When do new car models come out?

As of 2014, new models of vehicles begin arriving at dealerships during late summer through early fall each year. The unofficial launch date is October 1, according to Kelley Blue Book, when manufacturers display vehicles at car shows, but many vehicles are released months before.

Once the new models hit the sales lots, most dealerships offer incentives for buyers to purchase the older models at discounted prices. The fall months especially are the optimal time for consumers to get the best buys on year-old models, according to U.S. News & World Report, since manufacturers are heavily promoting the newer models by the end of the year.