(CNN) In a move reminiscent of the World Wars, when America's car factories shifted to producing tanks, bombers and aircraft engines, some US automakers are looking into making ventilators and other medical equipment to help combat the coronavirus pandemic.

A shortage of ventilators has become a growing concern as the number of reported infections increase across the United States. In the most serious cases, coronavirus patients lose the ability to breathe on their own and require a ventilator, which pumps air in and out of the lungs.

Ventilators, like this one being demonstrated in Isreal, help patients with weakened lungs to breathe.

"As America's largest producer of vehicles and top employer of autoworkers, Ford stands ready to help the administration in any way we can, including the possibility of producing ventilators and other equipment," Ford said in a statement Wednesday night. "We have had preliminary discussions with the US government and are looking into the feasibility."

GM GM also said that it is looking into whether it could produce medical equipment, including ventilators. GM spokesperson Jeannine Ginivan said CEO Mary Barra had been in touch with the White House regarding the possibility. "GM is working to help find solutions for the nation during this difficult time and has offered to help," Ginivan said

Tesla TSLA also weighed in. After being pressed on the matter by Twitter users, Musk, who has expressed skepticism over the seriousness of the coronavirus crisis, responded: "We will make ventilators if there is a shortage." CEO, Elon Musk, hasalso weighed in. After being pressed on the matter by Twitter users, Musk, who has expressed skepticism over the seriousness of the coronavirus crisis, responded: "We will make ventilators if there is a shortage."