Also known as: model years · MY
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A manufacturer's annual production period that includes January 1 of a calendar year. If the manufacturer has no annual production period, the model year is the calendar year itself.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Ming Ma purchased a vehicle labeled as the 2024 model year from Marathon Logistics. The manufacturer began its annual production period in late 2023 so that the period included January 1 of the calendar year. Marathon's records confirmed the designation satisfied the definition of model year.
Musa Mensah signed a document reciting it as his last will that listed a 2025 model year truck among assets. The manufacturer had no annual production period, so the model year was the calendar year 2025 itself. Extrinsic evidence revealed the document was created only to induce financing.
Matthew Martinez assigned all rights under a supply contract for 2023 model year delivery vans to Momentum Capital. The manufacturer's annual production period included January 1 of the calendar year. Momentum accepted the assignment and thereby promised performance to the original buyer.
Marcus Mitchell defended his 2022 model year sports car against an attacker. The manufacturer had begun its annual production period before January 1 of the calendar year. The court measured the intended harm against the serious bodily harm standard to determine privilege.
Mariam Mansour sued a manufacturer alleging that the 2018 model year sedan failed to meet state safety standards. Federal motor vehicle regulations governing the same model year preempted the state claim. The court dismissed the action because the federal standard controlled the design choice.
Madison Meyers purchased a 1960 model year automobile whose wheel collapsed due to a latent defect. The manufacturer began its annual production period before January 1 of the calendar year. The court held the maker liable to the ultimate user despite absence of privity.
The model year is the calendar year itself when no annual production period exists.
Supporting sources
…and the independents 6.5%. Standard & Poor (Industrial Surveys, Autos, Basic Analysis, June 25, 1959) 4109. And for the same year the “Big Three” had 86.72% of the total passenger vehicle registrations. Automotive News , 1959 Almanac (Slocum Publishing Co., Inc.) p. 25. The gross inequality of bargaining position…