Why are model years ahead of the calendar year? (2011, Corvette, sell)

[HemiCoupe]

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

[getmeoutofhere]

Because they ideally want all the 2010's gone by the start of 2011, but can't do it if they don't have 2011 inventory to replace it.

That's the simplest reason.

[Sayantsi]

They can sell the same car longer, so they can say fist year sales are higher and they can sneak in an extra year before refreshes.

[K'ledgeBldr]

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

Because they can.(?)

[Mouser]

Why is there a '64 1/2 Mustang?

Back then it was a production change from the '64
intro models.

Why is there no '83 Corvette?

Re-tooling for the new body style for '84

Because they can.(?) YES

Just because it say's it's a 2011 look at the production date
and be sure to check what's stated on the 'MSO'

I always shy away from the early models until the bugs are
out

[texdav]

I think they realised that a 2010 isn't seen as the same when it bought in 2011 in many peoples minds. Its offially a year old model with no doubt.

[SteveArmy]

The model year starts in September. They could be 'announced' earlier of course

[2RUGGED4YOU]

Originally Posted by Mouser

Why is there a '64 1/2 Mustang?

Back then it was a production change from the '64
intro models.

Why is there no '83 Corvette?

Re-tooling for the new body style for '84

Because they can.(?) YES

Just because it say's it's a 2011 look at the production date
and be sure to check what's stated on the 'MSO'

I always shy away from the early models until the bugs are
out

The '64 1/2 was the intro model unless you are talking about the original prototype/concept car that looks nothing like the finished car produced and sold? Mustang VIN #001 was built on March 9, 1964 and accidentally sold on April 14, 1964 by a salesman who's name was "mud"!LMAO........ A Canadian aircraft pilot fell in love with the car and talked the dofuss salesman into selling it to him 3 days before they were supposed to be displayed at the World Fair and this one was a demo only!LMAO...... Ford tried for two years to get the car back and eventually did but not without offering him whatever he wanted in options on a brand new one in trade. The deal was made and Mustang #001 has been in the Henry Ford Museum ever since! Sorry man, I'm a Mustang nut and own a '65!LOL..... First Mustang (http://www.nzmustang.com/History/1stmustang.htm - broken link)

[golfgod]

stevearmy wrote;

The model year starts in September. They could be 'announced' earlier of course

You're right of course but I thought the question was why that is. As far as I can remember back in the old days the factory people who did the changeover of equipment did it during the summer and many plants shut down for the weeks it took to do the changeover.

Once the new parts were produced and the cars assembled they had to be shipped to dealers to fill the pipeline. When I was a kid in the '50s it was a big deal to take the whole family to the local dealers for the "new model introduction". Usually spread over a couple of weeks in mid September it was something good to look forward to because we were back in school and the World Series hadn't started yet. No regional or other playoffs in those days!

[Drover]

Originally Posted by SteveArmy

The model year starts in September. They could be 'announced' earlier of course

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