Which AI agents are supported?

Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, Codex, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf, OpenClaw, and 40+ other agents. MCP-capable agents get direct tool access. All others work via the agent skill. See the [full list](https://github.com/vercel-labs/skills#supported-agents).

Do I need an API key?

Not if you're using the CLI or MCP — just run `auto login` for OAuth authentication. An API key is only needed for direct API usage or the SDK. [Sign up here](https://www.auto.dev/pricing) if you need one.

Do I need to pay for the skill?

No, the skill, CLI, MCP server, and SDK are all free and open source. You only pay for Auto.dev API usage based on your plan.

What's the difference between MCP and the agent skill?

MCP gives your agent direct tool access to Auto.dev APIs — it calls them natively. The agent skill teaches your agent how to make HTTP calls to the APIs. MCP is preferred when your agent supports it; the skill works with everything else.

What if I hit an API endpoint my plan doesn't include?

Your agent will tell you which plan is required and link you directly to upgrade.

Can I contribute new workflows or fix issues?

Yes! The skill is open source at [github.com/drivly/auto-dev-skill](https://github.com/drivly/auto-dev-skill). Submit a PR or open an issue.

`npm update -g @auto.dev/sdk` updates the CLI, MCP server, and SDK. `npx skills update` updates the agent skill.

Automotive Data for AI Agents

Introduction

Developers building with automotive data shouldn't have to memorize API parameters or dig through docs every time they need to search listings or decode a VIN. Auto.dev now gives AI agents direct access to every endpoint — just describe what you need in plain English.

npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk

One install gives you the auto CLI, an MCP server for AI agents, and a JS/TypeScript SDK. Works with Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf, OpenClaw, and 40+ other agents.

Four Ways to Use Auto.dev with AI Agents

MCP Server (Preferred)

The MCP server gives AI assistants like Claude direct access to every Auto.dev API as a tool. Run auto mcp install and your agent gets auto_decode, auto_listings, auto_payments, and 10 other tools — no API key management, no raw HTTP calls.

CLI

The auto command line tool lets agents (and you) run queries directly from the terminal. auto decode <vin>, auto listings --make Toyota, auto docs payments — all with OAuth auth and --json output.

SDK

The @auto.dev/sdk package gives you typed methods for every endpoint. Import, initialize, and call auto.decode(), auto.listings(), auto.payments() — with full TypeScript support and structured responses.

Agent Skill

The agent skill teaches 42+ AI coding agents how to use Auto.dev — correct parameters, response formats, error handling, and workflow patterns. Install with npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill for agents that don't support MCP.

What Can You Do With It?

Search & Export Vehicle Listings

Find all Toyota RAV4s under $30k near Miami and export to CSV

Search millions of active listings by make, model, year, price, body style, drivetrain, location, and 20+ other filters. Export results to CSV or JSON.

Decode & Enrich VINs in Bulk

Decode these VINs and enrich the CSV

Hand your agent a CSV of VINs and it batch decodes every one, adding year, make, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, origin, manufacturer, and every other available field.

Validate VINs

Validate all of these VINs to make sure they're real

Checks VIN format, checksum validity, and decode status for every VIN in your dataset, flagging invalid or fake entries.

Calculate Payments

Find SUVs under $40k within 50 miles from 33132 and show monthly payments with $5k down

Calculates monthly loan payments with real interest rates, location-specific taxes and fees, and APR across 36–84 month terms.

Check Recalls

Is this car recalled? Check VIN 1FMUK7DHXSGA27345

Looks up NHTSA recall history for any VIN including severity flags, affected components, and repair status.

Chain Multiple APIs Together

Find SUVs under $40k near Miami with no open recalls and show me monthly payments

Chains search, recall check, and payment calculation in a single conversation — one request, multiple endpoints.

Generate Code

Build me a used car search app with Next.js

Scaffolds a complete project with Auto.dev API integration, TypeScript types, and error handling for Next.js, React, Express, Flask, or Python.

Get Started in 60 Seconds

Step 1: Install

npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk

Step 2: Authenticate

auto login

OAuth login — no API key needed.

Step 3: Configure MCP for your AI tools

auto mcp install

Auto-configures the MCP server in Claude Code, Claude Desktop, and Cursor.

Step 4: Ask your agent anything

Decode VIN WP0AA2A92PS206106

You should see details for a 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T Coupe. If you do, you're up and running.

For agents that don't support MCP, install the skill instead:

npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill

Not Just for Developers

You don't need to write code to use this skill. Anyone with an AI coding agent can search vehicle inventory, check recalls, compare payments, or validate a VIN — all in plain English. No API knowledge required.

Find me SUVs under $35k with AWD near 90210

Is this car recalled? Check VIN 1FMUK7DHXSGA27345

What would the monthly payment be with $8k down?

Whether you're a dealer researching competitor inventory, a fleet manager sourcing vehicles, or just shopping for your next car — install and start asking.

What's Next

The Auto.dev Agent Skill is open source. Browse the source, report issues, or contribute new workflow patterns at github.com/drivly/auto-dev-skill.

If there's a workflow you'd like to see — open an issue or submit a PR.