Most automakers closed assembly plants in China for the Lunar New Year holiday but the viral outbreak that has spread across the country has prompted many of them to take other steps and precautions to help contain the epidemic.

The hybrid will launch Maserati's push toward electrification and its goal of launching 10 new or updated models between 2020 and 2023, including a full-electric sports car. 

To encourage drivers to switch to electrified cars, Volvo will offer a year’s free electricity to buyers of new plug-in vehicles starting in May.

Elon Musk said concern that Tesla's new European factory in a rural area near Berlin would cause water shortages is exaggerated, pushing back against critics of the plant.