When Mercedes-Benz announced it would no longer offer manual transmissions, we weren't surprised. Over the years, automatic and dual-clutch gearboxes have improved to the point where they not only outperform their three-pedal counterparts but provide superior gas mileage as well.

None of this matters to the enthusiast driver. They argue that rowing your own gears is part of the driving experience. So what if you're a bit slower to 60 mph? It's about being in control and being entertained. BMW M understands this and is one of the few performance brands to offer customers vehicles like the BMW M3, which is available with a manual gearbox.

But does it make sense to continue developing manual transmissions when demand is drying up? Absolutely, says BMW M CEO Frank van Meel.

"It's part of the emotional appeal of our cars, and that's why we love manual gearboxes. The US is the biggest market, and if customers continue to say they want it, then amazing," he told Autocar. While most local motorists couldn't be bothered to shift gear themselves, BMW M fans in the United States adore a stick shift.

Interestingly, the North American market was the sole recipient of the manual-equipped F10 M5. M's CEO said the decision to retain the three-pedal setup has nothing to do with outright performance. "From a technical viewpoint, there's little reason to save it. It's heavier, it's slower and you get worse fuel consumption than the alternative."

It's the customer that's keeping it alive. "It gives a connection to allow them to demonstrate they can tame the beast - and that's the point. We want to keep it," he added.

BMW fans were overjoyed when the German automaker confirmed the new M2 will receive a manual transmission option. The company announced buyers will be able to choose between an eight-speed M Steptronic or the highly desirable six-speed manual.

Frank van Meel shared some interesting statistics surrounding the current generation. "For the M2, every second car is bought with a manual. People want to say they can handle the beast. If they have a way of showing they can do that, then they want it - and a manual gearbox is part of that."

Eager BMW aficionados still have a bit of a wait before they get to see the new M2. Set to launch in October, the littlest M car will reportedly hit showroom floors in April 2023. Based on our experience with the last generation, it will be worth the wait.