"Rebecca Jones" <Rebecca_M._Jones@FFIC.COM> wrote in message news:OF5A6EB606.F35672BC-ON88256C1A.005D802A@mailconnect.com... > Greetings! > > Does anyone have a good method for deriving make and model of vehicle from > the VIN number? I understand the VIN is structured in such a way that this > is possible. > > Many thanks! > Rebecca Jones > rebecca_m._jones@ffic.com

Hi There is a good overview here: http://www.autoinsurancetips.com/vin_number.htm

HTH

a.. 1st character- Identifies the country in which the vehicle was manufactured. For example: U.S.A.(1or4), Canada(2), Mexico(3), Japan(J), Korea(K), England(S), Germany(W), Italy(Z)

a.. 2nd character- Identifies the manufacturer. For example; Audi(A), BMW(B), Buick(4), Cadillac(6), Chevrolet(1), Chrysler(C), Dodge(B), Ford(F), GM Canada(7), General Motors(G), Honda(H), Jaquar(A), Lincoln(L), Mercedes Benz(D), Mercury(M), Nissan(N), Oldsmobile(3), Pontiac(2or5), Plymouth(P), Saturn(8), Toyota(T), VW(V), Volvo(V).

a.. 3rd character- Identifies vehicle type or manufacturing division.

a.. 4th to 8th characters- Identifies vehicle features such as body style, engine type, model, series, etc.

a.. 9th character- Identifies VIN accuracy as check digit.

a.. 10th character- Identifies the model year. For example: 1988(J), 1989(K), 1990(L), 1991(M), 1992(N), 1993(P), 1994(R), 1995(S), 1996(T), 1997(V), 1998(W), 1999(X), 2000(Y)------2001(1), 2002(2), 2003(3)

a.. 11th character- Identifies the assembly plant for the vehicle.

a.. 12th to 17th characters- Identifies the sequence of the vehicle for production as it rolled of the manufacturers assembly line.