Decoding the VIN: A Vehicle’s Unique Story

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character alphanumeric code that serves as the unique identifier for each vehicle. This code encapsulates a wealth of information, including the vehicle’s manufacturer, specifications, and origin. The VIN is essentially the storybook of a vehicle, chronicling everything from its production to its present state.

The Rise of Online VIN Decoder Services

Online VIN decoder services have revolutionized the way we access and interpret this vital information. These web-based platforms use advanced algorithms to translate the VIN into a detailed vehicle report. They offer a convenient, swift, and accurate method to glean comprehensive data about a vehicle’s lineage and characteristics.

In-Depth Vehicle Insights

Online VIN decoders provide an array of information that is crucial within the automotive sector:

• Manufacturing Details: Uncover the vehicle’s make, model, year of production, and assembly location.
• Technical Specifications: Gain insights into engine size, horsepower, transmission type, and other mechanical aspects.
• Vehicle History: Track the vehicle’s ownership history, accident records, and service logs.
• Safety and Recall Information: Access critical data on safety features, crash test ratings, and manufacturer recalls.

Applications in the Automotive Sector The utilization of VIN decoders spans across various domains within the automotive industry:

• Dealerships and Resale Markets: Enhance transparency in vehicle transactions and valuations.
• Automotive Repair and Maintenance: Facilitate precise identification of parts and maintenance history.
• Vehicle Insurance and Financing: Provide accurate vehicle information for policy underwriting and loan processing.
• Regulatory Compliance and Law Enforcement: Aid in vehicle tracking, registration, and legal investigations.

Choosing the Right VIN Decoder Service

Selecting an appropriate VIN decoder web service requires consideration of several factors:

• Data Accuracy and Comprehensiveness: Ensure that the service provides detailed and reliable information.
• User Experience: Look for an intuitive interface and ease of use.
• Integration Capabilities: Consider how well the service integrates with existing systems in your business.
• Cost and Subscription Models: Evaluate the cost-effectiveness and subscription plans offered.

The Future of VIN Decoding

The future of VIN decoding is intertwined with advancements in digital technology. With the integration of AI and machine learning, these services are poised to offer even more precise and predictive insights, shaping the future of vehicle management and automotive research.

Conclusion

Online VIN decoder web services are more than just digital tools; they are essential components in the modern automotive sector. They provide a window into the life and legacy of vehicles, fostering informed decision-making and contributing to the overall advancement of the automotive industry.

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According to the officially released ratings, the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre has an EPA Combined range of up to 291 miles in the base version with 22-inch wheels. That’s roughly 30 miles more than the 260+ miles expected initially, although still less than the preliminary WLTP rating of 323 miles (520 km) in Europe. WLTP numbers are usually slightly higher than EPA.

The EPA lists a total of four Rolls-Royce Spectre versions. The one with 23-inch wheels has a driving range of 266 miles, while the Black Badge edition respectively 280 miles (22-inch wheels) and 264 miles (23-inch wheels).

Overall, it seems like enough, but not even close to the longest-range luxury models, like the Lucid Air or Mercedes-Benz EQS.

Basic specs

* unofficial values (101.7 kWh of usable and 105.7 kWh of total battery capacity, we guess)

According to the previous reports, the Rolls-Royce Spectre is equipped with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery, which supports the speculation about the battery pack shared with the BMW i7 (101.7 kWh usable and 105.7 kWh total). Also, the DC fast charging numbers (up to 195 kilowatts and 10-80% charging time in 34 minutes) are the same as in the case of the BMW i7. After all, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BMW Group.

For reference, the BMW i7 xDrive60 has an EPA Combined range of 298-317 miles depending on the wheels (19-22 inches).

The Rolls-Royce Spectre has a dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain, rated at 430 kilowatts and up to 900 Nm of torque. That’s enough to achieve a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 4.4 seconds, despite the weight of 6,559 lbs (2,975 kg).

Energy consumption, including charging losses, of the Rolls-Royce Spectre with 22-inch wheels, is estimated at 81 MPGe or about 416 watt-hours per mile. The 23-inch wheels increase the energy consumption by 9.3%.

The base result is roughly a tenth higher than the BMW i7 AWD (21-inch) energy consumption, although considering the boxy front, higher weight and bigger wheels of the Rolls-Royce Spectre, it’s not unexpected.

The Black Badge edition consumes a few percent of additional energy, which slightly reduces the range, but that’s probably meaningless for customers who want a different appearance.

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre 22-inch

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre 23-inch

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge 22-inch

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge 23-inch

Pricing

The Rolls-Royce Spectre is positioned between Cullinan and Phantom models and is priced between the two.

