The automaker aims to have 198 dealerships using Transit vans upfitted with repair equipment this year. Many already offering mobile service have helped doctors, nurses and first responders who are fighting the virus outbreak.

In a survey conducted by the Automotive News Data Center from March 18 to 24, the 314 respondents indicated they expect sharp declines in new- and used-vehicle sales and in their overall businesses.

“It was probably the most tragic day of my career,” said one dealer in Washington state, after putting workers on what he called standby unemployment amid the pandemic.

Activity is expected to fall this year amid the coronavirus outbreak, but is likely to heat up again by the end of the year, industry experts say.

The shift to online vehicle sales has been underway for years. Some dealers say the changes they're making to respond to COVID-19 may be here to stay.

Ted Ogawa becomes CEO of Toyota Motor North America this week, succeeding the retiring Jim Lentz. Ogawa wants to improve Lexus' product cadence and build on Lentz's One Toyota team building. But he takes over amid the global chaos of the coronavirus pandemic.

Analysts say the majority of customers who have disappeared from showrooms are simply waiting for a period of more stability and economic confidence -- and in many states, for orders keeping them at home to be lifted.

The G80 adopts the brand's new Athletic Elegance design language that debuted in the GV80, the brand's first crossover.

“General Motors is doing a fantastic job,” President Trump said at a White House news conference on Sunday. “I don’t think we have to worry about General Motors now.” 

Japan and South Korea carried on as business-as-usual in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping their auto factories open until now. But the economic contagion is finally catching.