Low volume "open source" car production in U.S.

[WorkingOnIt]

Feature on Local Motors, with a business model of low volume regional production using existing parts bins and active solicitation of customer design ideas.

IKEA of cars?
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/business ... 09-10.html

http://www.local-motors.com/

[WorkingOnIt]

A new article - no big news, but it's nice to see them still kicking.

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/co ... ries_ssi_5

[WorkingOnIt]

Local Motors has a prototype running:
http://gas2.org/2010/02/12/rally-fighter-takes-flight/
http://www.local-motors.com/buildProcessDet.php?c=4168

In this interview, CEO Jay Rogers describes his factory concept.  Customers will have the opportunity to participate in their builds - 4 customers per a factory builder/trainer.  The customers will be at different points in the build, with those near the end also helping the ones starting out.

I am skeptical of this whole business plan on a lot of levels, but I'm fascinated to see it play out.  From concept to build, what an amazing way learn about your car and form a community.

[Karl]

Too bad it's not ACTUAL open source. I'm fairly certain that if you called them and asked for all of their CAD drawings, they'd laugh at you.

[WorkingOnIt]

[quote="Karl"]
Too bad it's not ACTUAL open source. I'm fairly certain that if you called them and asked for all of their CAD drawings, they'd laugh at you.
[/quote]

perhaps not all, but...

http://www.local-motors.com/assets/rall ... 091009.IGS