Overhaulin' - why are new car models named for te year after they come out?

why are new car models named for te year after they come out?

like the 2009 camry came out in 2008. why? is it just me, or is this almost confusing? also with centuries... this is called the 21st century, yet the first 2 numbers of the year are 20, which should make it the 20th century, right? Why do people have to make things so confusing?

Public Comments

1. A 2009 model car is produced all through 2009. Whether it comes out in 2008 or not, it's in reference to the main year it will be produced. 2. As far as centuries go, you're not looking at it the right way. 0-100 AD, is the first century. Making 101 AD, 2nd century. It's the second block of 100 years. Right now, is the 21st block of 100 years. From that point, it should be easy to figure out the rest. If you have trouble, read it again. It's not confusing, it's very straight forward.
In addition to Vipassana's answer, many businesses are run according to fiscal years / quarters starting July 1 and ending June 30. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiscal_year
they do it to piss you off, and they know it. they will keep on doing it.