The Japanese earthquake has had widespread effects on the automotive industry, even causing some American manufacturers to stop production due to a lack of parts.

Prices on some popular Japan-only models, like the Toyota Prius, have spiked in recent weeks. Meanwhile, automakers have told dealers and shoppers not to panic and remain optimistic about resuming production. However, several analysts told The Associated Press that the effects of the quake were just beginning.

"This is the biggest impact ever in the history of the automobile industry," Koji Endo, managing director at Advanced Research Japan, told the news source.

The problem isn't so much the major factories – those are almost all back online. It is the parts manufacturers that supply everyone from Toyota to GM are still in question. Some have yet to be contacted. Without key parts, production can't continue.

According to the news source, prices will likely spike over the next few weeks as dealers face an inventory shortage. Dealers may also end up running low on certain trim levels or colors. For example, Ford has put the brakes on black versions of its Expedition, Navigator and F-150 models, taking no further orders on those.

The lack of supply could mean some high prices for vehicles over the next few months. Those who were considering purchasing a new or used car may want to head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction before prices skyrocket.