The coronavirus outbreak has prompted some of Japan's struggling automakers to order partial plant closures and will likely prolong their troubles with parts procurement in China, forcing them to alter production plans, industry analysts say.

The automakers, mired in a sales slump, are already experiencing delivery delays with some models after taking longer than expected to restart production lines.

With virus fears driving new buyers away from showrooms, the sluggish sales are an added headache. And given that none has factored in the impact of the coronavirus on their earnings outlooks yet due to the fluid nature of the situation, shareholders may soon feel even more pain.