Choosing a vehicle color can be a decision akin to picking a marriage partner. When I was growing up, car color choices were mostly limited to some version of a primary color. Honda Civics came in either white or silver – and silver was not usually available. Once, in another lifetime, I overcame the limitations and painted my VW bug bright purple (along with the lawn!)   

    The importance of color is not lost on the paint manufacturers, who regularly release their findings and predictions for upcoming years.

    Climate protection and heightened environmental awareness is impacting color trends for cars, according to research by BASF. The new palette of colors, inspired by ecological developments, ranges from new blacks, the trend color white in its multifaceted variations, rich blues and greens, all the way to pastel colors. And the new silver is nothing like the silver of yesterday, a consistently dominant color for the past seven years. Its frosty and cool or highly reflective surfaces (Liquid Metal), as well as its ethereally tinted nuances, are absolutely inspiring.

    “Ecology has become the trendsetter of the future, and in a number of areas has brought about a complete shift in thinking. Whether it’s buying habits, research, or driving, sustainability is the name of the game,” said BASF designers, who base their assessment of current trends on their observations of society.

Silver still top trend at PPG

PPG still places silver at the top of the charts, but other colors are gaining on the perennial leader. According to the annual automotive color popularity data released by PPG Industries, silver is losing some steam as black closes in on the long-time favorite. In addition, brighter hues such as blue, red and niche market colors seem primed for resurgence.

    In North America, silver held the top spot over other vehicle colors with 22 percent. “Silver is popular ... because it accentuates the styling of a vehicle and looks modern while also having a high resale value,” said Jane E. Harrington, PPG manager, color styling, automotive coatings. “We’re looking at new interpretations to emerge in tinted silvers and charcoal shades. Hue-shifting pigments can really make silvers look unique.”

    The rising popularity of black, white and other colors stems from the fashion and interior design industries, Harrington said. “Today’s consumers are aware of trends and design, and they expect to see that reflected in the vehicles they buy.”

    A survey PPG conducted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit showed more than 65 percent of consumers surveyed said they would select one vehicle over another if more color choices were available. “Consumers want choices, and that will lead to a more colorful automotive future. One of the first things you notice about a vehicle is the color,” Harrington said.

PPG color trends

Looking beyond 2008, the colorists of the PPG Global Design and Color Marketing Team examined cultural and lifestyle trends to create cutting-edge color palettes and special effects that meet automakers’ goals for brand identity, durability, workability and cost effectiveness.

    Some new colors in the collection are Cold Stare, a tinted silver with a steel blue highlight; Double Vision, a medium green with a red hue-shifting highlight; and Out of Sight, a soft brown with a blue hue-shifting highlight.

    Furthermore, PPG is on the forefront of creating new paint technologies that enhance automotive design. These special effect pigments offer higher color saturation while maintaining durability.

    “Our focus for this year’s global color show explores effect pigments,” said Jerry R. Koenigsmark, PPG manager of color design, North America automotive coatings. “To remain a leader in color design, our methods must be outside the normal mode of thinking. PPG continues to create unique ways of using effect pigments that result in innovative looks and add a new dimension to color and technology.”

White outranks silver as top choice

The 55th DuPont 2007 Global Automotive Color Popularity Report concurs that silver is no longer the undisputed color champion of the automotive world.

    In North America, after seven years in first place, silver ran into tough competition this year. White/white pearl, silver and black/black effect are in a virtual tie for first, with white/white pearl narrowly taking the top spot.

    DuPont has tracked color statistics for more than 55 years and reports converging trends in color preference. This year, DuPont sees white/white pearl as a trend-shifting color, and anticipates the new black metallic and other color effects will show an increase in popularity over time.

     “Our customers are looking at niche colors and effects, including matte finishes and warm neutrals with effect,” said Karen Surcina, color marketing and technology manager – DuPont. “The rise in popularity of white/white pearl and the long reign of silver suggest that we can expect a more dramatic shift in the top color choice.”

    “We are not surprised to see a proliferation of white/white pearl in DuPont’s report this year,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and author of Color: Messages and Meanings.

    “It follows the global trends in home furnishings, fashion, consumer products and industrial design where we’re seeing a return to white as a clarifying agent before change, a color of purity and minimalism,” Eiseman said. “White also is considered a fashion statement. The car you drive is a fashion statement, and consumer preferences for white agree.

    “Red is a popular choice with people who want to express a level of individuality with their vehicles,” Surcina noted. “We see the growth of vibrant colors – red and orange – as an option for those interested in mass customization – the chance to personalize a mass-produced object.”

    In North America, white/white pearl led in popularity with 19 percent of the overall vehicle market and 26 percent of the market for the truck/SUV category. White/white pearl tied in popularity with black for the luxury segment, while silver reigned in intermediate/CUV and compact/sport segments.

    “This color trend show generates great dialogue with our direct customers and the automotive manufacturers on trends we see and the color palette we are planning for the future, said Surcina.”

Color trends in North America as  BASF Reports

White is simple. White is clean. White is changing. New white concepts show mat finishes and tri-coat applications with slight hue shifts, which bring forth a yellow-gold influence.

Silver evokes the sparkle and glitter of Hollywood. Adding large, coarse flakes to extreme liquid silver evokes a technical and futuristic realm. New grays will show added hints of cool color in the form of steel blues, fashion pinks, and deep purples.

Black is evolving with new effects. Adding flakes to a basecoat brings forth dark rich jewel tones of deep cherry red and midnight blue.

Red is still hot. New reds have hues ranging from yellow to blue and from sport to luxury. A resurgence of tinted clears paired with red is expected for future model years.

Blue stands for nature and is considered to be a soothing element. Blue is safe, serene, and spiritual and continues to ascend in popularity in all hues and depths.

Green is now playing a  significant role in automotive color world. Green speaks of life and nature. Green evokes the environment and sustainability. Today’s green has staying power by reinventing itself. And when paired with blue to create the effect of a stormy sea, green may be unstoppable.

Neutral colors are likely to increase in the next few years. Warm, earth-based neutrals with hue movement will also increase in popularity as they are influenced by the environmental movement and Hollywood trends. They reflect the matte gold of fashion and jewelry. Richer mahogany colors are influenced by dark wood furnishings. The warmest of earth-toned neutrals range from vibrant orange to smooth copper and brilliant bronze.