It?s been more than three weeks since Japan was hit with one of the most destructive earthquakes and tsunamis ever, but the economic impact is just beginning to emerge here at home.One area of concern in America is the automotive industry, since three of the leading manufacturers – Toyota, Honda and Nissan – are based in Japan.Kevin Michaud of Michaud Mitsubishi in Danvers said that the Japanese crisis might slow production of all automobiles, not just those that are manufactured in Asia.?We sell all makes and models, and all American vehicles have Japanese components and parts that the consumer may not see,” Michaud explained. “It?s in its infancy stage, so we haven?t seen a drastic impact yet, but come May and June, we?ll see it.”Likewise, Carl Diemer of Lynnway Kelly Honda said that there has been some impact on production that will be felt in June and July. Honda manufacturing is expected to start back up this week, but only at 50 percent capacity.?Selection may be a little tighter for this year?s models come May, June and July, so April is a good time to buy since incentives are great that time anyways for the busy spring market,” Diemer explained.According to Diemer, 80 percent of Honda manufacturing occurs in the United States, but some parts are built in Japan. So while there may not be a complete shortage, the selection of color and options may be limited, making Diemer “apprehensive about accommodating the customers.”?This year had a sluggish start with the bad weather in January, but we bounced back in February and, in March, Kelly Honda had its best month ever and sold an all-time record number of Hondas,” Diemer explained. “So hopefully it?s a sign of the times and we won?t be affected too much.”He added that any parts needed for repairs on past models will be readily available, as the crisis will only impact production for the current model.Michaud also said that his dealership has been extremely busy so far this season, and that people who are contemplating buying should do so in the near future.?It?s a basic fact of economics that if supply decreases and demand stays the same or increases, you get an increase in price,” he explained. “With the improvements in the economy, tax returns, and the good weather, demand is going to increase. The sooner people act, the better.”Cavan Dunn, General Manager of Kelly Nissan in Lynnfield explained that Nissan gets four of its products from Japan, including the Nissan Juke, but that most of the plants weren?t disturbed by the quake and tsunami.Japanese engine production is taking the biggest hit from the disaster, but Dunn doesn?t think it will have a large impact on the American market.?The plant that builds our engines was completely wiped out,” Dunn explained. “But for the majority of cars we sell we have a 60- to 90-day supply here or on the water, so we?re expecting very few shortages.”Dunn explained that when parts are needed, Nissan finds replacement suppliers within the United States who have the product in stock. Those suppliers – such as one large warehouse located at Nissan?s plant in Tennessee – keep a supply to last at least 180 days.Although Nissan is a Japanese company, Dunn added that 75 percent of production happens within the United States, so the Japanese crisis shouldn?t have a large impact on our economy. If anything, Dunn said it might actually help the economy by bringing jobs back to the United States.?Plans to switch engine production to the United States were already on the table due to the rates of the dollar and the yen,” Dunn said. “Now, with all that?s happening in Japan, I think plans will continue to go in that direction and it will end up coming here.”