Sales of SUVs, sedans and minivans fell to 224,000, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Sales “fell sharply due to the severe impact of the new coronavirus epidemic,” a CAAM statement said. Sales in the first two months of 2020 were down 43.6 percent from a year earlier at 1.8 million units. Demand already was weak due to consumer jitters about a tariff war with Washington, slower economic growth and possible job losses. Sales fell 9.6 percent last year, their second straight annual decline.

Source: The Standard March 12, 2020 11:20 UTC