Automakers in China are resuming work in an orderly manner amid the novel coronavirus epidemic.

(Photo/Xinhua)

Among 183 whole vehicle manufacturing bases in the country, 59 had resumed work and production by Feb. 12, accounting for 32.2 percent of the total, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).

In ramping up production operations, manufacturers such as BYD and SAIC Volkswagen have taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their employees, including distributing masks and checking body temperature.

Automakers could only resume operations to their normal capacity on the premise of preventing the spread of the virus, said Luo Lei, vice secretary-general of China Automobile Dealers Association (CADA).

 The CAAM said auto companies in the coronavirus hard-hit Hubei, Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces, which are also major auto hubs in the country with a large number of auto parts manufacturers, would be severely affected. Besides, the short supply of auto parts would limit companies’ ability to regain full production in the short term.

To ensure safe production, automakers, including BMW China and Honda China, will reopen their factories in the country at the end of February based on the epidemic situation, employee health concerns and local government recommendations.

Meanwhile, among 2,895 4S stores of about 50 auto dealer groups, 573 had resumed operation by Feb. 11, accounting for 19.8 percent, according to the CADA.