WMI Lookup & VIN Manufacturer Directory
Identify the automotive brand, country of origin, and vehicle category from the first 3 characters of any VIN.
Major World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMI Directory)
ISO 3780 Standard World Manufacturer Identifiers Explained
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) constitutes the first three characters of every standard 17-digit VIN. Maintained under international standard ISO 3780 in collaboration with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International), WMIs prevent duplication among vehicle manufacturers across the globe.
Geographic Character Allocations (Position 1)
The first character identifies the world continental region and nation:
- 1, 4, 5: United States
- 2: Canada
- 3: Mexico
- J: Japan
- K: South Korea
- L: China
- S: United Kingdom
- V: France and Spain
- W: Germany
- Z: Italy
- 6: Australia
- 9: Brazil and South America
Frequently Asked Questions
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) comprises the first three characters of a 17-digit VIN. It uniquely identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, geographic region, country of manufacture, and vehicle division according to ISO 3780 regulations administered by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
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