PPG has now shown designers 70 new exterior shades for consideration on cars coming in the 2014-2015 model years.
The color white is the most popular vehicle color in the world. Roughly 21% of 2011 model year cars have been produced in white. Regional differences do exist, but white’s popularity makes it the number one choice of car buyers, according to data just released from PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) one of the largest suppliers of coatings – or paint – to the auto industry. Silver and black tied for second as most popular at 20% each.
In North America, white was first (20%), silver was second (19%), black was third (18%) and gray was fourth (15%). Red and blue were tied for fifth (9%), earth colors such as browns, tans, golds, oranges and yellows were sixth (7%), green was seventh (2%), and other/niche colors were last (1%).
In Europe, black is the most popular color (26%), followed by white (19%), silver (16%), gray (15%), blue (9%), red (7%), earth colors (5%), green (2%) and other/niche colors (1%).
In the Asia/Pacific region, silver (25%) is the most popular color, followed by white (23%), black (17%), gray (8%), red (10%), blue (7%), naturals (7%), green (2%) and other/niche colors (1%).
“Color is one of the most basic means of human expression,” said Jane E. Harrington, PPG manager, color styling, automotive coatings. “The palette of colors being developed for the automotive segment is being influenced by culture, nature, fashion, interior design, media, auto shows, color popularity and new pigment technology.”
PPG has now shown automotive designers 70 new exterior shades for consideration on cars coming in the 2014-2015 model years. (Although it’s not clear to me how many variations of white silver and black can or should exist.) These included silver with an influence of a gold; what’s described as a soft creamy white with a highlight sparkle; brown with a pearl luster effect; blue with a purple highlight; and a light green with a hint of gold. It’s tough to change black of course, although mat instead of glossy finishes are appearing.
PPG also recently completed an online study of consumer opinions regarding the importance of coatings and color as they relate to new car purchases. Some findings of the survey are:
- 48% of the automotive consumers who responded said they generally choose products based on color.
- 77% of the automotive consumers said exterior color was a factor in their automotive purchase decision.
- Vehicle color is an important factor in the choice of vehicle, according to 30% of the automotive consumers.
- The same percentage – about 31% – of the automotive consumers said they are willing to pay extra for a vehicle that expresses their personality through color.
- Owners of large luxury cars, sporty cars and large premium SUVs said they are willing to pay the most extra get the color of their choice.
- 40% of the automotive consumers said they would prefer a wider range of color choices.
