But in an open letter to US President Donald Trump, NADA President Peter Welch and Alliance for Automotive Innovation President John Bozella wrote that auto dealers should be considered essential, and thus left open despite any such shelter in place orders.

"We want to underscore the importance of ensuring that consumers have access to a safe and well-functioning motor vehicle fleet," the letter reads in part.

"Motor vehicles, both new and old, are critical to ensure that the public can get food and other necessities of life," the letter continued. "Given the importance of safe transportation in addressing the coronavirus outbreak, we have an obligation to ensure that motor vehicles remain safe and are properly maintained."



The letter notes that many local jurisdictions already count automobile dealers on their lists of "essential" businesses, and argue that similar guidance is needed nationally.