diff --git a/src/Controller/APIController.php b/src/Controller/APIController.php
index 73643bbf..f1721149 100644
--- a/src/Controller/APIController.php
+++ b/src/Controller/APIController.php
@@ -630,8 +630,8 @@ class APIController extends Controller implements LoggedController
             ->setPlateNumber($req->request->get('plate_num'))
             ->setModelYear($req->request->get('model_year'))
             ->setColor($req->request->get('color'))
-            ->setFuelType($req->request->get('fuel_type'))
-            ->setStatusCondition($req->request->get('condition'));
+            ->setFuelType($this->normalizeString($req->request->get('fuel_type')))
+            ->setStatusCondition($this->normalizeString($req->request->get('condition')));
 
         // set warranty code and expiration
         // TODO: check warranty requirements
@@ -4695,4 +4695,9 @@ class APIController extends Controller implements LoggedController
 
         return $jo_data;
     }
+
+    protected function normalizeString($string)
+    {
+        return trim(strtolower($string));
+    }
 }