JDM Knowledge Platform
An English-language reference for Japanese-market vehicle grades, packages, chassis codes, and specifications.
Manufacturers
Guides
Toyota Alphard vs Vellfire (40/3rd Series): What's Actually Different
Toyota's own explanation of what separates the Alphard and Vellfire, plus the one grade-lineup difference that actually matters: Vellfire's exclusive Z Premier grade.
Toyota Hiace Van Super GL: What the Grade Actually Includes (and Why Body Width Matters)
What the Toyota Hiace Van Super GL grade includes, and why the standard-body vs wide-body choice changes the vehicle's legal registration classification - not just cargo space.
Nissan Skyline GT-R Chassis Codes Explained: BNR32, BCNR33, BNR34
What BNR32, BCNR33, and BNR34 actually mean, why the R33 code has an extra letter the others don't, and how to tell the three R-chassis GT-R generations apart.
Toyota Alphard Executive Lounge (40 Series): What the Grade Actually Includes
What's actually included in the Toyota Alphard Executive Lounge grade (40 series, 2023-present): seating, equipment, pricing, and how it differs from the previous 30-series grade of the same name.
Toyota Alphard Z vs Executive Lounge (40 Series): Which Grade Should You Buy?
A grade-by-grade comparison of the Toyota Alphard Z and Executive Lounge (40 series, 2023-present): seating, powertrain, equipment, and pricing differences that matter when buying or importing.
How to Identify a Vehicle's Grade or Package From a Japanese Auction Sheet or Listing
How to tell a vehicle's manufacturer trim/grade (e.g. Z, Executive Lounge) apart from its auction condition grade (e.g. 4.5B) on a Japanese auction sheet, with a worked example and common mistakes to avoid.