The pricing is not publicly available in the same way as in the case of mainstream cars, but we know that the base price is $420,000 (plus a $2,750 destination charge) and goes way up, beyond $500,000 with options.

The first customer deliveries around the world start in Q4 2023.

Gallery: 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre

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An off-road-oriented TrailSport model reflects the burlier design of the new Pilot, with a body-color C-pillar and integrated roof spoiler that calls to mind the old Isuzu Rodeo while still being refreshingly modern. 

Honda revised the 3.5-liter V-6 to reduce emissions, while it gooses output from 280 hp to 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That said, the heavier, larger model dips 1 mpg in the EPA ratings versus last year, to 19 mpg city, 25 highway, 21 combined with available all-wheel drive. The 10-speed automatic helps real-world efficiency, and it flicks so quickly and smoothly as to be nearly unnoticeable, except on the occasional downshift. The new all-wheel-drive system sends up to 70% of the torque to the rear axle, and torque vectoring apportions it to the wheels with the most grip for more traction on and off road.

TrailSport models add a Trail mode that let the 18-inch all-terrain tires grab hold and cling in low-speed crawling, and recovery points built into the standard hitch (towing capacity of 5,000 pounds) and the front skid plate provide some reassurance, as does the surround-view camera system that lets you see under the Pilot. 

The TrailSport upgrades bring the price above $50,000, and the loaded Elite nearly hits $54,000, but even with standard all-wheel drive, that price prompts us to look at less expensive Pilots. We’d step over the LX for the Sport or EX-L that has second-row captain’s chairs, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, and a power tailgate for $42,700. 

2023 Honda Pilot

Every Pilot gets automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control, and clever storage spaces throughout. The center console is as deep as a truck, a ledge over the glovebox conveniently holds smartphones, and cupholders and USB ports abound. One of the unique features of the Pilot in its eight-seat configuration is the middle of the 40:20:40 bench seat can fold down into an armrest with cupholders built in. That would be the default position unless needing to cram in for carpool duty. On top trims, the middle seat can be removed and easily stowed in the hidden storage floor in the cargo area. It’s only 25 pounds, so it’s so much easier than removing a seat from, say, a Honda Odyssey.

The Pilot still benefits from one of the more spacious passenger and cargo areas, and pushbutton second-row seats make it easy to access the third row. The third row can fit two adults with more headroom and legroom than many midsize crossover SUVs. 

Practicality comes first in the Pilot, and we’re a practical bunch. The TrailSport adds some attitude and can let it cover more terrain, but at a cost that squiggles our practical eyebrows. Still, it’s a worthy contender for our top award that will be announced on Jan. 3, 2024. We’ll then also announce our Best Car To Buy for Motor Authority and Green Car Reports. 

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In this week’s massive double issue of Auto Express we have exclusive images of the first ever Skoda Superb vRS, which is likely to arrive in both saloon and estate form.

We also take an in-depth look at 2023, focusing on the best scoops, drives, tests, long termers and features from the past 12 months.

Plus, we have a supercar shootout to find the most thrilling car money can buy and reveal everything we know about the forthcoming all-electric Range Rover.

In the drives section we get behind the wheel of the new Lexus LBX, hit UK roads in the flagship Kia EV9 and try out the updated Skoda Enyaq Coupe vRS.

If that wasn’t enough the Auto Express team pick the cars they wish they had bought.

How to buy Auto Express

This week's issue of Auto Express is on sale now and there's a whole range of ways to get your hands on it! 

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Our money back guarantee means that should you need to cancel at any point we will refund any unmailed issues, you can't beat that value!  

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If you prefer to read Auto Express on your desktop, tablet or phone, you can get the digital edition through our online partner Zinio. Single issues are available from £2.99 or a subscription for an entire year is just £90.99. 

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Single issues

If you don't want to get your next 6 Auto Express issues for £1 by subscribing (RRP £22), then you can still buy single issues in shops or online. This week's issue of Auto Express is on sale now for just £5.99. You can find shops near you that stock the magazine by clicking here.

If you can't make it to the shops or are unable to find it somewhere convenient, you can buy individual print issues of Auto Express to be delivered directly to your door. 

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The biggest misconceptions around electric vehicles have been revealed – including a higher risk of vehicles catching fire, and not being able to charge them in the rain. Other mistaken beliefs include electric cars breaking down more than normal cars, and batteries needing to be replaced every three years or sooner.

Meanwhile, others don’t think the electricity grid can handle an increase in electric cars.

The poll, of 2,000 motorists, found 35 percent were unsure how long you could drive for on one charge. And one in 10 (11 percent) believe that EVs still only last a couple of hours when charged once.

