Honda Plans to Continue Producing Manual Cars Despite Declining Demand, Says Executive.

Honda Plans to Continue Producing Manual Cars Despite Declining Demand, Says Executive.

      Jerry Perez

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      In July, Honda announced the temporary halt of production for two models featuring manual transmissions: the 2027 Honda Civic Si and its more upscale counterpart, the Acura Integra A-Spec. Initially, this decision was interpreted as a potential end for these enjoyable compact cars, but the company later clarified that the Si is set to return with the next-generation Civic in 2028, though it did not confirm the inclusion of a manual transmission.

      While attending the IndyCar Freedom 250 race in Washington, D.C., American Honda VP of Auto Sales, Lance Woelfer, discussed the current state of manual transmissions, which isn't particularly optimistic.

      "The segment of the market that is excited about manual transmissions keeps getting smaller, and that trend will likely continue," Woelfer informed the media, including The Drive. "However, since they provide a fun driving experience, we can still offer models like the Civic Si, Integra, or Type R with a manual option. But we do not anticipate growth in this area.

      "We're witnessing very little demand, but we'll keep them on the assembly line."

      Currently, Honda has four models available with manual transmissions across its two brands: the Civic Si, a long-standing favorite in the sporty compact sedan category aimed at enthusiasts. The Integra, equipped with the A-Spec package, offers the manual as an optional feature rather than standard. The six-speed manual is also available in the more performance-oriented versions, the Civic Type R and the sportier Integra Type S.

      Historically, Honda has remained dedicated to producing enjoyable cars across its range. Hence, based on their prior statements indicating that the production pause is only temporary and the comments made, it's reasonable to assume the next-generation Si will still feature a manual transmission. I'm less certain about the return of a non-Type S manual Integra, but only time will reveal that. Should it come back, it would likely be for the 2028 model year.

      After Woelfer's remarks, I turned to American Honda CEO Eiji Fujimura and inquired if he could assure enthusiasts that Honda would keep producing manual transmissions for years to come. He provided a less definitive but more thoughtful response: "Sometimes I need to consult with Soichiro Honda on certain matters, but we always consider the enthusiasts and keep their dreams in mind."

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Honda Plans to Continue Producing Manual Cars Despite Declining Demand, Says Executive. Honda Plans to Continue Producing Manual Cars Despite Declining Demand, Says Executive.

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Honda Plans to Continue Producing Manual Cars Despite Declining Demand, Says Executive.

Honda halted production of the manual Civic Si and Acura Integra A-Spec earlier this summer, sparking speculation about the potential discontinuation of the two compact models. We now have a clearer response.