Since the outbreak of the epidemic, many auto companies in China have sought to tap the potentials of online platforms to promote their sales and reduce the possibility of infections among customers and salesmen.

Such auto brands including companies such as Guangzhou Automobile Group, Dongfeng Nissan, Dongfeng Venucia, Chang’an Ford and SAIC Motor have developed online auto sales channels to facilitate users to buy cars during this special period.

Sales personnel of many automobile brands have launched virtual VR exhibition halls through social software such as WeChat and QQ, which allows users to experience the real-life auto shopping environment while staying at home.

Not only that, many auto manufacturers have also provided online after-sales services, online insurance renewal and other businesses, through WeChat communication and other ways to quickly complete the renewal process.

Selling cars online is just a small supplement to car companies' marketing, said Cui Dongshu, secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

Cui added that online car exhibits as well as sales are only a small part of the sales link, and will not become the main means of future car sales. "Cars are a commodity, and in order for purchases to happen, potential customers need more experiences such as test drives, which are not available online."

Car company general management teams are still optimistic about the future automobile market. Chen Qing, general manager of NIO, a car company, in south China’s Guangzhou said that in the short to medium term, the auto industry and even the whole macro economy will be affected by the epidemic. But he thinks the demand for private cars will increase in the long run.