Madhurima
SAN FRANCISCO: In a bid to assist battle the novel coronavirus pandemic, General Motors has announced it'll use its resources to produce much-needed ventilators for treating COVID-19 patients.
In a joint statement, GM and Ventec Life Systems -- cooperating with StopTheSpread.org which is the private sector response to COVID-19 -- said they're collaborating to increase the production of Ventec ventilators, reports Forbes.
GM has taken a cue from Fiat Chrysler and Ford to pack up all North American auto production amid the spread of COVID-19, the disease the novel coronavirus causes.
As of now, these automakers expect the shutdown to last until March 30 to guard workers at production plants across the continent.
Bothell, Wash.-based Ventec will "leverage GM's logistics, purchasing and manufacturing expertise" to create additional ventilators.
"By tapping their expertise, GM is enabling us to procure more ventilators to more hospitals much faster. This partnership will help save lives," said Chris Kiple, Ventec CEO within the statement, as per the Forbes report.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has also said he will help make ventilators to assist the US health system fight the pandemic.
