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Local Motors

Local Motors was an automotive technology company founded in by Rogers and headquartered in the area of , which pioneered crowdsourced vehicle design, open-source , 3D-printed vehicles, and autonomous solutions using a network of microfactories. The company emphasized collaborative , engaging a global community of over 52,000 members to co-create products, and focused on low-volume production to deliver customized, sustainable transportation options for urban and local environments. Among its notable innovations, Local Motors produced the , a launched in 2010 through its open-source design platform, and the Strati, recognized as the world's first 3D-printed car, unveiled in 2014 at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in . The company later pivoted toward autonomous vehicles, developing the Olli shuttle—a compact, all-electric, self-driving pod debuted in 2016 for low-speed applications in campuses, hospitals, and communities—which incorporated advanced and technology for safe . Strategic partnerships, such as with since 2011 for design software and manufacturing tools, enabled these advancements and supported expansions to facilities in ; ; and , , by 2016. Despite its pioneering role in redefining vehicle production and mobility, Local Motors ceased operations in January 2022 after 15 years, primarily due to challenges amid a difficult market for autonomous vehicle startups. The company's legacy includes influencing the shift toward digital OEMs, micro-manufacturing, and community-driven innovation in the automotive industry, with products like Olli deployed in pilot programs across locations such as and various U.S. sites; in 2023, its intellectual property portfolio was acquired by RapidFlight, extending its technological impact.

History

Founding

Local Motors was founded in 2007 by John B. Rogers Jr. and Mark Smith, a Harvard Business School alumnus and former U.S. Marine, in Arizona as an innovative alternative to the conventional automotive manufacturing model dominated by large-scale production. The company aimed to challenge industry norms by emphasizing low-volume manufacturing and customizable vehicles, drawing from Rogers' passion for cars and his vision for a more agile, customer-centric approach to vehicle development. Incorporated as a Delaware corporation, Local Motors established its initial operations and first office in Chandler, Arizona, a location that supported its early focus on regional innovation and proximity to emerging technology hubs. From its inception, Local Motors centered on open-source vehicle design principles, inviting community involvement to co-create and iterate on automotive concepts, which was intended to disrupt the closed, high-volume paradigms of traditional automakers. This approach facilitated low-volume production tailored to niche markets, allowing for and customization without the constraints of mass manufacturing. Early funding came from private investors, enabling the company to build its foundational platform and launch initial projects in this collaborative ecosystem. The core vision of Local Motors was to democratize vehicle production by leveraging digital manufacturing techniques and crowdsourcing, empowering designers, engineers, and enthusiasts worldwide to contribute to vehicle innovation. This model sought to lower barriers to entry in the automotive sector, fostering a distributed network where ideas could be sourced globally and produced locally, ultimately aiming to make mobility more accessible and adaptable to community needs. By prioritizing open collaboration over proprietary development, the company positioned itself as a pioneer in reimagining how vehicles are conceived and brought to market.

Key Milestones

Local Motors achieved its first major milestone in 2009 with the launch of the prototype, the result of its inaugural community design challenge that engaged over 100 participants in the vehicle's off-road design. Beginning in the early , the company formed key partnerships to integrate advanced technologies into its vehicles, including collaborations with in 2014 for manufacturing innovation, Airbus in 2016 for drone and mobility projects, for engineering solutions, and in 2016 to incorporate for autonomous capabilities. In 2014, Local Motors unveiled the Strati at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in , where the vehicle was 3D-printed on-site in 44 hours, signifying the company's pivot toward additive manufacturing for automotive production. That same year, the Strati earned a as the first 3D-printed capable of being driven. The company secured a seed funding round of $250,000 in June 2012 to support early operations and development, followed by additional investments including from GameAbove Mobility in 2021 to expand autonomous vehicle production. In 2016, Local Motors introduced the Olli autonomous electric shuttle, deploying initial units on public roads in , with further rollouts in Miami-Dade County and later that year. By 2020, Olli expanded internationally with a four-month deployment at the International Training Centre of the ILO in , , as part of a European fleet challenge.

