** Shares of U.S. automakers rise after President Donald Trump says he is looking to "help" car companies

** Ford Motor's F.N shares rose 4%, while GM GM.N was up 4.3% in afternoon trading

** "I'm looking at something to help some of the car companies where they're switching to parts that were made in Canada, Mexico and other places," Trump told reporters on Monday

** Trump has announced 25% tariffs on automotive imports that took effect on April 3

** YTD, GM down ~18%, F down ~4.2%

(Reporting by Utkarsh Shetti in Bengaluru)

((UtkarshUmesh.Shetti@thomsonreuters.com))