The decline of manual transmissions in two graphs — and proof they're coming back

That manual transmissions in vehicles survive in now-permanent status of endangered species-dom will come as no surprise. Despite all the driving benefits and sense of control a manual brings, even most sports cars now sell more automatics than sticks when they offer their drivers the option. (And when they don't, like the Dodge Viper, they don't sell well at all.)

Today, in its annual report on U.S. vehicle fuel efficiency, the Environmental Protection Agency provided a clear snapshot of just how endangered manuals are in two vivid graphs — along with a surprising sliver of hope for those who prefer three pedals to two.

The EPA keeps track of transmissions, engines and other vehicle technologies as part of its mandate to measure vehicle fuel economy — it's up to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to enforce the rules that call for a steady rise of efficiency toward 2025. In 2013, new cars and trucks together averaged 24.1 mpg — a 0.5 mpg increase from 2013, a bit slow considering how far the industry has to climb. That imaginary average vehicle weighed a hair over two tons and had a 227-hp engine; Mazda was the most fuel-efficient full-line brand, while Chrysler-Fiat was the least (thanks to Ram and Jeep.)