US automakers propose switching to producing oxygen ventilators to support the fight against Covid-19

The latest move by American automakers is reminiscent of the world wars, when American auto plants were forced to turn to making tanks, bombers and aircraft engines; now, some American automakers are looking for solutions for ventilators and other medical equipment in the fight against the pandemic.

The idea comes as a shortage of ventilators has become a growing concern as cases continue to rise across the U.S. In the most severe cases, infected patients lose the ability to breathe on their own and need the help of a ventilator to pump air in and out to stay alive.

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve, American automakers are proposing to switch to producing oxygen ventilators. Photo: CNN

In a recent announcement, Ford said,“As a leading major automaker, Ford stands ready to help the government in any way possible, including the ability to produce ventilators and other medical equipment.”. At the same time, Ford said it had had preliminary discussions with the government and considered feasibility.

A GM spokesperson said in a statement that they have contacted the White House about the possibility and offered to assist the government. Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk also wrote on his personal Twitter page that Tesla would produce ventilators if the government lacked them. In response, New York Mayor Bill DiBlasio said that the city could accept Tesla's help to get more ventilators to serve the treatment. CEO Elon Musk also said that the company would soon connect directly with the New York Mayor to“better understanding of potential needs”.

According to CNN, Ford and GM have recently stopped car production at more than 80 factories in North America due to concerns about the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic. Decreased car demand is also said to be part of this decision by automakers.

However, these proposals are currently facing many skepticism that this possibility will be difficult to come true, although the proposal to produce oxygen ventilators is not CEO Elon Musk's first response to major incidents.

In 2018, three of CEO Musk’s companies, SpaceX, Tesla, and The Boring Co., jointly built a miniature submarine to help rescue a Thai youth soccer team trapped in a flooded cave. However, the rescuers then swam through the cave with the help of other special equipment. And that, CEO Elon Musk’s move is said to be just to polish his name!./