> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.snowdoughnut.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Vehicle ads feed CSV template (Google Merchant Center)

> The column format and compliance rules for a Google Merchant Center vehicle ads feed, with a filled-in example row and links to Google's official documentation. A separate feed from the primary Products feed, for dealership inventory.

Use this template for a car dealership's vehicle inventory, used with Google Vehicle ads. This is a separate feed from the primary Products feed, not an extension of it; see the [Google Merchant Center feed templates](/google-merchant-center-overview) overview if you need the core Products feed instead.

<Note>
  This isn't legal advice. Confirm pricing accuracy and any state-level auto advertising disclosure requirements with your legal or compliance team before publishing.
</Note>

## File format

* CSV, TSV, XML, or a Google Sheet.
* Files are typically delivered to a designated SFTP dropbox on a recurring schedule rather than uploaded once.
* Update at least once a day; Google recommends every four hours for dealerships with high inventory turnover.
* If a CSV field contains a double quote, escape it by doubling it and wrapping the whole field in quotes.

## Column template

| Column                              | Required                            | Example                                                                                                              |
| :---------------------------------- | :---------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `vin`                               | Yes                                 | 1HGCM82633A004352                                                                                                    |
| `store_code`                        | Yes, unique per dealership location | SF-DOWNTOWN                                                                                                          |
| `make`                              | Yes                                 | Doughnut Labs                                                                                                        |
| `model`                             | Yes                                 | Torque Wagon                                                                                                         |
| `year`                              | Yes                                 | 2025                                                                                                                 |
| `condition`                         | Yes                                 | used                                                                                                                 |
| `price`                             | Yes                                 | 28995.00 USD                                                                                                         |
| `availability`                      | Yes                                 | in stock                                                                                                             |
| `link`                              | Yes                                 | [https://doughnutlabs.example/inventory/torque-wagon-2025](https://doughnutlabs.example/inventory/torque-wagon-2025) |
| `mileage`                           | Recommended                         | 12000 mi                                                                                                             |
| `image_link`                        | Recommended                         | [https://doughnutlabs.example/images/torque-wagon.jpg](https://doughnutlabs.example/images/torque-wagon.jpg)         |
| `exterior_color` / `interior_color` | Recommended                         | Doughnut Blue / Charcoal                                                                                             |

<Info>
  This is a representative subset. Google's vehicle ads spec also covers trim, transmission, drivetrain, fuel type, and body style; confirm the complete current list against Google's feed specification linked below.
</Info>

## Format rules

* `vin` is the standard 17-character vehicle identification number and is the field Google (and most other platforms) uses to identify a specific vehicle.
* `store_code` identifies the dealership location and needs to be unique across every location in your account, not just within one feed file.
* `price` follows the same number-plus-currency-code pattern as the Products feed.

## Data and compliance rules

<Warning>
  * Listed price and availability need to match what's actually quotable at the dealership; a mismatch is treated as a misrepresentation issue the same as it is on the Products feed, and can trigger the same immediate suspension.
  * Vehicle advertising is subject to state-level and FTC disclosure rules in the US (for example, the FTC's Motor Vehicle Advertising Rule) governing what pricing and fee information has to be disclosed. That's a legal obligation separate from Google's feed accuracy requirement.
</Warning>

## Official documentation

* [Vehicle ads overview](https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/11189169)
* [Feed specification, Vehicle listings on Google](https://developers.google.com/vehicle-listings/reference/feed-specification)
* [Vehicle ads activation](https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/15312145)

## Related resources

* [Google Merchant Center feed templates](/google-merchant-center-overview)
* [Product feed CSV template (Google Merchant Center)](/google-merchant-center-product-csv-template)
* [Vehicle catalog CSV template (Meta)](/meta-commerce-vehicle-csv-template)