#### What is DIMO? DIMO (pronounced "Dee-Moe") is a unique [cryptocurrency](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-cryptocurrency) that aims to make every car on earth smart and programmable. It is an open platform that strives to connect every car on the planet and modernize the entire transportation industry. DIMO opens access to vehicle data, connectivity, and commerce. It allows vehicle owners to collect, use, and monetize the data from their vehicles. Developers and data consumers can access this data to build apps and services on a stable, open platform. DIMO uses the [Ethereum](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-ethereum) Virtual Machine, [cryptography](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-cryptography), [open source](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/open-source) software, real-world hardware, and an ecosystem of applications built on top of it to establish a [blockchain](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-blockchain)-based identity for users, vehicles, trips, and more using NFTs and other types of [smart contracts](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-smart-contract). #### How does DIMO work? DIMO works by using licensed hardware devices and approved software APIs to cryptographically attach telemetry data to vehicles and trips. It allows companies to issue verifiable credentials or other blockchain-based identity primitives to user, vehicle, or trip as a means to make a secure claim. Users can self-custody their data and choose which bits of data they want to share with who on a case by case basis. App developers and data consumers have the ability to acquire a license and advance new technologies, build better versions of existing businesses, and build entirely new app categories. DIMO uses nodes to store [off-chain](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/trading-and-funding/sending-or-receiving-cryptocurrency/instant-sends) data on behalf of users and ensures data is only shared with those the user authorizes. #### What are the potential use cases for DIMO? The potential use cases for DIMO are vast and varied. When cars have universal digital identity and are accessible and secure online, we'll see a range of applications. These could include an AI car mechanic in your pocket, a smart parking garage that sends directions to your car to park autonomously and pay for itself, a fully automated and on-chain DMV, apps that alert you if your kid is driving past curfew or gets in an accident, a global digital marketplace to buy and finance cars in seconds, and a full vehicle health history that helps you know the used car you're buying isn't about to fall apart. #### What is the history of DIMO? The history of DIMO is rooted in the desire to modernize the transportation industry. It was made possible by recent advances in cryptography, blockchain, cellular networks, and automotive tech. DIMO enables any business to build and integrate with the next generation of mobility applications without typical SaaS platform risk. At the [protocol](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-protocol) layer, DIMO uses the Ethereum Virtual Machine, cryptography, open source software, and hardware to establish vehicle identity, permissions to access data and controls, rewards, and more. The blockchain allows DIMO to offer openness, privacy, security, and performance guarantees that were previously impossible. The project has a phased plan for growth and adoption, starting with innovators in the USA, Canada, and Europe being able to connect any car made after 2008 from any automaker to the network, view its data, and share that data with others using a minimum viable app.