Car Color Trend in 2014 - Vol.269
The Global Automotive 2014 Color Popularity Report, recently released by Axalta Coating Systems, an authority on color and color trending information in the automotive industry, reveals the color preferences of car buyers from different regions. The report, which is the longest running and most comprehensive in the industry (the first came in 1953), introduces this year for the first time Color Matrix, an ingenious automotive color forecast that can be especially useful for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive industry. In other words, the data in the report not only highlights the colors consumers prefer, but also predicts future trends.
The Most Popular Colors in 2014
The most popular car color in the world is white, representing 29% of all cars on the road. White has been the most popular shade on cars for four years in a row now. Black remains a popular color as well at 19%, although it has dropped one percent compared to the 2013 report. Accounting for the one percent drop could be the rise of colors such as red, blue, and yellow.
Here are some interesting observations about the preferred car colors in different regions of the world.
Asia/Pacific
- Thirty percent of cars in South Korea are white. White has been the dominant color in Asia and the Pacific since 2007.
- Nineteen percent of cars in Asia are black.
- Blue cars are most popular in Japan.
- In China, twenty-four percent of luxury vehicles are black.
Europe
- Silver/gray is the most popular car color in Europe, having held the top spot between 1999 and 2012, only in 2013 being dethroned by white.
- Only one percent of cars in Europe are green. Interestingly, green has never been a popular color with car buyers in Europe except during 1953-1954, although in the US it has been the most popular color for four years in a row between 1994 and 1997.
- Europe has more blue vehicles than any other region.
- Europeans are keen on light and mid shades of blue in compact, sport, and multipurpose vehicles.
- White has declined in popularity.
- Black remains a highly popular color in Europe, having been so for more than a decade.
North America
- Twenty-five percent of cars in North America are white. White has been the most popular color in the US for eight years in a row.
- Red is more popular in North America than in other regions.
- Solid white is the most popular coating in Mexico.
- Black, white, and silver dropped one percent in popularity this year.
South America
- Twenty-seven percent of cars in South America are white.
- Twenty-five percent are silver.
- Twelve percent are black.
- Eleven percent are red.
Color Forecasts
The Global Automotive 2014 Color Popularity Report has identified several color types which will be highly influential this year. Car buyers from all over the world are likely to be drawn to pale hues, bright colors, dark shades, as well as muted versions, including fine or coarse metallics, solids, and tintcoats. Pearlescent colors as well as tricoats are also likely to be popular. In terms of color style combinations, customers have many different options to choose from, more than ever before.
Bottom Line
It's interesting to note the different preferences in color of car drivers from around the world, and especially how, apart from black, white, and silvery/gray, three colors which are popular everywhere, each region has quite different preferences. If you plan to buy a new car this year, you may want to consider the color trends, but in the end remember that the color your choose is ultimately a personal choice.