How Often Do Car Manufacturers Change Body Styles?

The frequency with which car manufacturers change body styles varies depending on the brand, the model, and the market. However, there are some general trends that can be observed.

Full Redesigns

Full redesigns are the most significant type of body style change, and they typically occur every 5-7 years. During a full redesign, the car’s exterior styling, interior design, and powertrain are all updated. This type of change is often accompanied by a new model name or a major revision to the existing name.

Mid-Cycle Refreshes

Mid-cycle refreshes are less extensive than full redesigns, and they typically occur every 2-3 years. During a mid-cycle refresh, the car’s exterior styling may be updated, new features may be added, and the powertrain may be revised. This type of change is often accompanied by a minor revision to the model name, such as the addition of a “Sport” or “Luxury” trim level.

Annual Updates

Annual updates are the least significant type of body style change, and they typically occur every year. During an annual update, the car’s exterior styling may be updated, new colors may be added, and the powertrain may be revised. This type of change is often accompanied by a minor revision to the model name, such as the addition of a “Limited Edition” or “Special Edition” trim level.

Factors that Affect Body Style Change Frequency

There are a number of factors that can affect the frequency with which car manufacturers change body styles. These factors include:

• Brand – Some brands are known for changing body styles more frequently than others. For example, Mercedes-Benz typically changes body styles every 5-7 years, while Toyota may go 10-15 years between full redesigns.
• Model – The type of car also affects how often its body style is changed. For example, sports cars and luxury cars are typically redesigned more frequently than sedans and SUVs.
• Market – The market in which a car is sold can also affect how often its body style is changed. For example, cars sold in Europe are often redesigned more frequently than cars sold in the United States.

Conclusion

The frequency with which car manufacturers change body styles varies depending on a number of factors. However, the general trend is for manufacturers to change body styles more frequently than they did in the past. This is due to the increasing competition in the automotive market and the desire of consumers for new and stylish vehicles.