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Americans drive what they are told to drive and what is offered on the lot. If we wanted to do a major experiment in social engineering, government would require that all vehicles excluding say giant special purpose stuff, ambulances and hybrids with advanced drivetrains, to all be manuals on the lot. The only way to get an auto would be to order the car or buy an older used one or an advanced hybrid drivetrain.
The result would be an increase in cars ordered site unseen, more hybrids and a dramatic increase in MT cars sold since most people won't buy a non-lot car. It would also increase the modders market and increase the demand even further for antiques and used.
I also think if the right marketing was used (do it for your country) you may also see that drivers that otherwise would never be exposed to manual transmissions would slowly albeit angrily start to accept a standard as the norm and not view an MT as a pink elephant or a $500 car.
We could increase fleet MPG by at least 10%, possibly more if the auto only folks bought advanced hybrids.
Sadly the government is more interested in forcing drugs and sub standard food that no one wants instead of things like this.
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