IS LOCAL MOTORS THE END OF THE AUTO INDUSTRY? AUTOLINE AFTER HOURS 342

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline After Hours features Justin Fishkin, Chief Strategy Officer of Local Motors, discussing the company's revolutionary approach to automotive manufacturing and design. Local Motors is pioneering crowd-sourced design, 3D printing of vehicles, and a micro-manufacturing model. The company aims to disrupt the traditional industry by eliminating large factories, dealerships, and extensive design/engineering staff, focusing instead on 'economy of scope' over 'economy of scale.' Key innovations highlighted include the Rally Fighter (world's first open-source car), the Olli autonomous shuttle (integrating IBM Watson), and the potential for highly customizable, locally produced vehicles. While acknowledging the challenges of pioneering new technologies and regulatory hurdles, Fishkin emphasizes the company's rapid iteration cycles and commitment to sustainability through 'cradle-to-cradle' manufacturing. The discussion posits this model as a potential 'end of the auto industry as we know it,' ushering in a new era of localized, sustainable, and adaptable mobility.