A great first for the French market: more automatic gearbox cars are now sold than manual gearbox cars. According to a figure revealed by our colleagues at RTL, 54% of new cars sold in France in 2021 have such a gearbox.

The auto gearbox has been gaining followers in France for several years. In 2016, this type of transmission represented 25% of sales. In 2004, it was only 8%! A change which is explained first by the arrival of boxes much more convincing in use, with in particular the double clutch.

Chaotic gear changes and screaming engines are (almost) a very old memory. Thanks to these improvements which give a good driving pleasure, the French are easily convinced. And very often, to try it is to adopt it for life. It is also to promote it in its entourage, the famous “but you know, it is not so bad”.

The increase in sales is also driven by supply. Having become essential, the automatic transmission is offered at all levels of the range. Even Dacia has CVT and EDC! Above all, it begins to be imposed! A generalization that began with the most upscale models, but which is now found on vehicles in lower segments. Thus, the new DS4 will only be offered with automatic.

The brands know that the manual gearbox is becoming a minority. You might as well ignore it, which has several financial advantages. This makes it possible to direct the customer towards a more expensive model, the automatic transmission always adding a big additional cost (of 1,500 to 2,000 € on average). It is also a development economy, with manual variants not to be developed. At a time when brands like to clean catalogs, this is also a good point for them. Finally, the designers find their account there, with more freedom to imagine an interior without the lever of the manual gearbox.

We should not of course forget another important aspect of the rise of automatic transmissions: the sharp rise in sales of electrified cars. With hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electrics, the automatic transmission… is automatic. But this time, these engines already represent more than 20% of sales.

And the increasingly stringent CO2 regulations will gradually lead to a 100% market share for these engines… which will result in 100% automatic gearboxes! Volkswagen is also planning to abandon the manual transmission in 2030.

Volkswagen is one of the generalist manufacturers who have bet on the double-clutch transmission the fastest by democratizing it within its own group. If the first vintages did not leave us with lasting memories, the DSG has progressed to the point of eclipsing the manual gearbox in all areas of everyday life. And despite harsher standards which push VW Group to endow the DSG with slower management than before on certain models, it remains a real plus for everyday use.

The German group could also impose it fairly quickly. Our German colleagues announced that the next Tiguan, launched in 2023, would be offered exclusively in DSG. The Passat will follow very quickly. It would be a first for Volkswagen, and obviously not the last since Volkswagen would completely abandon the clutch pedal and the manual gearbox in 2030.

An announcement which is by no means a surprise since at this date, Volkswagen will mainly offer electric vehicles which obviously do not have a manual gearbox. The data analysis firm Jato Dynamics recalls that in Germany, out of 5,838 vehicles offered for sale, only 1,870 are in manual gearbox.

The driving schools held their big congress from July 2 to 4 in Lille, at the initiative of the CNPA Education and Road Safety. The opportunity for players in the sector to take stock of developments in a constantly evolving sector, which must in particular operate its digital transition, ensure that the license remains accessible to the greatest number but also, and it is very important for the sector, ensuring its ecological transition.

« Driving schools are making their revolution, gradually “greening” their fleets. Actors of mobility, they are the first prescribers, for young people, changes in the use of electric vehicles », Details the CNPA in a press release. ” Discussions are underway with the Government to develop the installation of charging stations in driving schools, and gradually “green” the fleet with electric vehicles. »

However, who says electrified vehicle (100% electric or hybrid) also says automatic transmission. As models of this type become more widespread in driving schools, fewer and fewer aspiring drivers will learn to use the left pedal, and thereby switch from the license B to automatic gearbox.

« The path to automatic gearboxes is the one taken by all European countries. The change of park will take some time, but it is now underway », Comments Patrice Bessone, President of the CNPA Éducation-Routière, interviewed by Caradisiac this morning.

Is this bad news? Not for the overwhelming majority of learner drivers, who will see at least two advantages. The first is that the minimum driver training is reduced from 20 to 13 hours on this type of vehicle, which lowers the training budget, and the second is a better pass rate for the exam. ” We allowed it more easily in the automatic gearbox », Summarizes Patrice Bessone.

And for mechanical gearbox purists, it is already possible to obtain the corresponding qualification by following additional 7-hour training in a certified driving school.

It is difficult to predict what proportion of young permits will follow this one when electrified cars are generalized, but it is expected that driving schools will keep at least one car equipped in the long term. to this.

And maybe, 5 to 10 years from now, it will be the latest chic among young driving enthusiasts to argue about their “manual gearbox” accreditation …

Commercial success, driven in particular by the hybrid version, the Hyundai Kona has just been restyled. But the beginnings of the new model seem disturbed by a big concern for reliability. At issue: the DCT double-clutch automatic transmission.

