Why are model years ahead of the calendar year? (buy, cars, 2011)

[Dub D]

Originally Posted by Drover

Announced earlier, and sold earlier too. Some 2011s are already on the lots.

Any sites where I can see where 2011 models are suppose to be released?

[Nativechief]

short answer is it is a way to sell more cars.

[dkf747]

I have a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan built in March 2004.

[Chango]

Originally Posted by HemiCoupe

For example, why do 2011 cars release in 2010? I always wondered this.

As others have said it's a sales ploy, which helps a model sell for longer without feeling "old" to the consumer.

[djmilf]

Golfgod may be on the right track...the automotive model year may traditionally be related to when the assembly lines get re-tooled for the new production run.

It may also have something to do with the shifted fiscal year that corporations use, from October 1st to September 30th.

But I found a plausible answer on Wikipedia: cars are mostly advertised on television and as the new television season starts in mid September the automobile companies bring out their new models to coincide with the new TV shows.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Dub D

Any sites where I can see where 2011 models are suppose to be released?

None that I know of off-hand.

[Deez Nuttz]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

Why is there a '64 1/2 Mustang?
Why is there no '83 Corvette?)

Why is there a 70 1/2 Camaro?

Why were some Camaros built in '70 but had '69 bodies?

I know why, but who cares, it's a good thing they were still building '69 Camaro bodies in 1970.

[car54]

Some types of vehicles (in some states) have a service life mandated by law....like school buses and taxicabs. Our fleet of school buses must be disposed of after 15 years of service.

So the manufacturers will bump up the model year so fleet owners can keep 'em longer. We've been driving our new 2011 buses for a few months now...

[Tennesseestorm]

Here is something funny...

My 1991 Chevrolet Caprice Classic was made in April of 1990.

My 1990 Buick Century was made
in June of 1990. The Buick is 2 months newer, but its a older model year.

This was because the body style for the Caprice was new for 1991, but it was available in early 1990 so they made it a 1991 model. I have seen other cars like this over the years. Seems kinda odd though.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by Deez Nuttz

Why is there a 70 1/2 Camaro?

Why were some Camaros built in '70 but had '69 bodies?

I know why, but who cares, it's a good thing they were still building '69 Camaro bodies in 1970.

That one's been argued forever! That's why I didn't mention it in my original post.
And I did run across this (myth?)-

BUSTING the 70 1/2 Z28 Camaro MYTH [Archive] - Camaro Forums - Chevy Camaro Enthusiast Forum