{
  "id": 12556373,
  "title": "Plant Code (VIN Position 11): Why the Same Make Can Mean Different Factories",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/plant-code-vin-position-11-why-the-same-make-can-mean-different",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-07T05:40:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/vin_lookup_8dbd4710f77e9e/plant-code-vin-position-11-why-the-same-make-can-mean-different-factories-1nbf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Position 11 of a 17-character VIN is a plant code, one character that identifies the specific factory where a vehicle was assembled. This seemingly insignificant character can make a Honda Civic from one plant different from another Civic produced in a different location. While the make and model may appear identical, the plant code distinguishes between various factories that might produce the same vehicle under the same brand name. This post delves into the significance of position 11, its lack of a global lookup table, how NHTSA vPIC reveals plant geographical data, and how to effectively utilize plant data alongside the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI).",
  "summary": "Position 11 of a 17-character VIN is the plant code: one character that names the factory where the vehicle was assembled. It looks minor next to the WMI and the model-year digit, but it is what turns \"a Honda Civic\" into \"a Civic from this plant, not that one.\" Two cars with the same make and model can leave different factories. This post covers what position 11 means, why it is not a global…",
  "key_points": [
    "Position 11 of VIN identifies specific factory where vehicle was assembled",
    "Same make and model can differ based on plant code",
    "NHTSA vPIC provides geographical data on plant locations"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The plant code in a vehicle's VIN reveals that even identical makes and models can have distinct factory origins, potentially affecting part compatibility and production quality.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}