Ford, HSV and Premcar fight Coronavirus 

Traditional Australian automotive rivals Walkinshaw Group and Premcar are teaming up to combat the Coronavirus.

Separately, Ford Australia has been approached by the federal and Victorian government to potentially assist with the supply of life-saving ventilators.

Walkinshaw Group and Premcar are collaborating on the local manufacture of a low-cost simplified ventilator that could alleviate the drastic shortfall of the devices facing the Australian health industry as the pandemic accelerates.

The Walkinshaw Group is the parent of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), while Premcar is staffed by many key members of its former rival, Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV).

Ventilators are a key weapon in the fight against the global pandemic as critically ill patients lose the ability to breath on their own.

According to a report at theguardian.com, Australia currently has 2300 ventilators in intensive care units across the hospital system. It has surge capacity for another 5000 and is seeking to dramatically boost stocks.

The federal and Victorian governments approached Ford locally after its US parent announced it would provide General Electric Healthcare, which already produces ventilators, with a “simplified design” for ventilators that would allow it to significantly boost stocks in the US.

“I confirm that Ford Australia has been in contact with the federal and Victorian governments to offer our help and the expertise of our team to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ford Australia boss Kay Hart said in a statement.

“The majority of our 2000-plus workforce here in Australia are engineers and designers, many of whom are skilled in innovation, production and other areas, with knowledge that may be of use in the development of medical devices and other equipment.

“While we’re still exploring what the government and healthcare providers need, it goes without saying that any way we can help, we will help.”

Usually, new ventilator designs require Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval before being available for use in Australia.

However, the simple ventilator Walkinshaw Group and Premcar are working on is not designed to achieve that approval.

“There is the opportunity for us to build a more agricultural-style ventilator, which we are seeing is becoming pretty hot property in [Coronavirus hotspot] Italy at the moment,” explained Walkinshaw Group chief Ryan Walkinshaw.

“If there is going to be a severe crisis people are going to want something rather than nothing and I think there is an opportunity for us to supply something very easily.”

Walkinshaw made the point that in places such as Italy medical staff were forced into making life and death decisions because of the shortage of ventilators.

“When there are 80-year-old patients having their ventilators removed because there is a 60-year-old patient next to them that has got more chances of surviving… well I know if I was that 80-year-old person I would rather have a rudimentary ventilator to give me something rather than nothing.

“The alternative is probably death.”

The offer has been also made to produce specific parts for ventilators as well as complete machines. Walkinshaw has the ability to 3D print, mill and fabricate parts.

Both state and federal governments have been alerted to the Walkinshaw/Premcar offer and it is understood the Victorian government has responded with a request for further information.

Walkinshaw Group has also alerted the authorities to its capabilities in other areas such as the conversion and fit-out of emergency vehicles and caravans – New Age Caravans is also part of the group – and the potential to make in-demand items such as face masks, personal protective equipment, gowns and even beds.

“We are here willing and able to provide solutions,” said Walkinshaw. “All we have done is put up our hand and thrown down a bunch of ideas. We will wait for a response.”