In a recent comparative study, Lada, Tesla and Mahindra stood out as the brands with the oldest overall model ranges. The analysis, conducted by an analyst at JATO Dynamics and reported on Motor1, shines a light on how the age of a car lineup varies across manufacturers and markets. The study aimed to quantify the longevity of a brand’s current generation lineup by looking at when each model first premiered in production, deliberately excluding mid-cycle updates and minor restyling changes to ensure a consistent measure of generational age.
Across 705 models from 27 major manufacturers worldwide, the research highlights notable differences in how quickly brands refresh their lineups. The Chinese auto industry, a significant player in the market, was not fully represented in this sample. The methodology focused on the official premiere date of the next-generation production model as the benchmark for the age of a brand’s range, rendering a clear picture of how long manufacturers rely on existing platforms before introducing fresh generations to the market.
Among the brands, Lada emerged as the one with the oldest model range, averaging 18.9 years per model. In second place, American-made Tesla records an average of 7.8 years, with the current lineup comprising four models and the latest addition dating from March 2019. The Indian automaker Mahindra follows closely, displaying a similar duration on average, reflecting that its product releases stretch back to the early 2000s in many markets and continue to influence its current catalog.
Meanwhile, the list of younger model ranges features brands from Japan and China. Isuzu, Xpeng, and NIO each demonstrate a markedly shorter span between generations, averaging about 2.6 years per brand for the models included in the study. This contrast underscores how different strategies—ranging from rapid refresh cycles to slower, more conservative generational updates—shape a brand’s perceived innovation and market responsiveness in the eyes of buyers and analysts alike.
Earlier statements from industry executives touched on regional production strategies and alliances. For example, Maxim Sokolov, head of AvtoVAZ, indicated interest in organizing the production of C- and D-class vehicles with partners from friendly countries. Industry observers note this could involve collaboration with non-state Chinese car companies, reflecting a broader trend toward international partnerships to expand portfolio breadth and share development costs. These remarks, reported by various outlets including socialbites.ca, illustrate how manufacturers are seeking diverse sourcing and co-development arrangements to balance growth, technology adoption, and regional demand as markets evolve.