British drivers during 2023 once again noted their preference for monochrome cars as grey topped the new car color chart for the sixth year in a row, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). With a market share of more than a quarter (26.8%), more than half a million (509,194) grey cars were registered in 2023, with volumes rising 22.6% as the new car market enjoyed its best year since the pandemic.[1]*

“2023 was a bumper year for the British new car market, as buyers continued to gravitate towards familiar monochrome hues for another year – even as ever more motorists embrace new technologies. Car manufacturers have diligently expanded their offerings, with a huge selection of color options available across hundreds of models and thousands of specification options. The extensive variety allows drivers flexibility in choosing a tint that embodies their individuality and style,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.

Completing the color podium, black and white held second and third place, also for the sixth consecutive year, and recorded their best volumes since 2019. Almost two thirds (63.5%) of all new cars joining UK roads in 2023 were monochrome, while blue rose 10.9% to take fourth place and red remained in fifth,– although it also recorded its lowest market share since 2005 and has seen its popularity steadily decline since 2019. [2] The British regions were unanimous in a preference for grey, with white ranking as the second most popular in the Channel Islands, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Black was the second most popular in England, Wales and the Isle of Man.
[1] Grey cars registered in 2022: 415,199 units; New car registrations, full year 2023: 1,903,054
[2] Red market share, 2005: 7.3%