Yamaha quad imported from US, Year 2008, Certificate of Or..

Hi,

I was told that manufacturers of ATVs enter model year as a
(manufacture) year,
so 2008 for a motorcykle/ ATV manufactured in 2007 (June, July and so
on (second half of a year).
Is it true ?
As Certificate of Origin issue date by Yamaha Motor Company (US) is
2007
and Year is 2008.
Local DMV asked for review of documents.
Could you kindly point me to a reference web page
or give your own explanation ?
Mayby Yamaha Motor Corporation has a valid web link for verification
of ATV's data ?

Darius