High inventory that can’t be sold is risking the bankruptcy of many companies in the industry, automakers and dealers said.

Tesla registrations increased in Italy and France in March even as those markets fell sharply overall, and sales were also strong in the UK and Germany. The automaker is promoting "touchless delivery" to minimize the risk of coronavirus infection.  

Consumer confidence has plummeted and registrations have dried up after dealerships were closed by government coronavirus measures, analysts LMC Automotive said.

After the explosive growth in March, Russia's new-car sales are expected to dive in April because dealerships are now closed as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.