Rising Popularity of Automatics Leaves Young Drivers Struggling with Stick Shifts

  • Manual transmissions are becoming increasingly rare in America
  • Carjackers struggle with stick shifts
  • Valet parking lots face challenges due to the scarcity of manual transmission drivers
  • Industry consultant Tim Maloney highlights the issue on LinkedIn
  • Dennis Chernyukhin started a manual driving school called SHIFTR
  • Younger people with manual driving skills are in demand at valet parking lots
  • Stick shift sales have rebounded slightly due to younger buyers

As manual transmissions become increasingly rare in America, carjackers are finding it difficult to operate them, and valet parking lots face challenges due to the scarcity of drivers who can handle stick shifts. Industry consultant Tim Maloney highlighted this issue on LinkedIn, leading to a surge in demand for manual transmission drivers. Dennis Chernyukhin started a manual driving school called SHIFTR to address the need. Younger buyers are showing some interest in stick shift sales, but the skill remains rare among the general population.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about the decreasing prevalence of manual transmission vehicles and the rarity of young people who know how to drive them. It includes various anecdotes from different individuals in the industry and discusses potential reasons for the decline and possible future implications.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides a detailed account of the declining trend of manual transmission cars and the challenges faced by individuals who drive them. It includes personal anecdotes, industry insights, and examples to support the narrative. However, the focus on stick shift cars and the experiences of individuals may not be relevant or significant to all readers, leading to a slightly higher noise level.·
Private Companies: SpotHero,ProPark Mobility,Lux Valet,SHIFTR
Key People: Tim Maloney (industry consultant), Garrett Williams (actuary), Ricardo Salazar (car parker), Jaden Lamar (co-owner of Lux Valet), Dennis Chernyukhin (founder of SHIFTR)

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Car manufacturers and valet parking services
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the decline in manual transmission vehicles and its impact on valet parking services, as well as the potential market for manual driving schools. It also mentions a slight rebound in stick shift sales among younger buyers due to safety concerns and increased attention while driving.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: ·

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