Phil Hall, senior editor at heycar, which commissioned the study, and published an EV guide to debunk the myths, said: “There’s still a huge amount of inaccurate information floating around about EV ownership, and concerns around reliability are a prime example.

“Most manufacturers provide a minimum eight-year, 100,000-mile, warranty on batteries – that’s longer than most combustion engine warranties.

“And compared to a petrol or diesel engine, there’s significantly fewer moving parts on an EV – meaning there’s much less chance of something breaking, or needing to be replaced.”

It also emerged 55 percent are relieved at the recent petrol ban delay, as they don’t think they could afford an electric car any time soon.

But there is uncertainty around running costs, with half believing that they are more expensive to run – when, in reality, there could be savings to be made.

The heycar spokesman said: “It’s understandable that the cost of transitioning to an EV is a big concern right now, but there are some great options on nearly-new EVs – and you could even end up paying less for one, compared to a petrol or diesel equivalent.

“It’s not just the upfront cost of ownership where you could save money, either – as, depending on how many miles you cover each year, your running costs could easily be more than half of what they are right now.”

However, 40 percent said they’d be more inclined to switch if there were more charging ports and stations around.

Meanwhile, three in 10 believe electric cars have a negative reputation in the eyes of the public – with social media (34 percent), and the pub (17 percent), among the top places where people think EV myths are spread the most.

However, three-quarters (74 percent) admit their knowledge of EVs is shaky – with 42 percent claiming to know more about interest rates, while 31 percent feel they have better knowledge about mortgages.

Politics (38 percent) and taxes (30 percent) were also topics people feel more confident about. As such, almost seven in 10 (69 percent) reckon the government could do more to offer grants for drivers to make the switch to an electric car.

And of those who took part in the study, carried out by OnePoll.com, 16 percent believe EV myths are spread more at Christmas compared to any other time of the year, due to people socialising more.

The spokesman for heycar added: “We’ve all come across people on social media, or at the pub, who tend to share misconceptions about topics they’re not actually that familiar with, or qualified to talk about. That’s why we’re starting out on a myth-busting mission, to be a source of fact amongst the EV fiction.”

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A car expert shared his top tip to clearing his car’s windscreen in no time – thanks to a secret button many drivers are unaware of.

Mike Hinton, who runs a driving school, shared the tip on his TikTok account @mrdriveruk, reaching thousands of drivers who might benefit from his hack as the winter sets in.

He explained: “You press it and turn the fan up to full and depending on whether it is hot or cold outside you either choose cold or hot to the maximum and then your windscreen will start defrosting or demisting.”

Not all cars have a dedicated demist button. However, you can still use your vehicle’s fans to clear your windscreen quickly.

Just put up the temperature and turn on the front windscreen fan to its highest setting, before wiping away the melted frost.

Read more: UK city parking war erupts as mystery local puts ‘rude’ notes on cars

Remember, it’s vital to make sure your windscreen, mirrors, lights, and number plate are completely clear before you start your journey. If they’re not, you could be breaking the Highway Code.

The code’s rules 228-231 explain how to drive in icy or snowy conditions.

It’s an offence to set off without fully clearing your windows of snow and ice. Doing so could limit your visibility and put you and other road users at risk.

If you ignore these rules, you could face fines, points on your licence, and even a prison sentence in serious cases.

Last month, Express.co.uk tried out a simple car hack using a dial located in every car.

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Turning on the car heater may warm up the driver and passengers on cold mornings but it could also help clear screens by making some basic adjustments.

Instead of blasting warm air towards the cockpit, motorists must adjust the vents to aim towards the windscreen and windows.

After around 30 seconds you ramp up the temperature to max with warm air blasting directly onto the glass. Moments later, the steam begins to evaporate and you can soon see clearly out of your windows.

*** An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.***

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The motoring publication Autocar has found that London councils raked in almost £8.5million in fines from drivers parking on the pavements in 12 months.

From November 2022 to November 2023, the company found that 170,000 Penalty Charge Notices were issued to motorists for pavement parking in the capital alone.

Mark Tisshaw, Autocar editor, highlighted that a growing number of parts in the UK are introducing a similar ban.

He explained: “Scotland is following London’s lead by clamping down on pavement parking, which can have serious consequences for pedestrians – especially those with reduced mobility.

“Drivers across the country – in both rural and urban areas – need to understand the rules to avoid being fined.”

READ MORE: Expert urges drivers to connect cables correctly when jump starting car this winter

The Highway Code states that motorists must not park their vehicle with at least one wheel on the pavement, which could force pedestrians to walk onto the road.

