The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code refers to the first three characters of a vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. This coding system is used globally for all motor vehicles to ensure each vehicle can be uniquely traced back to its manufacturer and country of origin.
- Structure: The WMI consists of three alphanumeric characters at the start of the 17-character VIN.
- Purpose: Together with the rest of the VIN, the WMI guarantees uniqueness of vehicle identification for at least 30 years worldwide.
- Assignment: The WMI codes are assigned and maintained under ISO 3780 by national bodies. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), as a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), acts as the official agency responsible for assigning WMI codes to Indian automotive manufacturers.
- International Standards: The relevant standards for VIN and WMI are ISO 3779 (VIN structure/content) and ISO 3780 (WMI assignment).
In summary:
The WMI is an internationally recognized code—integral to every VIN—that enables the identification of a vehicle’s manufacturer globally and is officially assigned in India by BIS
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