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Volkswagen Will Make 3D-Printed Auto Parts

Volkswagen plans to use 3D printing for mass production of structural parts within a couple years.

Volkswagen Will Make 3D-Printed Auto Parts
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Volkswagen plans to use 3D printers to mass produce some auto parts.

The German carmaker says it will use HP metal printing technology for components like gear knobs and possibly custom tailgate lettering.

A Volkswagen official says 3D printers likely won't produce an entire vehicle any time soon, but the number of parts made with the technology should significantly increase over time. 

The company says it plans to use 3D printing for mass production of structural parts within two or three years. 

Additional reporting for this story provided by Newsy affiliate CNN.