A 3D-printed car

Local Motors is on the cusp of a breakthrough that will revolutionise the way consumers buy cars. Using a modular, 3D-printed production system, the US company wants to let customers physically upgrade their vehicles.

CEO and co-founder John B Rogers is also keen to offer a recycling programme. Local Motors’ mix of plastic and carbon fibre bodies and interiors can be removed, remoulded or even re-installed on a different car.

The company has taken this unique approach to automobile production and made it the core focus of its marketing strategy. Visitors to auto shows in Las Vegas, Chicago and Detroit saw the LM3D Swim model 3D-printed and assembled from scratch on a show floor.

So far there are several prototypes of what Local Motors’ first offering might be. But the company has publicly stated that it will be taking orders for a roadster-style vehicle in spring 2016.