Ilocano wrote:
Only because the rest of the world doesn't have to deal with our rush hour traffic, which is murder to manual transmissions.
As much as you Europeans say you prefer manual, auto is still a premium purchase for the common European. In the states, it just happens we can afford automatic more readily. Manual to us are relegated to poor people or driving enthusiasts. And even then, some enthusiasts cars have "auto-clutch" manuals these days.
Rush hour traffic in Paris is brutal AFAIK.
Also, I never connected being poor with owning manuals, there isn't really that much of a price difference last I checked.
Manuals are just more fun to drive.