Car sales in China fell 92% in the first half of February as the coronavirus shutdown took its toll, according to an industry trade body.

Axar.az reports citing BBC that car dealerships have remained closed while buyers have stayed away to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

Nationwide car sales slumped 96% in the first week of February to a daily average of just 811 vehicles.

The China Passenger Car Association (PCA) said it hoped sales would pick up as more showrooms reopened.

"There was barely anybody at car dealers in the first week of February as most people stayed at home," said PCA secretary general Cui Dongshu.