First software, now open source cars?

Now that we are used to open source software (most of this site is based on it) some companies are going to the next level. Riversimple, a car manufacturer in the UK is planning to make their cars open source. By sharing the design it hopes that other manufacturers will build on and improve the small car design. This is done through the 40fires foundation. 40fires will make the designs available under a creative commons license. While there are some major obstacles to overcome the company intends to engage in an open debate with interested parties to overcome these.