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| Coronavirus: Car sales in China fall 92% in February | Coronavirus: Car sales in China fall 92% in February |
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| Car sales in China fell 92% in the first half of February as the coronavirus shutdown took its toll, according to an industry trade body. | Car sales in China fell 92% in the first half of February as the coronavirus shutdown took its toll, according to an industry trade body. |
| Car dealerships have remained closed while buyers have stayed away to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. | Car dealerships have remained closed while buyers have stayed away to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. |
| Nationwide car sales slumped 96% in the first week of February to a daily average of just 811 vehicles. | Nationwide car sales slumped 96% in the first week of February to a daily average of just 811 vehicles. |
| The China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) said it hoped sales would pick up as more showrooms reopened. | The China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) said it hoped sales would pick up as more showrooms reopened. |
| "There was barely anybody at car dealers in the first week of February as most people stayed at home," said CPCA secretary general Cui Dongshu. | "There was barely anybody at car dealers in the first week of February as most people stayed at home," said CPCA secretary general Cui Dongshu. |
| Dealers have gradually restarted operations this month, and the automobile trade body is hoping sales will improve during the second half of February. | Dealers have gradually restarted operations this month, and the automobile trade body is hoping sales will improve during the second half of February. |
| China is the world's biggest car market, selling just over 21 million cars last year, according to Statista. The US is the second biggest market. | China is the world's biggest car market, selling just over 21 million cars last year, according to Statista. The US is the second biggest market. |
| Even before the deadly outbreak, car sales in China were in decline due to a slowing economy and trade tensions with the US. | Even before the deadly outbreak, car sales in China were in decline due to a slowing economy and trade tensions with the US. |
| While car sales have slumped, production has also been severely disrupted with many of the world's biggest car makers warning of delays. | While car sales have slumped, production has also been severely disrupted with many of the world's biggest car makers warning of delays. |
| Many car companies had expected to restart operations in China this week. But even those firms that have re-opened some locations have warned it will take longer to return to full capacity than expected. | Many car companies had expected to restart operations in China this week. But even those firms that have re-opened some locations have warned it will take longer to return to full capacity than expected. |
| It is not just car makers who are suffering disruptions in China, known as "the world's factory". Global manufacturers are also facing production delays, with Apple warning of global iPhone supply shortages. | |
| The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak has now risen to more than 2,200 people. | The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak has now risen to more than 2,200 people. |