[gmtx725]

In the UK manuals are still significantly cheaper, so the bottom end of the market prefers them as well as the petrol heads

[Symbiote]

It's not really a preference if it's only what you can afford. People who only buy second-hand cars will naturally end up with whatever was new 5 years ago, which will gradually include more automatic ICE cars, hybrids and EVs.

[gmtx725]

not 100% disputing what you're saying and im sure more automatics/EVs etc will gradually filter in. BUT it's not just an affordability thing lots of people just prefer cheaper cars and would prefer to put their disposable income elsewhere.