Say what: Thiefs confused by manual transmission

Could having a manual-transmissioned car be a form of a security device, especially in automatic-loving countries like the U.S, China, Canada, and Japan? Two bandits in the U.S were thwarted by the presence of a manual gearbox when they tried to hijack a 2007 Nissan.

Prior to the incident, a 45 year old man dropped of his truck and was picked up by his 24 year old girlfriend. Suddenly, two men appeared on either side of the car, waving a firearm and ordering the couple out of the car, demanding money and a cell-phone; the victims could only offer the latter.

After being intimidated by the manual gearbox, the duo abandoned the car and ran off.