Why Do Vehicles Have Model Years?

In this answer session, Aaron answers a question from a reader. This one is about the vehicle model and year convention.

This is an interesting question from a fan. It both made me realize that some conventions we take for granted are not always clear to those who aren’t in the business and that tradition often plays more of a role than we think. So here’s a lengthy, but multi-part answer as to why we have vehicle model years.

Aaron Turpen
An automotive enthusiast for most of his adult life, Aaron has worked in and around the industry in many ways. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP), the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), and freelances as a writer and journalist around the Web and in print. You can find his portfolio at AaronOnAutos.com.