The 63rd consecutive edition of Axalta’s annual colour report reveals 35 per cent of all global car buyers still prefer white as their first colour preference. Axalta Coating Systems Global Automotive 2015 Color Popularity Report shows that white continues to increase in popularity and since overtaking silver in 2011 has gained significant ground.

Nancy Lockhart, Colour Marketing Manager for Axalta in North America comments, “Since 1953, Axalta’s colour popularity data has been an important tool in partnering with vehicle manufacturers to forecast the designs and colour preference that will engage customers in the years to come. For the fifth consecutive year, white is the world’s most popular colour. However, we did see some pockets of colour when we looked across regions. For instance, red jumped eight percentage points over 2014 in South America, mid-shade blues are significant in Europe and bright blues gained popularity in North America.”

Some highlights of the report include;
- Blue has gained in global popularity as other rich colours have declined
- Silver has now stabilized globally after four years of decline
- Blue has a 9% share in Europe, more than any other region, with sporty mid-shade blues especially in demand.
- Black remains strong in Europe at 21%, with sparkling black shade gaining in popularity.

Nancy added, “The next generation of global automotive colours will offer a variety of colours with highly chromatic bright reds, rich blues and vibrant violets. Niche colours are forecasted on small cars in unique shades of pale blue, green and gold. Warm hues are gaining popularity in earthy tones of green, bronze, red and beige. Finally, cool shades are holding interest in white, grey and black.”