[jcp123]

Well, autos have gotten good enough that most average buyers are effectively getting the best of both worlds. Heck, even that ZF 8-speed auto can be and has been programmed to execute shifts almost as quickly as, say, a PDK or similar automated manual. FE most buyers, the ease of automatic and the availability of "manual" control is good enough and they see no reason to choose a manual transmission over one of these new-fangled automatics.

If there's a glimmer of hope, it's in the small but relatively vociferous minority of drivers who prefer a manual for its own sake. It's a dim hope, though, as most are forced into the secondary market to get what they want. Manufacturers don't look much at that's rely to drive their decisions. Hence it sets up a self-fulfilling prophecy that nobody buys new with MT, so we won't build 'em.