World's most popular car colour is ...

PHILADELPHIA: Silver and black are in tight competition for the title of “world’s most popular car colour,” according to DuPont.

As the global automotive coatings leader, DuPont issued its 58th Global Automotive Colour Popularity Report today, which includes automotive colour popularity information and regional trends from 11 leading automotive regions of the world.

Lockhart

Each year, the DuPont report reflects data from established and emerging growth markets in the automotive industry; and in 2010, for the first time, includes trends from South Africa. DuPont’s study is the original and most comprehensive report on global automotive colour popularity and remains the first of its kind compiled on a global basis.

Only two percentage points separate silver from black as the leading vehicle colour globally, and black’s popularity in key automotive markets outside of North America is substantial.

White and gray are tied for third place, with gray’s popularity increasing three percentage points from last year’s survey. Red, the only non-neutral colour in the top five, is increasing in popularity, taking the fifth spot on the global colour popularity rankings.

Of interest to Malaysians is what Dupont has to say on the Asia/Pacific region. It said the region has a preference for light neutrals, while black/black effect are popular for luxury models.

“The concept of ‘Think Blue’ has developed industrywide, as OEMs strive for green vehicles and concept designs,” said Emily Hung, DuPont colour designer for the Asia-Pacific region. “Light blue metallic colours are widely selected for environmentally responsible concept vehicles by many auto manufacturers in the region.”

“Our annual global colour analysis allows DuPont to share insights into global colour trends with automakers as they’re planning future vehicle designs,” said Nancy Lockhart, DuPont colour marketing manager.

“The demand for fresh, high-quality information is more relevant today than ever before, as the industry continues to see increased consumer demand for innovative vehicle design and styling.”

Just three years ago, silver led all regions in colour popularity.

With the shift toward more globalization in the automotive industry, regional preferences are influencing the global trend. With trends of silver, black and white – all neutrals – vying for the top three spots among most regions, gray has increased in popularity and is gaining in interest among consumers in many regions.

Both silver and black/black effect saw a 1 percent gain in global popularity in the 2010 report, with white remaining flat over last year.- by star-motoring.com