[samsan02]

They do have a few stick shifts around there but mostly it will be the enthusiasts on sports car. But definitely Automatic is the most widely used. I have hardly found a stick shift available at any of the rental cars like Avis or Hertz. With those smooth freeways/roads and most importantly lane discipline it gets more easier for commuting with an automatic. These are the reasons why its so popular.

1. Ease of driving for independant senior citizens,woman drivers, teens. Labour is so costly there can't hire a driver too.
2. FE on open smooth roads/freeways would be almost same as with stick shifts. So least they would worry about FE here. Unless they get stuck in traffic jams like here.
3. Fuel prices are so low there (between 2005 to 2008 lowest I have seen was $1.79/Gallon)
4. Cruise control goes well with an autobox. Its a boon on long drives.
5. Lastly coz they can use the other hand to eat the Burger they bought at a BK drive thru.

[carboy]

Originally Posted by gavinimurthy

I read somewhere on the www something similar to this.

An American wonders "how can I use two legs to control three pedals?"

Murthy

That's rubbish because in an automatic you use just one leg to control both the pedals.

[vulcanize]

Posting it here since I don't know if there is an odd news thread around

----------------

Teens Try To Steal Elderly Woman's Car But Don't Know How To Drive A Stick Shift

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/0...n_5530996.html

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/T...264171501.html