General Motors to make ventilators amid COVID-19 crisis

In a joint statement, GM and Ventec Life Systems -- cooperating with StopTheSpread.org which is the private sector response to COVID-19 -- said they are collaborating to boost production of Ventec ventilators, reports Forbes.

GM has taken a cue from Fiat Chrysler and Ford to shut down 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 protect workers at production plants across the continent.

Bothell, Wash.-based Ventec will "leverage GM's logistics, purchasing and manufacturing expertise" to build additional ventilators.

"By tapping their expertise, GM is enabling us to get more ventilators to more hospitals much faster. This partnership will help save lives," said Chris Kiple, Ventec CEO in the statement, according to the Forbes report.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has also said he will help make ventilators to help the US health system fight the pandemic.