The coronavirus pandemic has forced GM to review its schedule for product updates. The unpredictable duration and severity of the crisis is compelling automakers to adapt their plans on the fly.
Monthly Archives: March 2020
Ford estimates it will be able to produce 50,000 ventilators over the next 100 days. The company is working closely with GE Healthcare and plans to begin production of the devices in April.
The Paris Motor Show has been called off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. At the rate things are going, the question becomes whether any shows at all will be held this year, considering also that the manufacturers will have limited means to finish the year.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday ordered GM to manufacture ventilators. The company was already partnering with Ventec to do so, but the invocation of the Defense Protection Act allows the White House to order it to do so. By Sunday the president was once again lauding the automaker’s efforts.
The Volkswagen Group is currently spending 2 billion euros a week at a time when the coronavirus outbreak has decimated revenues. If the pandemic continues and sales don’t pick up, job losses will be inevitable, says the company’s CEO.
After announcing it will produce masks for health care workers, FCA commits to providing one million meals for children in need. Efforts will initially focus on communities where factories are located and then expand across North America.
Ford plans to restart production at selected North American plants beginning in April. However, the company says it will monitor the situation closely and adjust its plans if necessary.
Several automakers have modified their logos to help encourage social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. Audi and Volkswagen notably have produced some ingenious creatives.
Chevrolet is adding more standard safety features to its Traverse model for the 2021 model-year. The move is designed to make the overall package more attractive versus the competition.
Ford has announced its North American plants will remain closed until further notice due to the coronavirus. To the surprise of no one, the March 30 date originally scheduled for a restart of operations has thus been extended.