Virus Onset in China’s ‘Motor City’ Darkens Auto Credit Outlook

  • Coronavirus blow to sector showing signs of recovery
  • Epicenter Wuhan is China’s fourth-largest auto producer

Workers prepare a temporary hospital at the Wuhan International Conference and Exhibition Center .

Photographer: Getty Images/Getty Images

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European junk-rated auto companies were just starting to show signs of a recovery after a prolonged downturn, with improving bond prices and encouraging results.

Then the coronavirus struck.