If you’ve ever worked in the auto industry, or even did the research for buying a car, then you may have once heard the term model year. However, it’s an odd term that sometimes seems a little unnecessary. Aren’t all 2015 cars released in the year 2015? Well, yes and no. The Chrysler Pacifica was released as a 2017 model sometime early-mid 2016. So a model year is a little different.
What is a Model Year?
Unlike a regular calendar year where an event in 2017 will always be known as 2017, a model year simply relates to when a car is the most available. This is because auto production for many vehicles today takes place in the late summer, and sometimes as early as July. Following its production, a vehicle is usually released soon thereafter, as early as the following fall season.
So, a 2018 model could be made available in the fall of 2017, like the 2018 Kia Stinger we’re still waiting on. In fact, several Kia models have already been released as a 2018 model year, including the Kia Sportage and Kia Sorento. Like the Kia Stinger, the 2018 Kia Optima is on the horizon, as is the Kia Niro PHEV and Kia Stonic. Don’t be surprised if you see either of these in show rooms by October. Regardless, a 2018 model year vehicle is typically available all of the 2018 calendar year and onward, even if the next model year vehicle technically replaces it. It’s not like dealerships pull a lever and empty 2016 inventory when 2017 rolls around — but they are looking to get as many new vehicles in stock as they can, and that’s wherein the trick lies for the “best time to buy a car”.