Business Model

Co-Creation Platform

Local Motors launched its co-creation platform in 2007 as an enabling designers, engineers, and automotive enthusiasts to collaborate on concepts, fundamentally shifting traditional toward crowdsourced . The platform facilitated global participation by hosting design challenges where users submitted ideas, fostering a participatory model that accelerated concept development beyond conventional industry timelines. The core process involved posting specific challenges on the , soliciting submissions from the , followed by selection of top designs through a combination of public voting and expert review, with winning concepts advancing to prototyping. This approach democratized vehicle design, allowing diverse inputs to refine ideas iteratively while rewarding contributors with royalties or recognition for implemented elements. For instance, early vehicles like the emerged from thousands of community-submitted designs, demonstrating the platform's role in generating viable production models. Post-production, designs were released under open-source licensing, permitting free access and modification to encourage broader innovation in low-volume manufacturing and reduce barriers for independent builders. This model utilized licenses to share openly, ensuring attribution to original creators while promoting collaborative enhancements. As of April 2016, the community had grown to over 52,000 members, underscoring the platform's growth in attracting global talent for vehicle innovation. The platform integrated software tools such as CAD modeling environments for virtual collaboration, enabling users to upload, review, and iterate on 3D designs in real-time, further streamlining IP sharing under frameworks. This digital infrastructure supported seamless teamwork across geographies, turning abstract concepts into manufacturable blueprints efficiently.

Microfactories and 3D Printing

Local Motors pioneered the concept of microfactories in the early as a decentralized model aimed at enabling on-demand, localized of vehicles to minimize complexities and transportation costs associated with traditional large-scale factories. These facilities, roughly the size of a big-box store, were designed to repurpose underutilized buildings, fostering community revitalization through local job creation while allowing for flexible, small-batch output tailored to regional demands. By distributing closer to end-users, the approach sought to address inefficiencies in global automotive s, such as long lead times and high expenses. The company adopted large-scale additive manufacturing, or , as a core technology within its microfactories, partnering with Incorporated to integrate Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) systems capable of printing substantial vehicle components in hours. This collaboration, which included input from , enabled the production of structural parts using thermoplastic extrusion, marking a shift from conventional subtractive methods to layer-by-layer construction for greater efficiency. Additionally, Local Motors utilized Stratasys-owned printers for prototyping and smaller components, complementing the BAAM systems in a workflow. Local Motors' inaugural microfactory became operational in Phoenix, Arizona, around 2010, serving as the hub for initial vehicle assembly and scaling to support low-volume production. This site, along with subsequent facilities like the one in , was equipped to handle end-to-end , with each microfactory capable of producing up to 200 units annually to achieve profitability without extensive assembly lines. The model emphasized modularity, allowing sites to adapt to varying demand while maintaining output efficiency through automated processes. Key benefits of this approach included dramatically shortened production timelines—from concept to delivery in weeks rather than months—facilitating rapid customization for specific markets or customer preferences. was enhanced by additive manufacturing's reduced material waste and lower , with vehicles requiring approximately 40% less energy to produce compared to traditional methods and incorporating up to 100% recycled materials in some components. Furthermore, the decentralized network minimized environmental impacts from shipping by localizing assembly, promoting a more resilient and eco-friendly supply ecosystem. Technologically, the microfactories employed carbon fiber-reinforced polymers in the process to achieve lightweight yet durable structures, such as and body panels printed from blends like ABS-carbon fiber composites. These printed elements were then integrated with computer (CNC) machining for precision finishing and , using tools like additively manufactured cutters to reduce processing time by up to 95% on complex parts. This combination allowed for seamless hybridization of additive and subtractive techniques, enabling the creation of vehicles with only 40 to 50 major components—far fewer than the thousands in conventional automobiles. For instance, the technology underpinned the production of the Strati, the world's first fully functional unveiled in 2014.

