Released data stating that for the tenth consecutive year, the most popular vehicle-car color in the world is silver. The data also indicates that silver has reached its highest level of popularity since the inception of data recording by PPG Industries in 1990.
The silver, charcoal and gray categories experienced a dramatic increase of popularity in North America. In 2009, the color category accounted for only 25 percent but this year the color accounted for 31 percent. Compared to the 2008 data of 20 percent, the increase is up nearly 10 percent. Still, red and white are some of the most eye-catching colors on the road.
Black and white, also popular vehicle-car colors with 18 percent, tied for second place. Red followed with 11 percent and blue with 10 percent. The earth tones, which include the browns, tans, golds, yellows and oranges, accounted for 8 percent. The lowest percentage was green with only 4 percent. Which is notable since in 1994 green was at 21 percent and silver was far behind with only 8 percent.
Jane Harrington, PPG manager, believes the data suggests that vibrant colors are no longer the trend with automobiles any longer. However, vibrant colors are still around just evolving into different shades with textural appearances and shimmering top coats. Still marketers cannot overlook the fact that in North America, more than two-thirds of vehicles are silver, black or white.
According to Harrington, “The palette of colors being developed for the automotive market is clearly being influenced by culture, nature, fashion, movies, media, electronics and many consumer products.”
This year the company introduced more than 60 new exterior shades for automobiles. New colors included Cognac, a warm copper with glistening highlights, Denim a traditional “blue” with iridescent effects. The company also plans to offer automotive manufacturers exclusive shades to differentiate their automobiles.