Local Motors Reportedly Plans Shut Down

The company, known for its autonomous shuttle called Olli, looks to be closing according to unofficial reports.

January 15, 2022

Local Motors Reportedly Plans Shut Down — Various media reports say Local Motors employees were looking for work on LinkedIn, though the company has yet to formally confirm the rumors.
Photo via Local Motors

1 min to read

Local Motors, the company behind the Olli AV shuttle and Rally Fighter car, looks to be shutting down operations if employees' reports are true. The company has yet to release its own statement or make an official announcement.

The news broke from the website, The Drive, which reported on Jan. 12 a string of unofficial announcements from employees on LinkedIn, including one from Local Motors' former VP of sales and customer success, and cites an anonymous source about a lack of funding.

The company had multiple partners in the fleet and public transportation industries and announced Vikrant Aggarwal as CEO in September 2021.

Local Motors is headquartered in Chandler, Ariz., and manufactures the Olli shuttles at a factory in Knoxville, Tenn.

Topics:autonomous shuttles Local Motors Autonomous Vehicles Plant Closure Fleet Forward

More Fleet Forward

Fleet Forward•by Staff•May 1, 2026

IIHS Brings Commercial Vehicle Safety Analysis to 2026 Fleet Forward Conference Stage

IIHS President David Harkey will share early findings from new testing of delivery vans, pickups, and work trucks — and what the data means for fleet safety decisions.

Image of a fleet manager with fleet on left, data on right of his face.

Fleet Forward•by Chris Brown•May 1, 2026

Fleet Manager or Data Strategist? You’re Both

The job hasn’t changed, but the expectations have. Do you have a plan on how to use AI to thrive?

Automotive Fleet awards--fleet visionary, hall of fame, and fleet manager of the year call to nominations.

Fleet Forward•by Faith Howell•April 27, 2026

Nominations Are Open for the 2026 Awards!

The Hall of Fame, Visionary, and Fleet Manager of the Year award nominations are officially live. Don't miss your chance to recognize someone deserving.

Automotive Fleet Fleet Manager of the Year 1985 winner Jack Lamb

Fleet Forward•by Staff•April 24, 2026

Fleet Manager of the Year Winners Over the Years

The Edward J. Bobit Fleet Manager of the Year award honors commercial fleet managers whose leadership, innovation, and business acumen have advanced the profession.

VMS Virtual Fleet Manager graphic showing a central AI chip connected to vehicle data, diagnostics, and system workflows across a fleet management platform.

Fleet Forward•by News/Media Release•April 22, 2026

Vehicle Management Systems Introduces Virtual Fleet Manager

VMS recently launched an AI-first fleet platform that streamlines system design, organizes data, and supports decision-making.

Person using stylus on tablet with dashboard charts, illustrating LightMetrics AI system that filters driver safety alerts to reduce false positives for fleet managers.

Fleet Forward•by News/Media Release•April 21, 2026

LightMetrics Launches Cloud AI Layer to Reduce False Driver Safety Alerts

New FP platform filters dashcam alerts before they reach fleet managers, aiming to cut false positives, improve trust, and streamline safety coaching.

Graphic promoting 2026 nominations for the Automotive Fleet Manager of the Year Award, featuring a badge and a photo of the 2025 winner receiving the honor on stage.

Fleet Forward•by Staff•April 10, 2026

Call for Nominations: 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year Award

Nominations are now open for one of the fleet industry’s most prestigious honors—the Edward J. Bobit Professional Fleet Manager of the Year Award. Recognizing leaders who drive innovation, safety, and measurable impact, this award celebrates the very best in fleet management.