For example, the shift control sensors detect acceleration and prepare for the coming up shift by actuating the next gear in the sequence on the parallel gear shaft, but leaving the clutch open until the driver manually shifts. The same process occurs in reverse as speeds decrease and the transmission prepares for a downshift.

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Interest in dual clutch transmissions is primarily a European phenomenon. In North America, automatic hydraulic clutch systems make up the dominant share of the market. They may seem a brilliant element in vehicle engineering, as they operate themselves without use of a third pedal, however they result in higher fuel consumption when compared to a manual transmission.

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