Which digit in the VIN represents the year?
1 Answers
A VIN consists of 17 digits. Initially, manufacturers assigned a specific letter to each vehicle for identification purposes. The 10th digit from the left represents the corresponding manufacturing year. This digit can be either a number or a letter, and the year it signifies varies by country or region. In China, it consists of A-H, J, K, L, M, N, P, V, W, X, Y, plus 1-9, and cycles every 30 years. Additional information: 1. The first three digits of the VIN are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), which is assigned by international or national authorities. The WMI code must be applied for, approved, and registered by the respective country before use. The WMI is designated by a national authority to identify a specific manufacturer using a combination of letters or digits, ensuring the uniqueness of the manufacturer's identification through the first, second, and third digits. 2. The Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) is the second part of the VIN (digits 4-9). The VDS consists of six digits and should identify the general characteristics of the vehicle. The order of these codes is determined by the manufacturer and includes features such as the type, series, body style, engine type, and restraint system type for passenger cars. 3. The Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS) is the third part of the VIN (digits 10-17) and is assigned by the manufacturer according to international conventions.