For 10 years running, White remains the top global vehicle color. Axalta’s 68th Global Automotive Color Popularity Report reveals the top three automotive colors of 2020 to be White (38%), Black (19%), and Gray (15%). Gray increased 2% worldwide and is at a 10-year high as it continues to strengthen to a total 15% of the market, further states the report.

For a decade now, White has been the most popular automotive color around the world. White vehicles have been holding at 38% for the past three years. Similarly, Black holds steady year over year and remains a favorite in luxury and luxury SUV vehicles. Meanwhile, there is movement in other color areas as Silver continues to drop, now in the single digits at 9%. Silver showed declines in major regions.

Gray increased 1% to a total of 25% and remains the top color in Europe for the second year in a row. The Compact/Sport category, in particular, followed this gray trend, showing an increase of 5% to a full 29%. Black is more popular here than in any other region with 21% in total.

Although Red showed a 2% decrease in North America (7%), historically it is most popular in this region. Blue, at 10% of the market, is trending on all types of vehicles, with the highest usage on compact and sports vehicles. Asia continues to see the highest number of White vehicles on the road at 48%. The second region to the trail is Africa with 46% popularity of White vehicles.

China’s overall most popular colors are White and Black, representing modern and luxurious trends. Whites are shifting towards more pearlescent versions and Blacks are shifting towards more solid versions.  Japan’s color popularity showed both Blue and Red increased 1% this year. Increasing trends in green-shade Blues and green-shade Yellows are on the future outlook. India’s preference for lighter shades is evident with the most Silver vehicles of any country at 32% and the lowest number of black vehicles at 2%. South America found a 2% increase in Blue vehicles, totaling 5%.

Axalta celebrated its 2020 Global Automotive Color of the Year, Sea Glass, around the world. The green-shade blue was inspired by nature’s waterways and oceans, and shimmers in the light. Based on science, research, and consumer desire, Sea Glass infuses a tranquil yet confident style, with a premium look that meets the trends of today.

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