The 2nd character of a VIN encodes the manufacturer (together with character 1). It falls in the WMI (1–3) block of the 17-character VIN. Below is exactly what it means, with a real sample VIN highlighting the 2nd position.
Here that character is N; the full WMI 5NP marks this VIN as a Hyundai.
The 2nd character is the middle of the WMI. Combined with the 1st character it identifies the manufacturer — the assignment is administered by SAE for the region set by character 1.
For example, within US-built vehicles the first two characters distinguish makers such as Ford, General Motors and Honda. On its own the 2nd character is not meaningful; it only has meaning as part of the 1–2 (and full 1–3) manufacturer code.
Decode a full VIN → · See all 17 positions →
← 1st character · 3rd character →
It encodes the manufacturer (together with character 1). In the sample 5NPD84LFXKH806189 the 2nd character is N.
It is the middle character of the WMI. With the 1st character it identifies the vehicle manufacturer.
No — it only identifies the maker in combination with the 1st character (and is finalised by the 3rd).