Why do Europeans (especially Italians) all drive standard-transmission cars?

Question

Given the insane traffic and even craziers hills in part of the country, it seems like automatics would make their lives easier, but they almost ALL drive stick-shifts. Did automatics just never catch on in Europe?

Answer 1

I've always driven a stick. When I was learning how to drive, I hated it, but now I can't stand driving an automatic. I feel so bored and I have no idea what to do with my right hand and my left foot.

As for the Europeans, here are a few reasons why they might prefer sticks over automatics:

1) Manual transmissions are more fuel efficient than automatics. When gas costs over $6/gallon, that means a lot.

2) Manuals are cheaper to purchase and maintain than automatics. Europe has much better public transportation than here (the US), and people aren't so dependent on their cars (or don't need to be), so there's really no point in spending a lot of money on a car that you don't need to drive all of the time.

3) Manual transmissions provide more flexibility for drivers, which can actually be a benefit in hilly areas (e.g. you can downshift when you hit a big hill and you won't lose as much speed, or you can downshift when you hit a sharp curve and need more control). They can be a PITA in traffic, though.

4) In some European countries, if you take your driver's test with an automatic, your license is restricted to driving automatics. My guess is that the government is trying to discourage automatics (see #1).

Answer 2

Two differences....
First of all, I disagree with your analysis that automatics are easier in hills. Automatics eat brakes in hills. With a standard, engine braking is a much better way to go. I drive standard mostly and automatic some and I much prefer the standard, ESPECIALLY in the hills. Most Europeans don't drive far from home, they'll take the trains. So they know the local roads they drive well, and they know when and how to maximize the effectiveness of using the standard. In addition to engine braking, it has the advantage in hills of seeing the hill coming and selecting the gear and RPM you want to charge up the hill. Much more efficient, in my opinion.
Secondly, Europeans in general, and Germans/Austrians in particular, take much more pride in their driving and see it as a dedicated, important activity. Fahrfergnugen, and all that. We have no such term, or even idea, here. It doesn't even translate. Here, we see driving as a time delay during which one should eat, drink, read, converse with passengers, talk on the phone, and be otherwise preoccupied. A lot of Europeans will not permit passengers to talk to them while they are driving. Since they're dedicated to the driving task, they don't feel overwhelmed by standard shift. After a few weeks in Germany, I began to feel more comfortable riding at 60mph down narrow city streets in a small standard shift car than I did at home. Their drivers are alert, make no stupid mistakes, and are very, very particular about driving technique and tactics.
Besides, zipping through the gears with a standard is just so much fun! Europeans aren't holding the phone, a book, or a sandwich when driving, so they can manage the controls just fine.

Answer 3

I suspect that the price of fuel and the size of the vehicles have something to do with that. Automatic transmissions are larger than manual transmissions.

Answer 4

no never did, I'm Irish and I had an automatic for a few years, but i didn't really like it, wouldn't buy another, maybe it's a cultural thing, but on this side we look down on automatics and you look down on stickshifts.
just cultural.