I noticed a square code that looks like a QR code next to my VIN number on my windshield and wondering what it is. I tried to scan it with my smart phone but nothing came up. Have any of you noticed this? If you have, do you know what it is for? Will it replace the VIN eventually?

Yes it is just a bar cod version of the VIN, here in Ca most smog stations can scan the bar code to enter the cars info into the data base with out the tech having to manually type it all in.

Do you know if the auto industry is looking at replacing the VIN bar-code with this new bar code? It would be nice as a consumer to be able to scan this code and get info about it on my phone.

Hmm I don't see GM willing to put out an open data base other than what is required by the government. They want you to go to the dealer for repairs and info on your car. Lets face it they are in the biz of selling cars and service. If they divulge all of the service and parts info on your car dealers would be unnecessary and you could order everything including a new car over the net and have it delivered to your front door.

I was thinking more on the lines of having access from the code to basic information like what size windshield wipers to buy or what size oil filter the car requires. I was thinking similar to a digital owners manual.

It'* a cool idea. I'm sure if they did that it would be a scan code on the owners manual and GM could set up an app for mobile devices. Maybe we should Patton the idea!