I think manuals are becoming less common in Europe. A big part of the popularity there was efficiency, but hybrids generally are automatic only, and they are replacing diesels there. Automatics have simply closed the gap in the advantages manuals had. Some are even better in racing. So the only thing going for manuals is driving enjoyment, which is something they share with EVs. Yep, though the 3 and 6 are now automatic only. Without double checking, the BRZ and 86 still have a manual. I recall a report that past sales were around 50% manual. It is puzzling that the Supra doesn't have the option. Did BMW say, "No, you can't have it."
In the early 1980" front wheel drive vehicles had a 30-50% premium on price. Now, it is the opposite. Rear wheel drive now cost more. The same has happened to manual vs. automatic shifters. It has to do with, "the economy of scale." The more you make; the more the price goes down.
That's only for the BR-Z. The 86 manual uptake is somewhere around 20%. Both cars have a manual option on the 2.0L 4-cylinder version. (as shown in Japan where there is a 2.0L Supra)
And cost, which is still important in the lesser developed world. Worldwide, manuals continue to far outnumber automatics. The death of manuals seems to be a North American thing. I'll guess that globally, automatics in traditional ICEs will never kill manuals. Instead, at some point, hybrids and various electrics will simultaneously kill both.
why do people get so butt hurt about not having manual. there are bigger things in life to fight about
