What does the 17-digit VIN represent?
2 Answers
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) consists of 17 digits and letters, divided into six main sections. Extended information: 1、Section 1: 3 codes represent the country of manufacture, manufacturer, and vehicle type, identified by numbers or letters (positions 1~3). 2、Section 2: 5 codes indicate vehicle characteristics, defined by manufacturers—refer to manuals for details (positions 4~8). 3、Section 3: Check digit, represented by a letter or number, determined by manufacturers (position 9). 4、Section 4: Model year code, using letters/numbers per international standards (position 10). 5、Section 5: Assembly plant and location code, assigned by manufacturers (position 11). 6、Section 6: Serial number, manufacturer-defined (positions 12~17).
The 17-digit combination of letters and numbers in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) acts like a car's ID number, with each position holding specific meanings. The first digit represents the country of production, for example, L stands for China and J for Japan. The second digit usually indicates the manufacturer, with different letters corresponding to different brands. The third digit denotes the vehicle type category, revealing whether it's a sedan, SUV, or truck. Digits 4 to 8 are the vehicle descriptor section, containing information like the engine model and body type. The 9th digit is a check digit used for anti-counterfeiting purposes. The 10th digit is particularly important as it indicates the production year; for instance, P represents 2023 and R stands for 2024. The 11th digit is the assembly plant code. The last 6 digits are the production sequence number, essentially the vehicle's birth number. Remembering these details makes it much easier to check maintenance records or purchase parts.
