Axalta published its 68th Global Automotive Color Popularity Survey, and 81% of vehicles were said to be white, black, gray or silver. White is the most commonly bought automotive color worldwide at 38 percent and has been for 10 years in a row. Black stays at 19% year-over-year and is a favorite for luxury cars. Gray is up two percent at 15 percent and is at a 10-year peak. In all countries, meanwhile, silver is in decline, now at just nine percent. This change in many markets from silver to gray is their perception of a more modern and luxurious color.
Axalta is a leading supplier of liquid and powder coatings and gathers data from every country where cars are manufactured in its annual Global Automotive Color Popularity Survey. Their study helps car manufacturers to observe patterns across the globe and in specific markets.
"Consumer buying trends reflected in the study are driving color development for the future," said Nancy Lockhart, global color product manager for Axalta. "We are pleased to share this information and bring our color technology, market experience, and trend data together to bring life to colors."
The new home, fashion, and product trends, including an interest in green-blue and green-yellow shades, are accompanied by creative color options for automotive buyers. The growing global use of gray, and nuances such as fine flake effects and hints of color flakes, is also noteworthy. Although we have yet to see a vehicle in metallic teal, if the color continues to trend upwards, it could happen.
The Global Automotive Color Popularity Report findings are based on an analysis of automotive construction data for 2020 and are indicators of current industry trends. Reporting on the color trends in the industry began in 1953, and as stated in their global annual color trend forecast, Axalta also makes color forecasts. When vehicle and customer tastes alter, automotive colors that are aesthetically appealing and functionally advantageous develop.