Ford partners with Wayne State U. to launch mobile coronavirus testing effort

Ford Motor Company has gone to war before, turning out tanks, planes and trucks by the tens of thousands to defend freedom during World War II. Now, with a new partnership with Michigan’s Wayne State University, Ford is going into battle again, helping launch a new initiative that will improve access to rapid coronavirus testing for healthcare workers and first responders on the front lines of the epidemic. In addition to working with Wayne State to figure out the logistics of the massive effort, Ford has provided a fleet of new Ford vehicles, drivers and equipment to help establish
the first mobile testing service in the state of Michigan.

The efforts by Ford and Wayne State serve to boost drive-through testing sites that opened in Detroit and Dearborn on March 20. To date, 3,300 police officers, firefighters, doctors and nurses have been tested at those sites, but Ford is looking to push those numbers even higher to help track the disease and stop coronavirus cold.

Ford’s in-house innovation incubator, Ford X, is providing dozens of 2020 Lincoln Navigators and drivers from the Lincoln Personal Driver pilot service to assist in the effort, and is spending millions to equip the effort with tents, sanitation, portable generators and Wi-Fi. Each vehicle will be fully equipped for mobile testing with staff and medical kits, and will be capable of testing as many as 100 people a day, with test results returned within 36 hours.

“We believe this work with Wayne State and their coalition to improve access to testing for Michigan first responders is a meaningful opportunity to use our mobility knowledge and resources to help our community during this pandemic,” said Kristin Welch, manager, Strategy & Operations, Ford X. “This work is in addition to that being done by our colleagues throughout the company to help produce and distribute critical medical equipment including face masks and ventilators to support those that are caring for, and protecting others during these uncertain times.”

In addition to helping to stand up and equip the mobile testing efforts in Michigan, Ford has produced more than three million face shields for healthcare workers and first responders, and is now producing Ford-designed powered air-purifying respirators. The company has also produced and provided over 5,000 washable and reusable gowns to Beaumont Health hospital in metro Detroit for free.

At McLarty Daniel Ford of Bentonville, we’re proud to be one small part of a company that is doing so much for others. We’re doing our part as well by offering innovative shopping, selling, and service opportunities to help keep Northwest Arkansas residents on wheels and our local economy rolling along, as well as participating in Ford’s “Built to Lend a Hand” initiative to help current Ford owners whose income may be affected by job loss or furlough. For more information about a come-to-you test drive or service appointment, or Ford’s “Built to Lend a Hand” program, give us a call.

And for the best selection of new and used vehicles around, shop our website today. We’re here to serve our community, and we’re ready to make you glad you trusted us with your business at McLarty Daniel Ford of Bentonville.