How Dealers Can Make the Most of Model Year-End Opportunities

Dealers can make the most of model year-end opportunities by identifying remaining model-year inventory that needs additional support, developing aggressive offers, and coordinating their messaging across advertising channels. With 2027 vehicles already arriving or expected soon, now is the time to begin planning.

Remaining model-year vehicles are still new, but shoppers may view them differently as newer models arrive. Waiting until they become an inventory concern can limit the time available to develop offers and build an effective campaign.

When Should Dealers Begin Planning a Model Year-End Strategy?

Dealers should begin planning before the remaining model-year inventory becomes a larger concern. The right timeline will depend on current inventory, how quickly vehicles are selling, available incentives, and when incoming models are expected to arrive.

When discussing your model year-end strategy with your marketing agency, start with these questions:

• What does our current 2027 pipeline look like, and when will those vehicles arrive?
• Which remaining model-year vehicles could become a larger concern over the next 30 to 60 days?
• Are aggressive dealership or manufacturer offers available for those models?
• When should additional advertising support begin?

These answers can help determine which vehicles to prioritize and when the dealership should begin increasing its marketing support.

What Should Model Year-End Messaging Include?

Model year-end messaging should give shoppers a clear and compelling reason to consider a remaining model-year vehicle now. Depending on available inventory and incentives, messaging could highlight:

• Low-rate financing options
• Competitive lease offers
• Additional savings off MSRP
• Trade-in opportunities
• A dedicated dealership sales event

Some shoppers want the newest model, while others find greater value in the additional savings available on a remaining model-year vehicle. The right message positions a remaining model-year vehicle as a strong value for shoppers who are ready to buy.

How Can The Moran Group Support the Strategy?

The Moran Group can help dealers turn inventory priorities into a dedicated marketing plan. We review the current strategy, recommend adjustments based on existing inventory and the incoming pipeline, and align messaging around specific models and offers.

That message will be consistent across paid search, social media, the dealership website, email, and other relevant channels. Reaching shoppers across multiple touchpoints keeps the dealership and its offers top of mind as customers research vehicles and move closer to a decision.

Now is the time to begin discussing inventory priorities, available offers, and campaign timing with your marketing agency. Contact The Moran Group to start planning a model year-end strategy for your dealership.