VIN Country Codes of the Vehicles

Vehicle Identification Numbers  are a 17-digit code assigned to all vehicles showing significant information on the car. They were initially made mandatory for all vehicles in 1980 by the International Organization for Standardization.VINsare currently considered similar to the vehicle’s fingerprints. Global requirements maintain that manufacturers cannot change the number assigned for 30 years, which is longer than the typical lifespan of cars today, aside from the technical information about model features, the operation of the car's history,  and details on where the vehicle was manufactured.  

Where to find the Vehicle VIN 

Before purchasing the vehicle, it is essential to look at the  VIN  for liability reasons to confirm everything the seller has claimed is factual.AVIN check  is important as these unique vehicle identifiers, set at the factories during production on specific areas of the car, can reveal the car's complete history and any potential issues that might not be visible. Similarly, one may check the vehicle's VIN Country Code list. These unique vehicle identifiers are set at the factories during production on specific areas of the car. The VIN is stamped on plates of a unique format called nameplates and on the chassis.

Manufacturers also have the right to place identifiers on different areas of the body or machine units to ascertain where the VIN is in each model. They can be found on the dash next to the windshield, steering column, steering wheel under the hood, and bracket supporting the radiator. 

Ascertaining the manufacturer’s County using the VIN 

The car’s VIN country code is the best way to determine the nation the manufacturer comes from. The first three digits represent the World Manufacturer Identifier. In this case, the first digit shows the country of origin; the second illustrates the manufacturer and location of construction. The first digit, along with the first two, shows the vehicle type. The fourth to eighth digits show a description of the vehicle. These are based on local regulations to determine vehicle model type and body styling.

Every manufacturer has a particular system for this section. The ninth digit is the check digit that is mandatory for all vehicles. It is a validation for computers to inform if there is an issue. The 10th digit shows the model year in which the car was made. 

VIN Country Codes

The first two symbols represent the VIN Country of origin. 

Asian VIN Number Country Codes  and the linked nations

Africa VIN Country Codes  and the linked nations

AA- AH    South Africa 

CA- CE    Benin       

DL- DR    Zambia

AJ - AN    Cote d’Ivoire

CF- CK    Madagascar 

EA- EE    Ethiopia

BA - BE   Angola     

CL- CR    Tunisia     

EF- EK      Mozambique

BF- BK    Kenya      

DA- DE    Egypt       

FA- FE     Ghana

BL- BR    Tanzania  

DF- DK    Morocco  

FF- FK     Nigeria

Europe VIN Country Codes and linked nations

The VINs for Europe cover SA to SM and are from the United Kingdom, which means they were manufactured there. For European models, the first character may identify the country where the headquarters of the vehicle’s manufacturer is found.

North American VIN Country Codes and linked nations

South American VIN Country Codes and linked nations

From the list, 1, 4, and 5 are the codes given to the United States. All vehicles which have these were initially made in the United States.

Oceania VIN Country Codes and linked nations

Standard codes and manufacturing hubs

Japan

Japan is the largest hub of car automakers, considering the nation hosts the headquarters for Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Honda, and Isuzu. Most of these automakers use the VIN number country code J to show models made in Japan. The code is also synonymous with brands that are renowned for their efficiency and fit-for-purpose approach.

United States

Brands such as GM, Chrysler, Ford, Jeep, and Tesla utilize the VIN country code 1 because it signifies vehicles built in the United States. Typically, this code is associated with cars valued for money, having off road capability, and being used by families. The United States is also becoming well-known for electric car brands, so this code may be associated with electric-powered models.

Germany 

Brands like  Porsche,  Audi,  Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, and BMW mainly use the VIN number country code W to show models with that engineering. Most Germanic brands are linked to performance, handling, luxury, and premium driving experiences. 

South Korea 

The leading manufacturers in Korea are Hyundai and Kia, so they use the VIN country code K to illustrate vehicles out of this region. It is a sign of efficient cars, much like the Japanese models, but also combines it with style and technology. 

Italy

Italy is home to exotic performance brands such as Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. These use the VIN country code Z to indicate they are hand-built Italian cars. This code is meant to represent uniqueness, performance, racing heritage, and supercar design in most cases. 

Safety Ratings

Safety ratings and the requirements for crash tests before a model is deemed safe for operation vary depending on the country. Some nations have higher quality requirements than others, leading to differences when it comes to real-world crashes. The  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety do extensive crash testing for cars manufactured in the United States. Models that have top ratings indicate great results in the event of a crash, meaning their passengers will likely be well protected. On the other hand, Southeast Asian markets might not have the same level of safety or crash testing. The cars manufactured in these areas also tend to rate poorly when tested with the same metrics as those made in the United States or Europe. 

It creates a perception that models designed for Europe and North America usually offer more protection. Cross-market variations may also, unfortunately, feature the same problems. For example, a Thailand spec, Isuzu, may not have the same results on the Global NCAP tests compared to one manufactured for the United Kingdom market. 

Knowing these differences goes a long way to helping buyers gauge the proper safety of a vehicle rather than assuming all models have the exact specifications. It also shows the importance of improving crash testing globally as opposed to niche markets where the models were initially manufactured. 

Pricing Considerations 

The country of origin also affects its sticker rate and ability to retain value. In certain nations, there is a reputation for higher quality and reliability, reflected in the value of the used car. German or Japanese vehicles typically get higher prices if they are resold compared to American models of the same age. Knowing where the car comes from can also show how well it will perform and the rate at which it will be sold later. Aside from perceptions of quality and availability, VIN country codes can also show the potential for used car inventory in specific markets. For example, Toyota models from Japan might have an abundant used inventory in North America at an affordable rate due to their brand perception. Niche models from Italy or Europe can indicate higher prices on the market. They may also fetch a higher insurance premium.