According to the figures, the Borough of Newham saw the most fines issued for on-pavement parking during the 12-month period, with the council receiving £936,391.

However, despite the large amount of money raised from motorists who park on the pavement, Autocar highlighted that nearly a third of fines have yet to be paid.

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To help clamp down on the number of drivers committing the offence, a new law in Scotland introduced a £100 fine for motorists who break this rule when parking.

Elsewhere in the UK, motorists typically face a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice for pavement parking, which can be issued by the police, council or the DVLA.

Autocar noted that any profits made from parking fines must be used to fund services such as off-street parking spaces, public transport, or highway maintenance.

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The 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 4Matic SUV with standard 21-inch wheels has an EPA Combined range of 280 miles, only five miles or 1.8% less than the regular, all-wheel- drive EQS 580 4Matic SUV.

That’s a positive outcome, considering that usually, higher power output and/or the increased weight of better-equipped versions translate into a noticeably lower range.

The top-of-the-line Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV has a dual-motor powertrain with a peak output of 484 kilowatts (vs. 385 kW in the regular EQS 580 4Matic SUV), while the battery pack appears to be the same 108.4-kilowatt-hour unit.

Energy consumption, including charging losses, of the 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 4Matic with 21-inch wheels, is estimated at 76 MPGe or about 443 watt-hours per mile.

The result is 1.1% worse than in the case of the regular EQS 580 4Matic SUV, rated at 438 Wh/mi.

2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 4Matic SUV 21-inch

Besides the luxurious appearance and special features, which were recently checked outby InsideEVs, the 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 4Matic SUV remains a very capable and quick electric SUV, with a0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds.

Basic specs

* estimated/unofficial values

Pricing

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV starts at an MSRP of $179,900 (plus a $1,150 destination charge), which is a massive $53,950 increase, compared to the EQS 580 4Matic SUV version.

All EQS SUVs are produced locally in the United States, in Alabama, although the model does not qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, because of the price tag, above the $80,000 price cap.

Prices

The 2024 model year prices of the regular EQS SUV have not yet been announced.

Gallery: 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV

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With that in mind, the first order of business will be to reduce the time it takes to develop a new car from the current 50 months to just 36. That frankly sounds worrisome, but VW insists three years will be enough to bring a car to market “without sacrificing quality or safety.” This measure alone should help the company save more than €1B (almost $1B) by the end of 2028.

2024 Volkswagen Passat Variant

Another major change in the modus operandi will be represented by the assembly of far fewer test vehicles. During a car’s 36-month development phase, there will be 50 percent less prototypes built for evaluation purposes. Again, VW says this drastic decision won’t negatively impact quality. This measure is estimated to provide annual savings of €400 million ($438M).

Other measures aimed at turning VW’s fortune around will include more cost-effective procurement services, improved after-sales business, and further optimized production times. These three methods are projected to generate combined annual savings of €770M ($844M).

By far the most delicate part of the massive savings plan refers to what VW calls “socially acceptable job cuts.” Partial retirements will be offered to employees born in 1967 as well as to severely handicapped persons born in 1968. In addition, the existing hiring freeze and access freeze to the Tarif Plus salary group will continue. The German company intends to reduce administrative staff costs by 20 percent.

VW says these measures will begin to bear fruit next year.

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Before that happens, automakers active in Canada will have to comply with other regulations. Beginning with the 2026 model year, at least 20 percent of cars sold by a company in a year will have to be ZEVs (zero-emission vehicles). By 2030, the target will increase to 60 percent, with the ultimate goal being ZEV-only sales by the middle of the next decade.

It’s important to note the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard technically won’t outlaw combustion engines from 2035. Aside from battery-powered EVs and hydrogen EVs, zero-emission vehicles can also be plug-in hybrids that can run solely on electric power. However, these PHEVs must work in EV mode “for a specified minimum distance before they transition to operating as hybrid vehicles, using both liquid fuels and electricity.”

Light-duty vehicles generate approximately half of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The transportation sector itself is responsible for about a quarter of the country’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. With the 2035 target set, authorities project that polluting light-duty vehicles will all be removed from the roads by 2050.

Canada is the latest country to put pressure on automakers to switch to zero-emissions vehicles. Earlier this year, the European Union decided to ban sales of new cars that generate emissions from 2035, but ICE vehicles running on synthetic fuels will be allowed. The EU consists of 27 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic (Czechia), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

The UK is no longer part of the EU but it too is targeting 2035, a five-year delay compared to the original plan. Countries such Norway, Israel, and Singapore are also setting aggressive targets for automakers to switch to EVs. Similarly, more and more states in the US intend to adopt these standards in the coming years.

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