Dealers like to stock fully-equipped cars because the profit markup on accessories and extras is much higher than on the base car. Think of the math: $1000 for the auto trans, $1000 for sun roof, $1000 for leather seats; $1000 for the navigation, etc. Nice profit on these things. This business with the manual not selling well is part of a feedback loop. Few manuals are on dealer lots, so most buyers take what is available then and there rather than wait to order a car made to their specification. Then the dealers congratulate themselves on having done such a great job on judging the buying habits of the general public. One year they will stock mostly purple Volvos, and when they sell, they will be pleased that they were so astute to guess that people liked purple.