Products

Rally Fighter

The Rally Fighter, Local Motors' inaugural production vehicle, was unveiled in 2009 as an off-road buggy designed through the company's innovative platform. The project originated from a online that drew 35,000 designs from 2,900 community members across more than 100 countries, with the winning exterior concept submitted by Sangho Kim, a student. This crowdsourced approach marked the Rally Fighter as the first vehicle developed under a , allowing open collaboration on various components like the and bodywork. The vehicle's core structure featured a tubular steel for durability in rugged terrain, paired with customizable body panels that owners could modify or replace. It was powered by a front-mid-mounted 6.2-liter LS3 producing 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of , driving the rear wheels through a four-speed . The accommodated four passengers in a seating and achieved a top speed of approximately 131 mph, limited by its off-road tires. Its included long-travel A-arms up front and a linked solid rear axle, providing 18 inches of front wheel travel and 20 inches in the rear for Baja-style . Production began in 2010 at Local Motors' initial microfactory in , with an original plan for up to 2,000 low-volume units to emphasize customization over mass manufacturing. Vehicles were priced starting at around $75,000, including options for buyers to participate in a six-day build experience at the factory. Ultimately, fewer than 100 units were constructed before the model was phased out around 2017, reflecting the company's shift toward 3D-printed and autonomous vehicles. The was built using early microfactory processes that integrated hand-assembly with community-sourced parts. Key features emphasized its open-source ethos, with publicly available CAD files enabling third-party modifications to components like suspension and interiors, fostering a community of tinkerers. The design proved versatile for desert rallies, off-road testing, and even film appearances, such as in Transformers: Age of Extinction, showcasing its capabilities in extreme conditions. Owners appreciated the vehicle's blend of sports car agility and truck-like ruggedness, often highlighting its playful handling in reviews. The Rally Fighter received praise for pioneering crowdsourced automotive innovation, with testers like Baja 1000 champion Ryan Thomas noting its stability and fun factor during high-speed off-road runs. However, its niche appeal and low production were constrained by the challenges of certifying a customizable, open-source vehicle for widespread road use under U.S. regulations, limiting it primarily to enthusiast markets despite 50-state street legality.

Strati

The Strati, developed by Local Motors in collaboration with , was unveiled on September 13, , at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in , where it became the first 3D-printed car capable of driving on public roads. The project originated from Local Motors' co-creation platform, specifically a 2014 design challenge that attracted over 200 entries from more than 30 countries, with the winning design by Italian engineer Michele Anoé. The vehicle's body and chassis were 3D-printed as a single piece in 44 hours using a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composite on a Big Area Additive Manufacturing machine, reducing the part count to around 50 compared to over 20,000 in traditional cars. Total production, including printing, milling for surface finishing, and assembly of non-printed components like the and sourced from the , took approximately six days during the IMTS event. The resulting two-seater coupe weighed about 1,500 pounds, significantly lighter than conventional vehicles due to the additive manufacturing approach. Powered by a 12-kW and a 6.1 kWh , the Strati offered a driving range of approximately 62 miles on a full 3.5-hour charge, with a top speed of 50 mph. Initially produced as a one-off , it earned a for the fastest production of a 3D-printed , highlighting the potential for rapid, on-demand manufacturing. Development faced challenges in verifying the durability of the carbon fiber composite under real-world stresses, including crash testing and vibration resistance, as well as securing regulatory approvals for road legality, such as addressing electrical grounding in the non-conductive plastic chassis via added copper wiring. These hurdles underscored the pioneering nature of integrating into functional automotive production.

