This group is for people who are interested in discussing and contributing to the development of an open source car or cars where all aspects of the design, parts procurement, assembly, use and improvement of the cars will be freely available.

It is our hope that enough people will become interested in and contribute their time and knowledge to this project so that we can design and eventually build one or more cars using our collective skills and knowledge. The Internet will be the main medium through which ideas and information will be shared and stored.

If there is enough support we can set up a website to store all of our discussions, design files, pictures, progress reports, supplier links, and any other information relating to the project. Several different sub-groups can be formed based on car type, language, and geographical location. Members with more time and enthusiasm will be asked or volunteer to lead the groups.

The intention is to eventually build some real cars, not just a virtual car (i.e. more than just a collection of pictures, design information and specifications.) Any contributions made to this project will be on a voluntary basis and the information will be in the public domain. Likewise the contributions and information given to the project can be used by anyone who wishes to use it.

While the intention is that project cars should be made on a "non-profit" basis, this does not rule out the possibility of individuals or companies using the open source design information to produce parts or cars for sale to the group or to anyone else. As has happened with open source software, developments can be made by both voluntary enthusiasts and commercial enterprises.

If you are interested in cars and would like to help and be a part of this project, welcome and thanks for your support! We look forward to sharing ideas with you and building some very special cars together.

The Open Source Cars Group