Auto Industry Offer To Manufacture Ventilators And Medical Equipment Amid Covid-19

• Published On: 26 March 2020
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Automakers like Mahindra and Volkswagen come forward in the fight against Coronavirus.

India is battling the Coronavirus epidemic on a war footing level with the Central Government enforcing a nationwide lockdown for the next 21 days starting from 24th March 2020. With over 600 plus citizens infected and a death tool of dozen, COVID 19 can wreck India and set us back by decades. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his televised speech spoke about making the right protective approach and working as a group to eliminate the threat of Coronavirus. Automotive Industry has risen to the situation and is helping the Government authorities in their efforts to control the outbreak.

In India, automobile manufactures are now coming together to help the Indian Government with the production of hospital ventilators and necessary medical equipment required by the authorities. Pawan Goenka, Managing Director of Mahindra and Mahindra tweet outlined the work being done by them to alleviate the Coronavirus problem. He said “at other ends we are working on an automated version of the Bag Valve Mask ventilator (commonly known as Ambu bag). We hope to have a Proto ready in 3 days for approval. Once proven this design will be made available to all for manufacturing.”. Anand Mahindra, the Chairman of Mahindra and Mahindra offered to convert their resort properties into temporary units for Coronavirus quarantine facilities. He also pledged to contribute 100% of salary to it and will add more over the next few months. 

Volkswagen's Chief Executive Officer - Herbert Diess in a statement to media outlets spoke about the company ramping up production for protective masks in China while supporting German authorities with equipment like body heat measuring devices, masks, disinfectants and diagnostic equipment. In a further boost to the fight against COVID 19, Volkswagen and Daimler will be donating more than 3,00,000 protective masks to health organizations. 

Ferrari NV and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV are in discussion with Italy’s biggest ventilator manufacturer in boosting the output.  United States of America is dealing with COVID-19 and has found an ally in General Motors. The automaker intends to use factory space to build hospital ventilators and help the government in containing the deadly disease spread.