Some additional photos to add to Chip's shot.
This is an innovative and interesting business model.
Their goals include:
- produce this as their first vehicle
- appear at 2009 Baja race as a display vehicle
- participate in 2010 Baja race
market segment: Baja pre-runner / race vehicle
Design model: open source / competition with cash award
Manufacturing model: micro-factory
QUOTE]
I met the owner of Local Motors this summer (their headquarters is about 150 miles from me) and the chief engineer. They are real stand-up guys with a vision. I spoke with them on the side of a dirt road out in the middle of nowhere for probably 2 hours, picking their brain, getting a feel for their business model, etc. They envited me down for a tour of their facility, but life hasn't allowed a trip yet. I'm excited that they were able to pull off a prototype for SEMA....needless to say, it is a sharp looking vehicle, and even though the sales price is limiting, it is rather amazing they are proposing to provide the vehicle (elbeit owner-assembled) for $50k out the door. This aspect (the price and the fact that owners will assemble the vehicle at their satellite facilities), is one aspect of the "big plan" that I still reserve judgement on. Seems a bit utopian, but hey, if they can make it work, it could really change the way enthusiests participate in the industry.
Spence