LM3D Swim

The LM3D Swim was developed by Local Motors in 2015 as a production-oriented evolution of their additive manufacturing capabilities, building on the techniques used for the earlier Strati prototype. The design originated from a community challenge won by Kevin Lo, with Local Motors adapting it into a functional prototype within two months of selection. Unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on November 3, 2015, it marked the introduction of the LM3D series, intended as the company's first line of commercially viable 3D-printed vehicles. The vehicle featured an open-air, beach cruiser body style optimized for coastal environments, with a water- and sand-resistant interior to support recreational use near . Approximately 75 percent of its structure, including the and panels, was 3D-printed using a composite of reinforced with carbon fiber for strength and lightweight performance. It employed an electric , incorporating a 125 kW (168 hp) motor and single-speed transmission sourced from the , paired with battery cells integrated along the for balance and protection via a reinforced underside . The two-seater accommodated surfboards or similar gear, emphasizing for user customization. Production of the involved printing the in a single continuous process on a large-format printer, with separate components like doors and panels assembled afterward, demonstrating rapid iteration compared to traditional . Local Motors planned to manufacture the Swim at their microfactory, with presales targeted for spring 2016 at a starting price of $53,000 and initial deliveries in 2017, pending crash testing and highway certification. The project highlighted the scalability of for on-demand vehicle production, allowing for easy design variations such as a sportier enclosed variant on the same platform. The primary purpose of the LM3D Swim was to prove the viability of additive manufacturing for creating customizable, road-legal automobiles at lower volumes, extending beyond one-off prototypes to support Local Motors' co-creation model. It showcased how could reduce assembly time and material waste while enabling , positioning the company to disrupt conventional automotive supply chains. Despite these ambitions, the LM3D Swim remained a proof-of-concept and did not enter , as Local Motors shifted resources toward autonomous shuttle development like the Olli and ultimately ceased operations in 2022. Key limitations included the inability to 3D-print certain high-stress components like the and with then-current technology, reliance on off-the-shelf parts for integration, and challenges in achieving full for widespread adoption.

Olli

Olli is an autonomous electric shuttle developed by Local Motors as a venture into self-driving public transportation solutions, emphasizing and advanced integration. Unveiled on June 16, 2016, at the company's new facility in , the vehicle represents a collaboration with , utilizing the platform for to enable AI-driven navigation and real-time learning from sensor data. The is designed as a 12-passenger with an all-electric powered by in-wheel hub motors, achieving SAE Level 4 autonomy for operation without human intervention in defined environments. In its upgraded Olli version released in , it features a top speed of 25 mph and a range of up to 100 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for urban and routes. Approximately 80% of the vehicle's structure is 3D-printed, with occurring at Local Motors' microfactories. Key features include a voice-activated interface powered by , allowing passengers to interact conversationally for information on routes, weather, or trivia, enhancing the rider experience. The system also incorporates analytics from over 30 sensors, including , , and cameras, to optimize routes, detect obstacles, and improve safety through continuous learning from operational data. Deployments began with pilot programs in the United States, including trials in starting in early 2017 to test public roadway operations. Additional U.S. pilots followed, such as in , where the vehicle was initially showcased and operated on short loops. Internationally, Olli was deployed in , , in January 2020 as part of a four-month trial on urban routes, marking its first public operation and demonstrating adaptability to diverse environments. By late 2021, the fleet across various pilots had accumulated significant operational experience, contributing to refinements in autonomous technology.

Locations and Operations

Headquarters and Primary Facilities

Local Motors was founded in 2007 and established its headquarters in the Chandler area of , which served as the primary hub for research and development (R&D) as well as vehicle prototyping. The Chandler facility supported core administrative functions and innovation in open-source vehicle design, including early development of models like the . In 2020, the company relocated its headquarters within Chandler to a 10,000-square-foot space at the Chandler Tech Center to accommodate ongoing operations. The , facility opened as a microfactory in early 2017, focusing on production of the Olli autonomous shuttle and testing of related autonomous technologies. Located at 2030 Valley Vista Road, this 50,000-square-foot site utilized additive manufacturing techniques, including large-scale printers and routing equipment, to enable low-volume vehicle assembly. It played a key role in scaling production for electric and autonomous vehicles through the company's microfactory model. In partnership with GE Appliances and the University of Louisville, Local Motors contributed to the establishment of a microfactory site in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2014, emphasizing collaborative operations and product development. This 35,000-square-foot facility at the university's campus supported micro-manufacturing initiatives and partnerships for innovative appliances and vehicles, incorporating 3D printing and assembly capabilities. Local Motors opened a location in National Harbor, Maryland—near Washington, D.C.—in 2016, dedicated to policy advocacy, government relations, and pilot programs for autonomous vehicles. Situated at 151 St. George Boulevard in Oxon Hill, the site facilitated testing of Olli shuttles on military and public routes, including demonstrations for defense applications starting in 2019, and included infrastructure for assembly and evaluation. Across these primary facilities, Local Motors integrated advanced infrastructure such as industrial 3D printers, robotic assembly lines, and dedicated testing areas to support and small-batch production aligned with its and microfactory approach.

