It is thought 3D-printed cars could become a key factor in the motoring world, especially in extreme environments.
However, previous attempts have resulted in long assembly times for such vehicles, but a new model could be ready to drive in just 24 hours.
The Strati has been developed by Local Motors and consists of 49 parts, rather than the average 25,000 seen in standard cars.
Jay Rogers, the chief executive officer of Local Motors, explained the reduction of parts means a shorter production time, with printing times down to a day.
"If you can make a vehicle out of one material, you can massively reduce the number of parts," explained Mr Rogers.
"Using 3D printing, we have re-imagined how cars are created using modern manufacturing techniques."
He added many other components of the car that will need to be produced in a separate process, including the engine, tyres and suspension.
The remaining pieces are printed using a carbon-fibre reinforced thermoplastic, which Local Motors claims has the same strength as mid-grade aluminium.
Extreme conditions such as deserts can have major impact on cars, but 3D-printing could allow designers to tailor-make cars to match different environments.
It is hoped the new car could be in production within the next year and could cost around $18,000 (£11,500), with locally based companies around the world capable of producing the car – reducing transport and assembly costs.
US-based Local Motors debuted the vehicle at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago.
Posted by Emma Grange