What does VDS mean in automobiles?

[DeCamilla]

Automotive VDS is the second part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It stands for Vehicle Descriptive Section, consisting of six alphanumeric characters. This code is defined by the manufacturer to identify the general characteristics of the vehicle, hence it can also be called the "Vehicle Feature Code." The first character indicates the vehicle series; the second denotes the engine type; the third represents the body shape; and the fourth to sixth characters specify the features of various components. The Vehicle Identification Number consists of three parts: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI); Vehicle Descriptive Section (VDS); and Vehicle Indicator Section (VIS). Rules for setting the VIN: Positions 1-3 (WMI): World Manufacturer Identifier, indicating the manufacturer of the vehicle. The 1st character represents the country of production, allowing direct identification of the vehicle's origin. For example: 1 for USA, J for Japan, S for UK, 2 for Canada, K for Korea, T for Switzerland, 3 for Mexico, L for China, V for France, 4 for USA, R for Taiwan, W for Germany, 6 for Australia, Y for Sweden, 9 for Brazil, Z for Italy. The 2nd character denotes a specific country within a region. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is responsible for assigning country codes. The 3rd character identifies a specific manufacturing plant, assigned by national authorized agencies. If a plant produces fewer than 500 vehicles annually, the third character is 9. Currently, the combination of the 2nd and 3rd characters represents the manufacturer. For example: DC for Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën, SW for SAIC, MW for BMW, CA for FAW, EQ for Dongfeng, TJ for Tianjin. Positions 4-8 (VDS): Vehicle features, describing the type of vehicle, body style, etc. The 4th character indicates the vehicle type. 1 for standard passenger car; 2 for convertible; 3 for luxury car; 4 for compact car; 5 for roadster; 6 for hatchback; 7 for station wagon; 8 for multipurpose vehicle; 9 for short-nose passenger car; 10 for off-road vehicle; 11 for special-purpose vehicle (motorhome, armored car, ambulance, hearse). Types 1-6 are generally referred to as sedans. The 6th character represents the body style code. 1 for five-door hatchback; 2 for station wagon; 3 for four-door sedan. Position 9: Check digit, used to prevent input errors through a specific algorithm. Position 10: Model year, defined by the manufacturer, which may not be the actual production year but usually within one year of it. Position 11: Assembly plant. Positions 12-17: Production sequence number.