What is the format of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for Peugeot vehicles, and how does it vary by country?

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) format for Peugeot vehicles is a unique 17-character code that serves as an identifier for each vehicle produced by the French automobile manufacturer PSA Group (formerly Peugeot S.A.). The VIN is an essential component of vehicle documentation and helps in tracking and identifying specific cars, ensuring they comply with legal requirements and enabling efficient maintenance records.

The standard format for a Peugeot VIN follows a specific structure:
- **Country of Origin:** The first two characters indicate the country of origin, typically "FR" for France or other countries within the PSA Group's production network. This provides traceability to the manufacturing plant.
- **PSA Group Code:** Next, there are two digits representing the PSA Group code, which identifies the type of vehicle and its platform.
- **Vehicle Manufacturer Code:** The following five characters denote the Peugeot manufacturer code, ensuring the VIN is specific to Peugeot vehicles.
- **Model Year and Plant Code:** The sixth character is a check digit that ensures the VIN's accuracy. The subsequent six characters represent the model year (e.g., "2" for 2010) and the manufacturing plant code.
- **Serial Number:** The final four characters are the vehicle's unique serial number, ensuring each car has a distinct identifier within the production year.

It is worth noting that while this standard format applies to most Peugeot vehicles, there might be slight variations or additional identifiers for specific models or regions. For instance, some countries may have their own regulations or requirements that slightly alter the VIN structure or include additional codes. These variations ensure compliance with local standards and facilitate a more precise identification process within each country's market.