We were thus contacted by one of our readers who told us about his problems with a Kona hybrid received a few weeks ago: “I quickly noticed worrying jolts, suspicious noises and inconsistent behavior of the gearbox. of speeds… Following a brutal and noisy stalling, I was towed and taken in charge by Hyundai Assistance.After a quick test by the workshop, the diagnosis is final: double clutch malfunctions, out of order after 600 km traveled! “

A page has been opened on our forum and testimonies about these problems are growing. A member evokes a breakdown after only 400 km with speeds “which no longer pass”. And the concern does not seem to be limited to hybrids, since a member with a Kona diesel bought in December broke down in January.

When contacted, Hyundai was not very talkative. The brand recognizes that “there were some problems with the DCT box on the Kona hybrid”. The manufacturer tells us that it is “under investigation to find out if these are isolated cases or if there is a need for a recall campaign”.

However, the number of cases seems significant. According to our reader, who had already conducted his little investigation, 140 vehicles would be immobilized in France because of this defect. And the network mechanics do not yet have the solution.

The different types of gearbox

This device is designed for ensure the transmission of energy from the engine to the wheels. It comes in three categories:

-The manual gearbox is equipped with a transmission resembling a gear system linked to several shafts. The change of speed ratio causes the engagement of several mechanisms making it possible to modify the magnitude of the torque delivered.
-The automatic gearbox is also available in three categories: single and double clutch, torque converter and continuously variable. As its name suggests, this device is designed to manage gear changes autonomously.
-The sequential gearbox is distinguished by its mode of operation resembling that of the automatic gearbox. This device is appreciated for the pleasant driving sensations it offers when starting on a hill and when the vehicle is traveling at high speed.

Signs of a faulty gearbox

It is necessary to know the warning signs of a possible malfunction of the gearbox which could lead to a more serious problem. Indeed, the sooner the symptoms are detected, the easier the repair will be. Here are some clues that should alert the driver:

-A muffled humming noise coming from the motor means that the bearings located at the end of the shafts of the device are worn. It is necessary to replace them as soon as possible, as there is a risk of the gearbox breaking.
-Creaks that are felt when changing gears indicate that the rings of the synchronizers are worn. They should be replaced to ensure proper alignment of the gear teeth.
-When it is impossible to change gears, the first reflex to have is to check the condition of the linkage rods. The second step is to check the gear set to make sure it is not stuck.

How much does it cost to repair the gearbox?

The cost of the intervention varies depending on the severity of the breakdown and the parts to be changed. The primary or secondary shaft bearing of the gearbox costs between 17 and 30 euros. The price of the synchronizer ring is around 10 euros per unit. If the gearbox is replaced, the budget to be expected is between 600 and 3,000 euros, labor not included. To settle the invoice, several payment methods are offered by garage owners: in cash, by check, by bank transfer, etc.

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Cars equipped with an automatic gearbox are becoming more and more common. They are taking the place long acquired by models with a manual transmission. There are several reasons for this trend. Indeed, automatic cars are very practical, especially in urban areas. They ignore the clutch. The pedal is completely removed from the passenger compartment. As a result, it becomes easier to deal with complicated starts. In addition, the driver no longer takes care of changing gears. The car takes care of revving up or downshifting depending on the pressure exerted by the driver on the accelerator. So the driving is less stressful in traffic jams. Maintaining the steering wheel is more important since it is no longer useful to constantly change gear. In addition, automatic transmissions are known to be reliable.

On the other hand, vehicles equipped with this type of system are energy intensive. The more fuel consumption than that of classic cars. In addition, the vehicle’s brake pads can wear out quickly if the gearbox does not have a manual position. In addition, the purchase price is expensive, not to mention the relatively expensive maintenance cost depending on the model.

The advantages of a manual gearbox

As for the cars equipped with manual gearbox, they are the most numerous on the roads. The gearbox can be four, five or six gears. Changing gears requires the intervention of the driver. To do this, he must depress the clutch pedal and operate the lever. Moreover, this is one of the most important constraints of a manual gearbox. The motorist must play on the clutch and the gear lever to go up or downshift. In addition, its learning is more complex. However, it allows you to benefit from many advantages:

• Manual transmissions are very popular in the market. If there is a problem, it is easy to find it. In addition, they are offered at a lower price than automatic models.
• Repairing a manual gearbox is easier. Therefore, the intervention remains less expensive.
• Fuel consumption can be regulated for a car equipped with manual gear. It is enough to adopt a suitable behavior.
• For people who are used to driving a manual car, adopting an automatic vehicle is easier. Moreover, experts recommend mastering the driving of a manual car before switching to an automatic gearbox.

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