How do I know if my Yaris is French or Japanese?
In most cases, European-market Yaris models were assembled in France, while versions destined for the Japanese market were built in Japan. The most reliable way to know for sure is to check the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and the country-of-origin labeling on the vehicle. The exact origin can vary by generation and market, so verify with official records if needed.
How to verify origin with the VIN
What the VIN can reveal
The VIN is the fastest way to identify where your Yaris was built. Use these steps to decode it and confirm the origin.
- Locate the VIN on the dashboard side of the driver’s door frame or on the driver’s door pillar, and also on your vehicle registration and insurance documents.
- Decode the WMI (the first three characters). These characters identify the manufacturer and country/region of origin; for Toyota, many Japan-made vehicles begin with a Japanese country code, while European-built Toyotas have a WMI that reflects Europe (the exact prefix can vary by year and market; use a trusted VIN decoder for accuracy).
- Check the 11th character, known as the plant code. This letter/number identifies the manufacturing plant. Compare it against Toyota’s official VIN/plant code lists for the model and year.
- Look for a “Made in” line on the certification plate near the door jamb or on the engine bay label. This line clearly states the country of manufacture (e.g., Made in France or Made in Japan).
- Consult the original window sticker or purchase documentation if available; these often list the country of manufacture and the plant.
Using the VIN and the labeling on the car is the most reliable method to confirm whether your Yaris was built in France or Japan. If you still can’t determine the origin, you can contact Toyota with the VIN for official confirmation.
Visual cues you can check
Market-specific branding and build cues
Beyond the VIN, certain visual and market-specific cues can hint at origin, though they are not as definitive as the VIN.
- Badging and market naming: Some Japanese-market cars use the Vitz branding, while Yaris branding is common for European-market cars. A prominent Vitz badge can indicate Japanese origin, though some markets sold Yaris variants with different badges.
- Steering orientation: Japanese-market cars are typically right-hand drive, whereas European-market Yaris are left-hand drive. If the car is registered in a country with RHD or the steering is on the right, that suggests a Japanese origin or an export variant for RHD markets.
- Door jamb labels and carbon/EMISSIONS labels: The label may say “Made in Japan” or “Made in France.” In Europe, you may also see EU-specific compliance markings.
- Interior and option differences by market: Some region-specific features or trim options align with EU or JDM specifications; this can offer clues but is not a definitive test on its own.
These cues can help when combined with the VIN and origin label, but the VIN-based method remains the most reliable way to determine origin.
Official confirmation and records
Steps to get a definitive answer
If you want absolute certainty, use these routes to confirm origin with authorities or Toyota directly.
- Contact Toyota Customer Service or your local Toyota dealership with the VIN. They can confirm the plant and country of manufacture for that specific vehicle.
- Check the original purchase documentation, dealership invoice, or window sticker, which often lists the country of manufacture.
- Use a reputable vehicle history report or VIN lookup service to verify the WMI/plant code and country of origin for your model and year.
When in doubt, official records from Toyota or certified VIN decoding services provide the most authoritative confirmation of whether your Yaris was built in France or Japan.
Summary
Determining whether your Yaris is French- or Japanese-built hinges on the Vehicle Identification Number and the official origin labeling on the car. The VIN’s WMI and its plant code, paired with a visible “Made in” label or the original window sticker, give you the clearest answer. If you need absolute certainty, reach out to Toyota with your VIN or consult the dealership and official records.
