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Why Is the Model Year So Early?

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2020 Outlander Sport model year
2020 Outlander Sport
Photo: Mitsubishi Motors

Most automakers have already revealed new 2020 models, even though there are still several months left in 2019. Have you ever stopped to wonder why the model year is so far ahead of time? Here’s a look at what caused this trend.

Factors that contributed to the model year

According to John Wolkonowicz, an independent auto analyst and historian, this trend began in the early 20th century when “Farmers would harvest their crops and sell them every fall.” After they earned their money, farmers would purchase cars, eventually leading to the creation of the model year.

Other contributors to early model year announcements are assembly plants. Bob Kreipke, Ford Motor Co. historian, said that years ago assembly plants “mostly produced in the summer months and then put the cars out for sale in the fall.” This was because cold weather made it difficult for many plants to produce cars in the winter.

However, it wasn’t until post-World War II that October 1 was officially chosen to be the beginning of each model year, according to Wolkonowicz. This date also happened to work well with television. As consumers watched new fall seasons of TV shows, they were also viewing up-and-coming car models.

Today, some automakers reveal new models one or even two years before the corresponding calendar year. This allows them to generate excitement around models and make customers more aware of what vehicles are on the horizon.

It’s interesting knowing the history behind the model year, which actually has more to do with the weather than with cars. Still, it seems that no matter when automakers choose to reveal new cars there will always be enthusiastic fans lining up to drive them first.

Source: Chicago Tribune