By Steven Symes 
With a new sheriff in town, things are different inside Aston Martin and that apparently means the manual transmission will be resurrected for future models. That’s according to CEO Adrian Hallmark, who’s been the top boss only since the beginning of October 2024.
In other good news, gas prices are at a four year low.
In just a few months he’s assessed the field and has a spate of plans to get the storied British automotive brand back on track. The man is serious about getting the ship going in the right direction and he has a track record of doing just that.
After all, he was Chairman and CEO of Bentley, helping to bring that storied British automotive brand back from the brink. That also means the man understands what ultra-luxury shoppers want.
That doesn’t always mean convenience, because a manual transmission is anything but. What Hallmark understands is enthusiasts gravitate to Aston Martin and they want the third pedal in their cars.
Speaking with the media, he said when developing something with “sportiness and real, purist sports-car experience, we need a manual.” We love that kind of talk. He apparently then acknowledged that a nearby Vantage comes with a manual transmission, remarking “it needs to be different.”
It sounds like he’s already working inside the company to develop a regular, possibly better manual for the Vantage and other Aston Martin models. After all, the manual option is only available at the moment in limited-run models instead of regular production vehicles.
Some automakers have been standing by manual transmissions, and when it comes to premium performance offerings, they seem to do well. Hallmark clearly understands Aston Martin is losing sales to competitors who will give enthusiasts what they want.
After all, why would anyone shell out a fortune for a vehicle that doesn’t have everything they desire? It doesn’t make sense.
Just don’t expect a quick turnaround on the issue. Hallmark made it clear the beginning of the change is a year to a year and a half away.
Source: Motor1
Image via Aston Martin