By In a recent turn of events, MINI, the iconic British automotive manufacturer, has officially bid farewell to the beloved manual transmission in its product lineup. The confirmation came directly from the company’s boss, Stefanie Wurst, who stated in a recent interview, “We won’t have a manual, unfortunately.” This announcement marks the end of an era for MINI enthusiasts who cherished the tactile and engaging driving experience offered by manual gearboxes.
The news follows the recent unveiling of MINI’s latest Cooper and Countryman models, both of which are electric variants. While these electric models embrace the future of automotive technology, their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts are expected to debut soon, and notably, they will exclusively feature automatic transmissions. This shift in transmission preference reflects the industry-wide trend towards automatic transmissions, which are often more efficient and convenient in modern driving scenarios.
Earlier this year, MINI introduced a limited production model, the MINI John Cooper Works 1 of 6 Edition, which now stands as the last manual transmission-equipped model in the brand’s lineup. With just 999 units planned for production worldwide, this special edition JCW pays homage to the manual transmission’s legacy within the MINI family. Curiously, MINI had also recently launched a Manual Driving School in California, USA, aimed at teaching people the art of operating a manual transmission. This initiative showcased the brand’s commitment to preserving the manual driving experience, even as it became increasingly rare in their mainstream models.
While the discontinuation of the manual transmission may disappoint purists, it underscores the evolving landscape of the automotive industry. As car manufacturers shift their focus toward electrification, automatic transmissions have become the norm. The decision by MINI, a brand renowned for its small, spirited cars, reflects the broader industry trend, reminding us that innovation and progress are inevitable in the world of automobiles. While the manual transmission may no longer be part of MINI’s future, its legacy will live on in the hearts of those who relished the joy of rowing through the gears in these iconic small cars.
