Japan Earthquake Causes Shortage of Black and Red Paint

Since this was the only plant in the world that makes this particular pigment, consumers will have limited color choices for at least a month.

Carmakers most affected by this are Chrysler and Ford.

Chrysler told dealers the company will restrict ordering vehicles in brilliant black, blackberry, deep cherry red, redline, inferno, bronze star, rugged brown, hunter green, ivory and billet metallic.

Ford has restricted paint orders for vehicles in "tuxedo" black and a few shades of red.

The pigment involved gives the paints their metallic look.

If your heart is set on one of these colors, you'll need to hold off purchasing for a couple of months.