Control unit and method for providing a manual shift mode

An apparatus for an automatic transmission of a vehicle equipped with a gear selection operating element which enables a user of the vehicle to set different gear stages of the transmission by actuating the gear selection operating element, and with at least one setting operating element which enables the user to change a value of a parameter of a function of the vehicle by actuating the setting operating element when the function of the vehicle is activated, the apparatus comprising:

• a control unit of the vehicle, the control unit being configured to:
• detect an actuation of the gear selection operating element for a duration which is equal to or longer than a threshold duration,
• determine that the function of the vehicle is deactivated, and
• in reaction thereto, arrange that a manual change of a gear of the transmission can be effectuated by actuating the at least one setting operating element, wherein at least one of:
• the function of the vehicle comprises a driver assistance function,
• the function of the vehicle enables an at least partially automated longitudinal guidance of the vehicle,
• the function of the vehicle enables automated limiting and/or automated setting of a travel velocity of the vehicle, wherein the parameter comprises a travel velocity of the vehicle, or
• the function of the vehicle enables an audio playback of audio signals in the vehicle, wherein the parameter comprises a volume of the audio playback.