at whether maintaining manual gearbox programmes for a shrinking share of the market makes economic sense, while they manage the overall pressures of transitioning from ICE (internal combustion engine) and competing with international market entrants in the EV sector.”

RAC patrol man in orange helping a family at the roadside next to a orange van with flashing lights.

RAC SALE – up to 40% off*

Roadside cover from £5.29 a month^†

Cheaper than AA Price Promise or we'll beat it by 20%^{^}
With over 1,700 RAC mechanics nationwide, help is never far away
Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns

Start my quote

^*T&Cs apply. ^†At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^{^}Find the same cover cheaper with the AA within 7 days & we'll beat it by 20%.