because not everyone knows how to drive a manual

Modern automatics have lockup torque converters, which provide a direct mechanical connection between the engine and transmission. Along with an overdrive top gear, it gives the slushbox good fuel economy. Besides, how can you shift gears while you put on make-up, breast-feed, talk on the cell phone and run motorcycles off the road? IT’S JUST TOO MUCH TO DO! NOBODY CAN HANDLE THAT MUCH PRESSURE!

Automatic transmission was invented to make driving easier and more convenient. It’s not down to any collusion between oil companies and manufacturers, never has been. You can safely take this conspiracy theory outside and shoot it.

Auto boxes can also be just as economical as a manual, if you know how to use them. It’s a bit demanding tho and rather takes away the whole point of an auto box in the first place. Conversely, if you use a manual badly, they can use more fuel than an auto.

Conspiracy? Even I am suspicious of some things, but that is paranoia.
People are lazy and don’t want to shift. Especially in big cities where you can sit in traffic for 20 miles.
Besides, with technology and CVT transmissions, you can get equal fuel economy in an automatic vs. a manual.

well with modern cars, there is very little or no difference in fuel economy between manual or automatic cars. Just check out all the EPA ratings for modern cars.

Also, auto manufacturers are moving towards automatic transmissions, since the technology is getting better. Just check out exotic cars such as a Ferrari F430 or Bugatti Veyron. They don’t even come with manual transmission anymore.

Finally, more automatics are sold in the US and Japan. In Europe, more manuals are sold.

Automatic transmission is easier to handle and I guess that’s more important to people than saving fuel.

It is also more difficult to learn to drive with. An automatic transmission is extremely simple, and beginners can learn to use it very quickly.
Also, I think the new automatic transmission with paddle shifters is pretty cool, although some people prefer to have a clutch.