Latest news with #VehicleIdentificationNumber


Mid East Info
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Vehicle Report Turns One: Disrupting Used Car Buying for Over 42,000 UAE Drivers and Counting
A year ago, purchasing a used car in the GCC often meant navigating limited information and a lack of transparency. In response, AutoData Middle East launched Vehicle Report – an AI-powered platform designed to place greater control in the hands of consumers. Over the past 12 months, more than 42,000 users have turned to the service to access verified data on ownership, accident history, valuation, and more. Daily usage has tripled between July 2024 and March 2025, with over 5,000 users now engaging each month. Of those, 84% reported no post-purchase issues, underscoring the platform's role in reducing buyer risk and building confidence through accurate, accessible insight. Empowering Informed, Efficient Car Buying Vehicle Report stands out by turning fragmented automotive data into clear, actionable insight. Built around real consumer needs, the platform supports smarter, safer, and faster decision-making throughout the used car journey, before committing: Save Money: Compare loan and insurance offers side by side, with market-aligned valuations to avoid overpaying. Buy Smart: Access a car's full history, including accidents and ownership lineage, maintenance data, pre-purchase inspection insights and service records, with a single Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup. Save Time: Instantly aggregating listings, while filtering and forecasting in real-time from multiple sales portals, streamlining the car-buying process. Through this consolidated approach, the platform is shifting the regional automotive experience from reactive to data-driven, bridging the gap between information and confident decision-making for today's car buyers. As the UAE's used car market continues to grow, residual value performance remains a crucial indicator of vehicle quality and long-term value. In Q2 2025, data from AutoData shows that family-friendly vehicles such as the Kia Carens LX continue to hold strong residual value (78% after 3 years), thanks to a balance of affordability, spacious design, and efficient ownership costs. Within the SUV category, the Toyota Land Cruiser GXR was recognised as the best-value model (81% after 3 years), combining robust specification levels with competitive market pricing and favourable depreciation profiles. What's next for AutoData As Vehicle Report continues to gain momentum across the region, AutoData Middle East is expanding its suite of tools to support smarter decisions for both consumers and industry partners. Among its upcoming innovations is an AI-powered pricing engine that delivers real-time car valuations using over 100 million data points , factoring in market trends, specs, and condition to reveal a vehicle's true worth, whether buying, selling or trading in. Also in development is Claim Hub , a tool for insurers to detect total loss vehicles, reduce fraud, and accelerate claims, enhancing accountability across the ecosystem and building long-term trust for buyers. With a future-ready focus, AutoData is bridging data and trust to make car ownership safer, simpler, and smarter. 'Our mission has always been to bring clarity and confidence to the automotive ecosystem,' said Sebastian Fuchs, Managing Director of AutoData Middle East. 'With advanced AI at its core, Vehicle Report delivers real-time, market-specific pricing and risk analysis – helping buyers save up to 25% on average. More than a history check, it's a decision-making engine that unifies pricing, ownership, and insurance data to transform how used cars are bought and sold. As we grow, we're focused on deeper integrations with insurers, banks, and marketplaces, and on launching tools like AutoMagic and Claim Hub to further streamline the process. We're proud to be raising the bar for transparency and intelligence in automotive transactions.' With AI-powered technology, trust, and transparency at its core, Vehicle Report is redefining how the UAE buys and sells used cars. Now entering its second year, it's more than just a report – it's a smart ecosystem built to empower better decisions, from valuation to insurance to ownership. Learn more about Vehicle Report – AutoData Middle East's AI-powered platform helping over 42,000 users make smarter car decisions:

