World Manufacturer Identifiers Explained
What is a World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)?
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This crucial segment identifies the vehicle's manufacturer and country of origin, serving as an international manufacturer code that allows vehicles to be traced to their source regardless of where they are registered or operated.
WMIs are assigned by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in North America and by national agencies in other countries, all working under guidelines established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
WMI Structure and Decoding
Each of the three characters in the WMI has a specific meaning:
- 1st Position
Identifies the geographic region or country of the manufacturer.
- 2nd Position
Identifies the specific manufacturer within that country or region.
- 3rd Position
Often indicates the vehicle type or manufacturing division.
Example Analysis
WMI: 1HD
- 1: United States (North America)
- H: Harley-Davidson
- D: Motorcycle division
Geographic Region Codes (1st Character)
North America
- 1: United States
- 2: Canada
- 3: Mexico
- 4: United States
- 5: United States
South America
- 8: Argentina, Brazil, Chile
- 9: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela
Asia
- J: Japan
- K: Korea (South)
- L: China
- M: India, Indonesia, Thailand
- N: Iran, Pakistan, Turkey
- R: Taiwan, UAE, Vietnam
Europe
- S: United Kingdom, Germany, Poland
- T: Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary
- V: Austria, France, Spain
- W: Germany
- X: Russia, Netherlands, Bulgaria
- Y: Belgium, Finland, Sweden
- Z: Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia
Major Manufacturer Codes (1st + 2nd Characters)
North American
- 1G: General Motors USA
- 1F: Ford USA
- 1C: Chrysler USA
- 1J: Jeep USA
- 1H: Honda USA
- 1T: Toyota USA
- 1N: Nissan USA
- 2G: General Motors Canada
- 2F: Ford Canada
- 3G: General Motors Mexico
Asian
- JH: Honda Japan
- JT: Toyota Japan
- JN: Nissan Japan
- JM: Mazda Japan
- JS: Suzuki Japan
- JF: Subaru Japan
- JA: Isuzu Japan
- KN: Hyundai Korea
- KM: Kia Korea
- LF: BYD China
European
- WV: Volkswagen Germany
- WB: BMW Germany
- WM: Mercedes-Benz Germany
- WA: Audi Germany
- WP: Porsche Germany
- VF: Renault, Peugeot, Citroën
- VS: Jaguar, Land Rover
- YV: Volvo Sweden
- ZA: Alfa Romeo Italy
- ZF: Ferrari Italy
Special WMI Cases
Small Volume Manufacturers
Manufacturers that produce fewer than 1,000 vehicles per year are assigned a "9" as the third character of their WMI. In these cases, the 12th, 13th, and 14th positions of the VIN also become part of the manufacturer identification.
For example:
- WP0: Porsche (larger volume)
- WP1: Porsche SUVs
- WP9: Small volume Porsche models
Multi-Stage Manufacturers
Vehicles completed by a secondary manufacturer (such as commercial trucks, ambulances, etc.) may have distinct WMIs to indicate both the chassis manufacturer and the final assembler.
For example:
- A Ford truck chassis completed by a specialized coach builder
- A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van upfitted as an ambulance
- A recreational vehicle built on a Chevrolet chassis
Practical Applications of WMI Knowledge
Vehicle History Verification
The WMI can reveal if a vehicle was actually manufactured where it claims to be from. This helps identify potential title washing or VIN cloning where criminals attempt to disguise stolen vehicles.
Global Vehicle Tracking
Law enforcement agencies worldwide use WMIs to quickly identify the origin of vehicles involved in international crimes or trafficking.
Parts Compatibility
Mechanics and parts suppliers can use the WMI to confirm the original manufacturing specifications, which is especially helpful when ordering components for imported vehicles.
Import/Export Compliance
Customs officials use WMIs to verify the declared country of origin for vehicles being imported or exported, ensuring proper tariffs and compliance with trade agreements.