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Mazda VIN decoder for Australia and NZ
Almost every Mazda sold new in Australia and New Zealand is built in Japan, and Mazda gives cars exported to this region their own manufacturer code, JM0. The BT-50 ute is the exception: it has always come from Thailand.
Mazda manufacturer codes (WMI)
The first three characters of the VIN are the world manufacturer identifier. These are the Mazda codes you will see most often in Australia and New Zealand:
| VIN starts with | Meaning |
|---|---|
JM0 | Mazda built in Japan for Oceania export |
JM1 | Mazda car (North American code) |
JM3 | Mazda SUV or MPV (North American code) |
JMZ | Mazda for Europe export |
Model year in a Mazda VIN
Do not rely on position 10 on a JM0 VIN; the model year is on the build plate and in the registration record.
Buying a used Mazda
Popular models here: CX-5, CX-3, Mazda3, BT-50, CX-30, Mazda2.
A JMZ or JM1 code on a Mazda in Australia means it was built for another market and imported privately – check compliance and parts. NZ imports from Japan carry the Japanese names: Axela is the Mazda3, Atenza the Mazda6 and Demio the Mazda2.
Mazda VIN questions
What does JM0 mean on a Mazda VIN?
JM0 is the code Mazda uses for vehicles built in Japan for export to Oceania, so most Mazdas sold new in Australia and New Zealand start with it. A JM1 or JMZ code points to a car built for North America or Europe.
Is a Mazda Axela the same as a Mazda3?
Yes. Axela was the Japanese-market name of the Mazda3, just as Atenza was the Mazda6 and Demio the Mazda2. Imported examples carry a Japanese chassis number rather than a JM0 VIN.