Profitability was a big challenge before the pandemic. A big question now: Will the extraordinary economic complications of COVID-19 be fatal to some dealerships?

Several crossover models -- notably the Murano, Kicks and Pathfinder -- were bright spots in the quarter with year-over-year sales gains.

Volvo is removing a major pain point for customers with a vehicle undergoing service -- having to schlep to and from the dealership.

With factories furloughed and showrooms shuttered, automakers are having to rethink go-to-market strategies for several key models.

The German sports car maker is guaranteeing payouts, relaxing dealer performance bonus objectives and extending finance. Its captive finance arm also is offering retail customers lease extensions.

Manufacturers last week leapt into action to buoy the bottom lines of retailers feeling the aftershocks of the coronavirus contagion in their now-bare showrooms and service drives.

The big luxury sedan will be available with four drivetrain variants: gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid and full electric. Production is expected to begin in the second half of 2022.

Inadequate marketing and too many variants have turned the 8 Series into an inventory inconvenience for some dealers.

BMW's package includes financial incentives, relaxed performance objectives and loan payment relief. Meanwhile, American Honda has offered relief for consumers and dealers.

Toyota is stopping output at all of its North American plants on Monday and Tuesday. Honda will suspend production beginning Monday and plans to restart factories on March 31. Nissan is planning a two-week shutdown, according to an internal memo.

Mercedes-Benz USA, in a letter to dealers, announced several initiatives aimed at boosting dealer profitability amid an anticipated decline in showroom traffic.

Nissan U.K. manufacturing chief Steve Marsh will take over Nissan North America production. Because of the evolving impact of the novel coronavirus, his effective date is tentative.

Nissan intends to pay $375 per vehicle regardless of the dealer's sales goal. Additionally, finance captive Nissan Motor Acceptance is lowering its dealer floorplan rates.

European automakers believe U.S. operations will see business as usual during the 30-day ban on travel to the continent.

BMW, planning a new-generation of EVs, is ending output of its first plug-in hybrid six years after it was introduced.