DALLAS and FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 1, 2016 — (PRNewswire) —   Mouser Electronics Inc., the authorized global distributor with the newest semiconductors and electronic components, together with Local Motors and celebrity engineer Grant Imahara today showcased the final build of a transformative 3D-printed vehicle with drone-launching technology. The Mouser version of the Local Motors Strati is the latest project from Mouser's highly popular Empowering Innovation Together™ program.

The video shows the final vehicle build, complete with "Fly Mode" drone interoperability. Fly Mode features a drone mounted on the rear of the vehicle that, when launched, gives the driver and passenger an unprecedented birds-eye view of the surroundings. Both can watch the drone's footage on dashboard-mounted viewing screens, providing a 360-degree perspective of the surroundings. Joining Imahara for the first official test drive is the winner of the Essence of Autonomy design contest, Finn Yonkers, whose design was the inspiration for this unique Empowering Innovation Together project. The project's overall aim was to explore the fascinating options available once self-driving vehicles become the norm.

"I am thrilled to see the Mouser Strati come to life," said Local Motors Co-founder and CEO John B. Rogers, Jr. "This partnership is an example of the unprecedented speed at which innovative vehicles can come to life through the combined power of cutting-edge suppliers, advanced manufacturing and co-creation."

Features of this innovative build combine electronic components from Mouser's valued manufacturer partners and platinum sponsors of the series, Maxim and Murata.

"At Mouser, we strive not only to provide engineers with the technology they need to innovate, but also to reach, inspire and engage engineers of all backgrounds," said Glenn Smith, President and CEO of Mouser Electronics. "We create that environment and push toward that goal with the Empowering Innovation Together program and our new Innovation Lab."

In addition to platinum sponsors Maxim and Murata, gold sponsors Lumileds and Phoenix Contact made this build possible. To learn more about all of Mouser's Empowering Innovation Together series — featuring the newly developed Innovation Lab for new projects ranging from bringing super hero technology to life to future projects like pushing the boundaries of drone technology — visit http://www.mouser.com/empowering-innovation. To watch the new video on Mouser's YouTube channel, visit https://youtu.be/WwkeZ0X3mAQ.

About Mouser Electronics

Mouser Electronics, a subsidiary of TTI, Inc., is part of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. Mouser is an award-winning, authorized semiconductor and electronic component distributor, focused on the rapid introduction of new products and technologies to electronic design engineers and buyers. Mouser.com features more than 4 million products online from more than 600 manufacturers. Mouser publishes multiple catalogs per year providing designers with up-to-date data on the components now available for the next generation of electronic devices. Mouser ships globally to over 500,000 customers in 170 countries from its 750,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility south of Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit http://www.mouser.com.

About Grant Imahara

Well known in the engineering community, Grant Imahara has paired his engineering expertise with a Hollywood TV and film career. In addition to his roles on MythBusters and BattleBots, Imahara is the inventor behind many famous robotic characters, including the Star Wars prequel-era R2-D2, talking robot sidekick Geoff Peterson from The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and the rhythmic arms on the modern-day Energizer Bunny.

About Local Motors

Local Motors is a technology company that designs, builds and sells vehicles. By combining co-creation with local micro-manufacturing, we are creating a better world through hardware. We invite the global community of solvers, makers, and technologist to join us as together we create technology-forward products that inspire, empower, and nurture humanity. To learn more, visit www.localmotors.com.

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