It still makes me mad I couldnt get my 2016 Mazda 6 with a manual and moon roof.
Here is a story of a manufacturer that complains that there is no take rate, yet the reason there is no take rate is because they simply don't make them! Catch 22.
First they had a V6 with a manual. They said the v6 had a low take rate, so they opted for a 4 cylinder turbo but still offered a manual. After 3 years they dropped the manual (even though it cost nothing to offer the option since this same engine and transmission was put in one of their most famous cars). Then they claimed that the 2.0 turbo had a low take rate, so they got rid of it and made the car hybrid only. Yet they still make the v6. They still make the 2.0 turbo. And still make the manual. It costs them nothing to mount the **** thing into the chassis and call it a day, they do it in several other models. The "take rate is low" because they don't offer it. Then the come out and say "their most popular model in 2023 is a hybrid". DUH! The hybrid is the only one with heated seats, more than 2 speakers, and a decent options! Of course no one will buy the gas only when its more expensive than their cheaper cars that have more options for less money *****. Company: Honda. Want a decent engine and transmission? Go buy acura for 10-15k more! Heck, I can go buy the k20 turbo with a manual and ecu and harness as a crate motor for 9000$ online FROM HONDA WITH A WARRANTY and just do my own swap.
Toyota does the same thing. They claim the camry take rate is low, yet every v6 camry is presold months in advance! The wait list is thousands of miles long, and guess what..."the v6 sales are low". Hmm I wonder who happned to "restrict their manufacturing" to fudge the numbers. Ah yes, its because we up sell to lexus that only offers the V6 as a base engine, and it has an amazing v6 take rate (wonder why).
These stories that "no one buys them" is a lie, completely made up. Sure, manuals are lower than auto's, and v6's are lower than 4 cylinders, but that has been the case for 20+ years...nothing has changed, what has changed is "how can we keep the price the same or higher while using less".