While there remains a whole lot that we don’t know about coronavirus COVID-19 health risks, U.S. health officials now say that there will be more cases in the U.S. as well as elsewhere in the world — with a global pandemic “likely.” And few industries are as interconnected around the globe as the auto industry, so you might have some health-related questions if you’re shopping for a new vehicle.
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We’ve surveyed the available information to answer some of these questions, and we will update these answers on Cars.com as new or more complete information becomes available.
Are there cars sold here that are built in China, and are they still available?
Almost none, and yes. The only one sold in significant volume right now is the China-built Buick Envision compact SUV. But as of this writing, there are 8,878 new 2020 models waiting on U.S. dealer lots and listed on Cars.com.
Are there cars sold in the U.S. that depend on Chinese parts and are there shortages?
China is a major parts supplier worldwide. Global suppliers based elsewhere, such as Bosch and Continental, also have production in China. It’s too early to know which, if any, vehicles will be seriously affected as automakers scramble to adjust supply chains. Plants around the world — some of which export to the U.S. — have faced at least temporary shortages, from Nissan and Honda in Japan to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Serbia. In South Korea, which also has its own serious COVID-19 outbreak; Hyundai plants have had production disruptions both from a shortage of wiring harnesses and also due to an infected worker.
No U.S. plants have been significantly affected, but that could change. Automotive News reports that even a vehicle such as all-American as the Toledo, Ohio-built Jeep Wrangler uses steering gears made not just in China, but in Wuhan, the center of the original virus outbreak.
Should I avoid cars built in China or with major parts from there?
That would not be easy (see above) and you’d have to add other countries as it spreads. Then again, it’s also not a significant risk: An official of the Centers for Disease Control reports that the life of the virus on copper and steel is measured in hours. On other materials, it can be days, but not as long as it would take even most U.S.-built cars to show up at dealers.
Can I take precautions with a new car — or any car — if I am worried about exposure?
Coronaviruses are relatively easy to render harmless with common household disinfectants, such as Lysol, that also would be easy on your car. You can find a list of COVID-19-fighting products here.
Do I risk coronavirus exposure from shopping for a car?
No more than in any other public place — and less than many, since a dealership is unlikely to be a close or crowded space (think a bar or subway car). You might want to avoid a handshake and maintain your personal space, however. Avoid any obviously ill person and follow the CDC’s recommendations (which you should be doing anyway) for good personal health habits and preventive actions for avoiding spread of respiratory illness, including hand washing and hand sanitizers. But beyond touching something someone else has touched, the CDC has posted a graphic using an airplane as a model to illustrate your risks from just proximity to other people — up to two seats away in any direction (not far in today’s planes) is moderate risk, up to four is low risk and beyond four is no identifiable risk.
Still worried? You can limit time in the dealership with other people by doing your research online (Cars.com would be a good place to start, just saying) and then handling most of the buying process online with one or more dealers, as well as your choice of financing, online or with email once you know just what you want. Several luxury brands have concierge service that will just bring the car to you, as do some used-car services — and some mainstream dealers might do so if you ask. Not quite Amazon Prime but close.
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If I’m OK with going out, will there still be auto shows this spring?
Unlike the cancellation of this year’s big show in Geneva, neither regional shows in the U.S. nor the major New York International Auto Show coming up have been called off. New York also has said that it is implementing upgraded public health measures for the venue, such as hand-sanitizing stations throughout. But that situation is fluid — and the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show was still slated to go on until less than a week to go.
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