World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMI): The First Three Characters of Every VIN
The WMI is a globally unique three-character code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer. Here is how the system works and what the codes mean.
The first three characters of any VIN form the World Manufacturer Identifier — a globally unique code assigned by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) under the ISO 3780 standard. Every automaker that sells vehicles anywhere in the world has at least one WMI. Large manufacturers with high production volumes may hold dozens.
How WMI Codes Are Structured
Position 1 is the geographic region code. The alphabet is divided among world regions:
- 1–5: United States
- 2: Canada
- 3: Mexico and Central America
- J–R: Asia (Japan, South Korea, China, India, etc.)
- S–Z: Europe
- A–H: Africa
- 6–7: Oceania
- 8–9: South America
Position 2 identifies the manufacturer within that region. Position 3 narrows it further to a vehicle type, division, or plant category.
The 500-Vehicle Rule
Manufacturers that produce fewer than 500 vehicles per year get a special WMI: position 3 is always the digit 9, and positions 12–14 of the VIN are used to further identify the manufacturer. This allows small-volume producers to use the system without consuming a full WMI block.
Common WMI Examples
Some of the most recognizable WMIs include:
- 1G1 — GM Chevrolet passenger cars, United States
- 1HG — Honda passenger cars, United States
- JTD — Toyota passenger cars, Japan
- WBA — BMW AG, Germany
- SAL — Land Rover, United Kingdom
Looking Up Any WMI
Our WMI lookup tool covers the full NHTSA vPIC database — over 10,000 WMI codes from manufacturers in every country. Each WMI page shows the manufacturer name, vehicle type, country of origin, and all known vehicles associated with that code. You can also browse manufacturers directly on the manufacturers page.
Why WMIs Change Over Time
When a manufacturer opens a new plant in a different country, or when a brand changes hands, the WMI changes. A Toyota built in the United States at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant will have a WMI starting with 1 or 4, not J (Japan). The VIN always reflects where the vehicle was assembled, not where the brand originates.