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BEIJING — China’s auto sales plunged 81.7% in February from a year ago after much of the economy was shut down to fight a virus outbreak, an industry group reported March 12.

The annual New York auto show probably will be pushed back to August from April due to the coronavirus.

Automakers and suppliers across the globe have been scrambling to keep production going after the coronavirus shuttered parts plants across China. But now a bigger fear is emerging: Consumers may be in no mood to buy cars and trucks.

Automakers probably will dial back production by 15% in China this quarter after extending holiday shutdowns due to the potentially deadly coronavirus, a top supplier said.

The palladium rally continues to defy all expectations.

DETROIT — When it comes to buying a new car, the latest and greatest may not be the most dependable.

Automakers that are under U.S. antitrust scrutiny over an emissions agreement reached with California regulators are set to meet the week of Sept. 30 with the Justice Department, according to a person familiar with the matter.

All-wheel-drive sedans used to be a niche market limited to park rangers and uptight snow-belt drivers. These days, they’re becoming a more popular choice for decidedly mainstream models.

The chief engine of growth for the world’s carmakers is turning into their biggest headache. From Oct. 23 to Oct. 25, auto giants from Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Co. to Renault SA and PSA Group have pinned flagging profits and weakening sales outlooks on a slowdown in the world’s largest auto market.

While a proposed border adjustment tax on goods including cars and trucks appears to have been pulled off the political stove by House Republicans, the North American Free Trade Agreement is still on a burner.