#SaveTheManuals

Sadly, manual transmissions are a dying breed. For many, the convenience of an automatic far outweighs the many advantages of driving stick, from the lower cost of the car, to improved driving enjoyment and vehicle control, to better fuel economy (although those pesky dual-clutch units are starting to make this argument obsolete).

With the launch of its new Coupe model, MINI is continuing to push ahead with its “ Manualhood” marketing campaign, releasing a campy new video styled after a 1950s public service announcement. Titled “Becoming a Manual” the PSA outlines that this important stage in growing up. “Manualhood is when your body is craving more exhilaration than an automatic can provide,” explains the gym teacher.

Plus, the video highlights the many advantages to driving stick, like improved fuel economy, heightened driving enjoyment and a lower price. It even explains just how easy operating a clutch-and-paddle transmission is. And of course, there’s plenty of humor tossed in.

Still not sure you’re ready to drive stick? Thankfully MINI has also provided a “Becoming a Manual” handbook, which you can download from the brand’s Facebook page here.

Watch the video after the jump:

When the Scion iQ city car goes on sale this October it will be offered exclusively with a CVT transmission. That, however, is likely to change admits brand boss Jack Hollis

With less than 10 percent of vehicles sold today equipped with manual transmissions, and an even greater number being taken off the road, Car and Driver magazine is on a campaign to “Save the Manuals”.

C/D Editor-in-Chief Eddie Alterman has this World Vision-esque video admonishing viewers to save old cars with manual gearboxes from rotting in the junkyard, or worse, LeMons races.

Really, the best thing would be to keep buying new cars with manual transmissions. Buying up used cars with stick shifts won’t make any car companies take notice, but if a whole lot of new cars start selling with manual gearboxes, supply with start to match demand. Vote with your wallets folks.

Hit the jump to watch the video

[Source: Car and Driver]