Jeff Liebermann wrote:

In the past, it was because stick shifts got better
gas mileage, and were cheaper.
Well, adding more gear ratios and the lock-up torque converter helped the
mileage a bit. Now, I have a hybrid that has a continuously variable
transmission and no torque converter. They use a wet-pack clutch like on a
motorcycle to do the initial start. So, it has all the advantages of a
stick shift, but my family can drive it, too.

Jon