ADF (Auto Data File Format)

An ADF file is an Auto-lead Data Format file used in the automotive industry to standardize the exchange of lead information between dealerships, websites, CRMs, and third-party vendors. Developed by the STAR (Standards for Technology in Automotive Retail) organization, ADF ensures that customer inquiries, vehicle requests, and contact details can be transferred quickly and consistently across different platforms.

ADF files are structured in XML, making them both human-readable and machine-readable. They typically contain:

• Customer contact information (name, email, phone number)

• Vehicle details (make, model, VIN, interest type)

• Lead source (website, marketplace, OEM site, etc.)

• Timestamp and vendor identifiers

Because ADF is widely supported by automotive CRMs and dealer management systems (DMS), it has become the industry standard for handling internet leads in North America.

Key Details:

• Extension: .adf

• Full Name: Auto-lead Data Format

• Category: XML data / Automotive CRM

• Purpose: Standardized auto lead sharing between dealerships, websites, and CRMs

• Common Use: Importing sales leads from websites like OEM portals, dealer sites, or third-party marketplaces into dealership software

Click here to see an example ADF XML.