TimesLIVE
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
'Inspect your car regularly': JMPD clamps down on unroadworthy vehicles
'We know a lot of roadworthy checks are not being done on these cars that are not roadworthy, and when there are accidents, a lot of people die. It is an important matter, and I think the department of transport needs to do a lot in this space.' A vehicle is deemed roadworthy when it complies with the relevant provisions of the National Road Traffic Act and is in a fit condition to be operated on a public road. 'This means that all its safety-critical components must be in proper working order,' said Fihla. He said while there isn't a specific 'number of checkpoints' that vehicles must pass, a comprehensive roadworthy inspection covers numerous critical components. These include, but are not limited to: Brake pads and discs, handbrake functionality, brake fluid levels, and the ABS system (if equipped). There should be no leaks from the hydraulic system. Steering mechanism, shock absorbers, wheel alignment, and no excessive play in steering components. All lights (headlights, indicators, brake lights, reverse lights, fog lights), horn functionality, windscreen wipers and washers, and dashboard warning lights. All lights and indicators must be in working order and without water collection in fittings. Tyre tread depth (minimum 1.6mm), tyre condition (no bulges, cuts or exposed cords), wheel nuts and rims. The spare wheel must also be in good condition. Vehicle frame integrity, rust or damage affecting structural integrity, door functionality (must open freely from inside and outside), seat belts and their anchoring points, and the bonnet and boot must be secure. The windscreen must be free of cracks (especially in the driver's line of sight), and all windows designed to open and close must do so easily. No fluid leaks (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid), battery properly secured, and all major filters (oil, air, fuel) must be clean and functioning properly. No excessive smoke or noise. Mirrors, speedometer and odometer in working order, and proper functioning of central locking. Engine number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must match those on the registration document, with no signs of tampering. Should the JMPD issue a discontinuance notice for your vehicle or impound it for being unroadworthy due to multiple defects? Fihla advised that there is a general process that motorists need to follow to get it back on the road. He said a vehicle owner must have all the identified defects rectified by a qualified mechanic. 'This is crucial as the vehicle will need to pass a roadworthy inspection,' he said. When repairs are completed, you will need to take your vehicle (potentially on a flatbed or tow truck if it cannot be safely driven) to a registered vehicle testing station to obtain a new roadworthy certificate. He said this certificate is proof that your vehicle now meets the safety standards. 'Contact the JMPD or the impoundment facility where your vehicle is being held to ascertain the impoundment fees, storage fees, and any outstanding fines related to the unroadworthy condition of the vehicle. These must be paid in full.' When you have a valid roadworthy certificate and proof of payment for all applicable fees and fines, you can present these documents to the JMPD's impoundment facility to claim your vehicle. How to obtain a roadworthy certificate Fihla recommended that motorists have their vehicles thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify and rectify any defects before going to a testing station. 'This will increase your chances of passing the roadworthy test on the first attempt,' he said. You will then need to take your vehicle to a registered public or private vehicle testing station where you will present your vehicle's registration certificate and your identity document (ID) and pay the prescribed fee. 'Fill out the Application for Certification of Roadworthiness form, which is available at the testing station. The vehicle will undergo a comprehensive inspection by a trained and registered technician.'


7NEWS
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Ford Everest recalled
The Ford Everest has been recalled again as its windows may not stop winding up even if there's an obstruction. The Blue Oval says Everests included in an October 2024 recall of over 38,000 vehicles may have had an incorrect software update installed. This latest recall covers 955 Everests in total. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 'Due to a software issue, if a vehicle occupant places an obstruction such as a body part in the window space when the driver or passenger side windows are closing, the window may not automatically reverse and may exert an upward force greater than the design intent,' the company says in its recall notice. 'If the driver or passenger side window auto reverse function does not operate as intended, it can increase the risk of serious injury to vehicle occupants.' A total of 955 examples are affected, manufactured from 2022 to 2024 The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here The original recall notice is attached here If you own an affected vehicle, you'll need to make an appointment with a Ford dealership to have the fix carried out, free of charge. If you have any further questions, you can contact the Ford Customer Relationship Centre on 133 673.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
California DMV warns of new vehicle registration support scam
Above: FOX 5 report on how to get a REAL ID in California. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The California Department of Motor Vehicles is urging drivers to be wary of a new online scam offering assistance to renew vehicle registration at a discounted rate. DMV officials say the latest scam uses social media posts to advertise help that could save people up to 50% on vehicle registration renewal fees. Those who respond are asked to give their license plate, Vehicle Identification Number and the customer's full name, as well as to make a payment through an online platform like CashApp. System error may have affected traffic court notices in California. Are you impacted? According to the department, requests for these details or payments will never be made through unofficial channels. They further encourage drivers to only conduct business with the DMV or with an authorized business through the Business Partner Automation Program. A list of businesses that participate in this program can be found on the DMV's website. An example of what the advertisement looks like can be found below. 'The safest way to renew your vehicle registration is directly through the official DMV website,' DMV Director Steve Gordon said in a release earlier this month. 'We do not offer discounts, and we never conduct official business through social media or other unofficial channels.' To avoid falling victim to this scam and others that have been circulating in recent months, the DMV encourages Californians to take these precautions: Steer clear of offers offering discounted DMV services — the department does not offer special deals through unauthorized third-parties or on social media. Do not respond to unsolicited or suspicious texts. Verify the source if you are unsure whether something you come across is official or if you have concerns. Officials encourage Californians do this by contacting the department's customer service team at 800-777-0133. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Perth Now
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Ford Puma recalled for fire risk
Ford is recalling more than 5000 examples of its discontinued Puma light SUV as a fuel line defect could lead to a fire. 'Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel line sleeve may chafe against the support bracket and become damaged,' the company says in its recall notice. 'If this occurs fuel may leak, potentially resulting in loss of motive power while driving, and if in the presence of an external ignition source may result in a vehicle fire. 'A loss of motive power or vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users or bystanders and/or damage to property.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert A total of 5034 vehicles are affected, built from 2021 to 2024 The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here The original recall notice is attached here If you own an affected vehicle, you'll need to schedule an appointment with a Ford Australia dealership to have the free fix carried out. If you have any further questions, you can contact Ford Australia on 133 673. MORE: Everything Ford Puma