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From villain to darling: how automatic transmission won over drivers and became a trend in Brazil

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published 08/05/2025 às 23:05
Automatic transmission has won over Brazilian drivers! Discover how this technology has become a trend in the market and transformed driving.
Automatic transmission has won over Brazilian drivers! Discover how this technology has become a trend in the market and transformed driving.

Discover how automatic transmission, an innovation that seemed to be aimed only at luxury cars, won the hearts of Brazilian drivers and became a trend in the automotive market.

Automatic transmission, previously viewed with suspicion by traditional drivers, has become a true trend in Brazil, winning over both urban drivers and those who are more passionate about driving.

Over the last few years, this type of transmission has gone from being just a comfort feature to being a preferred choice for many, especially in large cities, where heavy traffic demands practicality and efficiency.

The transformation of automatic transmission: from ignorance to popularization

Historically, manual transmissions dominated Brazilian roads.

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The feeling of control provided by the manual transmission has made many drivers consider it indispensable.

This is because, when driving a car with a manual transmission, the driver feels more connected to the machine, having total control over gear changes.

For those who enjoy driving, this type of transmission is often considered the best option, as it offers a unique feeling of control over the vehicle.

However, with the advancement of technology and the introduction of new models with automatic transmission, the Brazilian market began to see a transformation in consumption habits.

Automatic transmission, which was previously associated with more expensive and luxurious cars, has become increasingly accessible and is now offered in a variety of models, even in popular cars.

This has made automatic transmissions more attractive to drivers who prioritize convenience and ease in their daily lives.

The practicality of automatic transmission in an urban context

One of the main reasons for the rise of automatic transmission in Brazil is life in big cities, where heavy traffic is a daily challenge for drivers.

The automatic transmission provides a smoother driving experience, especially in traffic jams where you need to constantly change gears.

With automatic transmission, the driver does not need to worry about using the clutch or manually changing gears.

This practicality has been widely valued by those who use the car as a daily means of transport.

In addition, the most modern version of the automatic transmission includes features such as steering wheel paddles, which allow the driver to change gears manually, but with the convenience of not having to use the clutch.

This technology brings the best of both worlds, as it offers the flexibility of a manual transmission with the comfort and convenience of an automatic transmission.

This adaptation to the driver's taste has been one of the great advantages of automatic transmission, making it more attractive and functional.

Manual transmission still has its place, but the trend is towards automatic transmission

Despite the advantages of automatic transmission, manual transmission still maintains a loyal fan base, especially among drivers looking for total control over their vehicle.

Manual transmissions are simpler and, in many cases, cheaper to repair, which can be a deciding factor for some drivers.

Furthermore, as it does not require oil to operate, manual transmissions tend to be more economical in terms of maintenance.

However, sales figures in Brazil speak for themselves.

In the last two years, automatic transmissions have surpassed manual transmissions in new car sales in the country.

For the first time, the number of automatic vehicles surpassed manual ones, which reflects a significant change in the habits of Brazilian consumers.

Automatic transmission, which was previously considered a luxury, has become a basic requirement for many drivers.

The popularization of automatic transmission is directly linked to the modernization of vehicles and the search for more comfort and practicality.

While manual transmissions are still the choice for some, the trend is for automatic transmissions to continue to dominate the market, especially as cities become more congested and drivers seek more efficient solutions to traffic.

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The future of automatic transmission in Brazil: is there still room for improvement?

As car manufacturers continue to innovate, new, more advanced automatic transmission models may emerge with new features that make driving even more comfortable and efficient.

Technologies such as autonomous driving and hybrid systems can further influence the exchange market, making cars even smarter and more practical.

However, it's important to note that the manual transmission, with its reduced cost and simplicity, will continue to be an option for drivers who prefer a more traditional driving experience.

Is automatic transmission really the future of driving in Brazil?

Automatic transmission, once considered a luxury or an exaggeration, has become a real trend in Brazil.

It has won over drivers of all types, whether due to its practicality in traffic or the technological innovations that make it even more efficient.

With the growing demand for more affordable and practical cars, this trend is likely to continue to grow, with more models being adapted to suit the tastes of the Brazilian consumer.

The real question is: what will be the next advancement that will make driving in Brazil even more comfortable and intelligent? Will drivers fully embrace new technologies, or will manual transmissions still have their place on Brazilian roads?

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Luiz
Luiz
09/05/2025 09:10

I stopped reading when you mentioned that manual transmissions do not need oil to operate. Maybe you meant that they do not need to be changed. Manual transmissions have long needed to be checked and topped up if necessary, and that is because they need to be changed.
what the automatic needs, even if it is with high mileage.

Eduardo de Souza Jordan
Eduardo de Souza Jordan
09/05/2025 16:53

Manual transmission only for those who like to drive and feel the torque process.
We are dinosaurs, we are ancient, we are the senior drivers.

Alisson Ficher

Journalist graduated in 2017 and working in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines, stints on broadcast TV channels and over 12 online publications. Specialist in politics, jobs, economics, courses, among other topics. Professional registration: 0087134/SP. If you have any questions, want to report an error or suggest a topic on the topics covered on the site, please contact us by email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept resumes!

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