Expansion and Additional Sites

Local Motors expanded its manufacturing footprint beyond its headquarters by establishing a microfactory in , , in early 2014 to support small-batch vehicle production and showcase its innovative approaches. This site became a hub for early testing of the company's autonomous , Olli, with plans for unmanned deployments on local routes by late 2016 to demonstrate real-world applications of self-driving technology. However, facing operational challenges such as high costs and shifting priorities toward autonomous vehicles, Local Motors closed its Las Vegas retail store and related operations in February 2017 as part of broader layoffs and restructuring efforts. To scale internationally, Local Motors pursued both permanent microfactories and temporary pilots, including the announcement of its first European microfactory in , , in late 2016, which served as the EMEA headquarters and focused on producing the Olli shuttle; an Olli prototype was deployed for testing on the in starting in 2017. A notable example was the 2020 rollout of Olli at the International Training Centre of the campus in , , where the shuttle operated for four months to test urban mobility solutions. Similar testing occurred in , with Olli shuttles deployed on campuses and streets to evaluate performance in diverse environments. These initiatives highlighted the company's aim to address global mobility needs through flexible, low-volume production. Local Motors envisioned an expansive global network, planning to open over 20 microfactories by 2020 as part of a broader goal of 100 worldwide within a decade, but regulatory hurdles for autonomous vehicles, logistical complexities in supply chains, and funding constraints limited operations to approximately five active sites. The workforce across these locations peaked at around 145 employees by 2019, reflecting the scale of these expansion efforts before subsequent downsizing.

Closure and Legacy

Shutdown

On January 14, 2022, Local Motors announced its shutdown, with interim CEO Chris Stoner stating in an internal email that the company would cease operations due to insufficient funding amid broader market challenges in the autonomous vehicle sector. The closure was driven by several interconnected factors, including high production costs associated with the company's and microfactory approach, which proved difficult to scale economically. Slow adoption of autonomous technology by municipalities and enterprises, compounded by post-COVID-19 economic disruptions such as constraints and reduced in startups, further strained finances. Additionally, scrutiny from a December 2021 incident involving an Olli crashing into a in —later determined to have occurred in manual mode—led to paused testing and an ongoing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation, exacerbating operational hurdles. Layoffs had already begun in late 2021 as part of cost-cutting efforts, signaling the impending closure, and the shutdown affected approximately 200 employees across its facilities. Ongoing contracts, such as Olli shuttle pilots at national parks and universities, were terminated, leaving partners to seek alternatives for their autonomous transport initiatives. In March 2022, Local Motors filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, initiating the liquidation of assets including incomplete vehicles from ongoing projects and a catalog of intellectual property related to its vehicle designs and manufacturing processes.

Intellectual Property Acquisition

Following Local Motors' bankruptcy filing in 2022, its intellectual property portfolio—including patents, designs, and engineering data—was acquired by RapidFlight, a Manassas, Virginia-based developer of unmanned aerial systems, on July 7, 2023. This acquisition occurred as part of the company's asset liquidation process, providing RapidFlight with an extensive collection of innovations in additive manufacturing, autonomous navigation, and composite vehicle structures. RapidFlight integrated the portfolio to accelerate development of its unmanned aerial systems (UAS), leveraging Local Motors' expertise in techniques and technologies to enable faster production of modular airframes and advanced systems. The IP, which originated from projects such as the autonomous shuttle Olli, supports ongoing advancements in aerial applications but has not led to any revival of Local Motors' ground-based vehicles. In September 2025, AEVEX acquired select assets and from RapidFlight, incorporating the technologies into its "drone factory of the future" operations in , to enhance domestic UAS manufacturing with additive processes. There has been no further activity or branding under Local Motors following these transfers.

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