CarDescribe reads the columns in your inventory export to build each description. Configure your export once — the same 15 columns work for new, used, and Certified Pre-Owned across every brand.
Pre-built CSV with all 15 column headers in the correct order and a sample row to copy. Match it inside vAuto, VinSolutions, HomeNet, or any inventory tool — or paste your data directly in to start generating immediately.
In vAuto, navigate to the Pricing tab → Reports / Customize → Create New Report. This makes a dedicated export view for CarDescribe and doesn't touch any of your existing reports.
In VinSolutions, HomeNet, or any other inventory tool, open the equivalent custom export / saved-column-set builder. If you can't find it, send this guide to your vendor rep — they'll set it up in minutes.
Every column below maps to something CarDescribe uses when writing the description or generating Vehicle Schema. The equipment columns at the bottom are what drive description quality.
| Column | What it does | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock # | Labels each description in the output for easy copy-back. | Required |
| Vehicle | Year, make, model — core vehicle identification. | Required |
| Series | Trim level — SV, SL, EX-L, Lariat, etc. | Required |
| Series Detail | Additional trim detail — R-Line, Sport, Premium, etc. | Required |
| Drivetrain Type | FWD, AWD, 4WD, or RWD. | Required |
| Color | Exterior color — used in the opening hook. | Required |
| Interior | Cloth, leather, synthetic leather, etc. | Required |
| Interior Color | Charcoal, beige, black, tan, etc. | Required |
| Transmission | CVT, 8-Speed Automatic, manual, etc. | Required |
| VIN | Must be labeled exactly VIN — see warning below. | Critical |
| Odometer | Mileage. Leave blank or 0 for new cars. | Required |
| Certified | Y or N — triggers the full CPO paragraph when Y. | Required |
| Selected Vehicle Equip | Full factory equipment list — buyer-relevant features get extracted. | Required |
| New/Used | N for new, U for used — sets the schema vehicleCondition. | Required |
The VIN column must be named "VIN" — not "Vehicle".
In vAuto, the VIN field defaults to the label "Vehicle" (same as the Year/Make/Model column). You must rename it to VIN in your export settings. Without the correct name, Vehicle Schema won't save and your inventory won't appear in AI search results.
Starred Equip column with the 3–5 features you most want highlighted per vehicle. CarDescribe will lead with those first.
Name the report "CarDescribe Export" so anyone on the team can find it. Run the report and export to a CSV or .xls file.
Do not copy and paste directly out of vAuto.
It will not produce your Vehicle Schema. Always export to a CSV or .xls file first, then open it and paste from there.
If your export tool only outputs to Excel, that's fine too — CarDescribe accepts paste-from-Excel directly.
Log into your CarDescribe account, select the store, paste the inventory rows in, and click Generate. Descriptions return in ~30 seconds and the matching Vehicle Schema publishes to our API automatically.
Copy each description back into vAuto (or use the Chrome extension to do it side-by-side without tab switching). The schema is already live — no extra step.