There are lots of reasons why people might prefer manual to automatic transmissions, writes Brian Byrne. Cost, economy, perceived more 'sporty' driving are among them.
But a woman in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, has another reason. Theft deterrent.
Two teenagers who tried to hijack her car after they grabbed her keys in a shopping centre parking lot fled on foot when they found it had a manual shifter and three pedals ... because they didn't know how to drive it.
They were picked up by police afterwards and charged with attempted car-jacking.