Applying the War Act, President Trump urged automakers to participate in the production of medical equipment

Based on the “National Defense Production” Act, US President Donald Trump ordered General Motors on Tuesday to manufacture breathing machines needed to treat corona virus-infected patients.

That same day, GM also said it would begin production cooperation with other medical device manufacturers. At the same time, Toyota Motor said it would assist ventilator manufacturers to increase production. In addition, many other automobile manufacturers have also made commitments to support the production of medical equipment for the corona virus.

The Defense Production Act used by Mr. Trump, enacted since the Korean War in 1950, aimed at ensuring the medical supplies needed to respond to the corona virus pandemic, such as breathing apparatus and masks. .

GM started manufacturing ventilators

Under this law, GM is obligated to prioritize the production and delivery of federal orders. Mr Trump had previously criticized the company for saying that “GM is wasting time,” and urged the company to quickly sign contracts and shorten other processes.

At a request from Mr. Trump, GM said it would install ventilator manufacturing equipment at one of its factories that manufactures automotive electronics in Indiana. From April, GM will also partner with Ventec Life Systems, a small medical device manufacturer in Seattle, to begin manufacturing ventilators. In total, the company says it can produce 10,000 ventilators per month and is capable of increasing its capacity even further.

Currently, there are about 65,000 ventilators in the United States able to treat critically ill patients. The number of ventilators can be as high as 170,000 if even simpler devices are used for only certain cases.

However, the number of ventilators is still too small compared to its needs in the current corona virus pandemic. According to estimates by the Johns Hopkins Health Safety Center, the United States will need about 740,000 ventilators to cope with the pandemic.

This serious shortage of ventilator obviously cannot be filled by relying solely on GM. Therefore, the community of American automobile manufacturers is simultaneously voicing their contributions to the timely supply of ventilators and other medical devices to cope with the increasingly complex situation of the pandemic. corona.

Toyota produces 3D printed face shields

Meanwhile, on March 27, Toyota Motor said it will begin to support increased production for ventilator manufacturers. In addition to providing component supply and distribution support to the two ventilator manufacturers, the company also set up a line dedicated to meeting the cooperation requirements from medical device manufacturers. Other.

And yet, next week, Toyota will also produce a simple medical veil when using a 3D printer at a factory in the United States and distribute it to hospitals in Texas, Indiana and Kentucky. The company is preparing to produce masks, which are in short supply in the US and are seeking filter suppliers.

Ford Motor Company will also provide manufacturers of ventilators with the components and materials needed to increase production. In its statement, the famous American automaker said:

” Ford is returning to production to quickly and safely provide the necessary equipment for patients, first responders and medical staff. We are beginning to transport tens of thousands of panels.” Ford-made face masks to hospitals and police agencies, including NYPD . ”

” We have a team working with GE Healthcare to increase production of simple ventilators, and work with 3M to increase production of ventilation masks. Ford is currently actively talking to The FDA is seeking guidance on approvals, scope and delivery capabilities related to a range of products, including ventilators, and we will provide more details on production times and numbers. as soon as possible . ”

Tesla donated ventilators to the hospital

Thanks to Tesla and Elon Musk for quickly sending tens of thousands of N95 masks and masks to the medical team.

Renowned electric car maker Tesla also participated in the battle with the corona virus pandemic. In partnership with Medtronics, the medical device giant in Ireland, Tesla will manufacture the ventilators developed and designed by the company. Tesla also plans to reuse a photovoltaic battery factory in New York state, which is temporarily closed due to corona virus outbreak, to assemble ventilators.

Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk also said he has started donating hundreds of ventilators, purchased from different manufacturers, to take to hospitals in New York City to meet the needs. Urgent bridge here.

Refer to Wheelsjoint