Yes, the concept of model years in the automotive industry is primarily related to the release and marketing of new car models by manufacturers. The model year of a car is typically designated to indicate the year in which the manufacturer introduces significant updates, design changes, or new features to their vehicles.

The model year is not directly tied to the actual calendar year and can sometimes be released several months before or after the start of the corresponding calendar year. This allows manufacturers to align their production and marketing schedules and create anticipation for new models. It also provides a standardized way for consumers and dealerships to identify and differentiate between different versions of a particular car model.

The decision to trade in a perfectly good car to buy a new one is generally driven by individual consumer preferences, personal financial situations, and the desire to upgrade to a newer model with improved features, technology, or styling. While the model year can influence this decision, it is not specifically related to transit agencies or their vehicle fleets like transit buses and metrorail.

Transit agencies typically operate on longer replacement cycles for their vehicles, often based on factors such as usage, maintenance costs, and regulatory requirements. They consider the overall condition and performance of their existing fleet before making decisions about acquiring new vehicles. These agencies prioritize factors like reliability, efficiency, passenger capacity, and compliance with safety and emission standards rather than the concept of model years seen in the consumer automotive market.