Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen executives, backing the outlook of government officials, said light-vehicle demand is rebounding in China after restrictions on social life ease and dealerships reopen. VW Group China CEO Stephan Wollenstein said the market could reach 2019's sales pace "in early summer.”

China’s stimulus package for the auto industry has been all over the map. Measures that help some automakers wind up setting back priorities for others.

Output at Honda's joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group, idled in late January when authorities ordered a lockdown to snuff out the coronavirus, has returned to pre-virus production levels, but with new safety protocols for some 12,000 workers.

The revival offers a sliver of hope for global carmakers from Volkswagen to General Motors and Toyota, whose sales are slumping in other regions of the world as the virus spreads.