Auto

While the idea of buying a car online has largely failed to catch on, some in the industry are hopeful this time buyers might give it a try as large parts of the country shut down and people adjust to conducting more business remotely.

Ford Motor Co. said on Thursday it was aiming to restart production at some plants in North America as early as April 6.

The automakers had said on March 18 they would halt production until at least March 30

The auto manufacturer has received glowing safety reviews for many of its car models.

Ford said that it will also assemble plastic face shields.

Last Friday President Trump said he will use the Defense Production Act to combat the deadly coronavirus pandemic and enlist companies in this healthcare crisis and Monday the first official fruits of move were reveal when Fiat Chrysler announced it would manufacture and donate more than 1 million protective face masks per month.

The Defense Production Act has not been used because companies have volunteered to help, FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor said Sunday.

The Japanese electronics company supplies battery cells for Tesla’s electric vehicles.

The group also called for subsidies to relocate operations to the United States.

Tesla Inc has told employees it reduced the number of workers at its California vehicle factory to curb the spread of coronavirus as Chief Executive Elon Musk said the company may start producing ventilators to ease a U.S. shortage.

Tesla shares soared after the electric-car maker received two upgrades from Wall Street analysts on Thursday.

The U.S. is "probably" in a recession as the auto, airline and other industries take hits due to the coronavirus pandemic, former Ford CEO Mark Fields told "Mornings with Maria" on Thursday.

Alameda County, where the factory is based, is one of six covered by an order from regional officials to “shelter in place."