Publications
Partners
While there is nothing positive about the coronavirus, if you look closely enough you might just find a few silver linings.
In the motoring space, various automakers have pledged their dedication to fighting the virus. Even motorsport teams, including Formula 1 teams, made it their responsibility to aid the global health care system, in some way or form.
Automobili Lamborghini has also announced it is converting departments of its super sports car production plant in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, to produce surgical masks and protective plexiglass shields.
The automaker says the masks will be donated to the Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital in Bologna to be used in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Target of 50 000 ventilators
Ford is one of the more recent automakers who made their intentions known of how they plan to combat Covid-19. The Blue Oval plans to produce 50 000 ventilators in Michigan in the next 100 days. They will be partnering with General Electric Healthcare to assist coronavirus patients who are struggling with respiratory troubles.
Following the 100 days, Ford plans to produce 30 000 ventilators every month, depending on the need.
Ford said: "The simplified ventilator design - licensed by GE Healthcare from Florida-based Airon Corporation. - is responsive to the needs of most Covid-19 patients, and operates on air pressure without the need for electricity."
Ford expects to produce 1500 ventilators by the end of April, 12 000 by the end of May, and 50 000 by July 4.
Image: Ford
Helping health workers
Jaguar Land Rover heeded South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to help fight Covid-19. As part of their effort, JLR SA availed 11 vehicles to the South African Red Cross Society in an attempt to help keep the organisation mobile.
The purpose of these vehicles, says JLR, is to help in the promotion of personal hygiene. This includes awareness around hand washing and sanitising techniques, demystifying myths on Covid-19, and the distribution of masks and gloves.
In addition to these activities the Red Cross will provide support to affected families, distribute food parcels, buy groceries and feed homeless people.
READ: Jaguar Land Rover hands over vehicles to SA Red Cross to minimise coronavirus spread
Image: Motorpress
Project Pit Lane
Formula 1 is the biggest motorsport code in the world and is renowned for pioneering various new technologies that filter through to road cars.
It therefore should come as no surprise that the sport's teams are banding together to do their part in fighting the global epidemic.
Seven of the ten F1 teams are based in the United Kingdom, and these teams came together to produce and deliver respiratory devices. In Italy, Ferrari is doing their part, as well, to produce these devices.
READ: Various carmakers race to make ventilators during virus pandemic
The 2020 F1 season has been placed on indefinite hold as Covid-19 swept across the globe. The opening eight races of the season has been postponed or cancelled, with more races expected to fall.
The sport is now looking at a season consisting of 15 races, while some suggest that a 12-race season could possibly be on the cards.
