Bodyshop owners get to see all kinds of colours when it comes to repairing vehicles, but many will have noticed that conservative greys, greens, beiges and matt colours are now far more prevalent on new cars. 

Bright metallics, pearls and flip colours seem to be taking a back seat at present and premium new car buyers are currently far more likely to select a colour from a palette that would not have looked out of place in the 1930s or 40s. 

Black, white and silver have been topping the car sales leagues globally when it comes to colour for many years, and the latest flat greys and muddy tones are really only variations on this theme. However, they also reflect a mood among buyers who do not want to appear too brash or bold in their colour choice. 

The growing emphasis on environmental responsibility and sustainability makes many drivers want to tone down their colour choices and opt for more conservative shades that blend in rather than stand out.  

It is a trend that some say started some ten years ago with an Audi shade called Nardo Gray. Appearing on premium Audi models made the colour aspirational and demand grew. Other vehicle makes have followed suit and there is now a significant minority of buyers demanding the toned down look. It has even extended to some buyers effectively only wanting shades that look more like a primer finish.  

Either way these earth tones appear to be on point at the moment and in high demand. So in the short and medium term, at least bodyshops should be seeing less multi-stage metallics and more mat greys.