PPG and BYD have been awarded the Supreme Gold Award at the 2024 International CMF Design Awards for their special-effect color, Argyle Purple. The award was presented in recognition of the color’s optical effect, which creates the illusion of liquid metal. Argyle Purple is featured on BYD’s Yangwang U9 electric super coupe, the fastest Chinese production car.

The color was chosen from a pool of 3,000 competing designs and was praised for its innovation and commercial appeal. Argyle Purple is the first color to feature this optical effect on a mass scale, and its successful integration with PPG’s AQUACRON® PWB premium waterborne basecoat coating was a key factor in its selection.

Cindy Li, PPG’s senior color styling manager for Asia, and Luo Zhizhi, BYD’s senior manager for automotive color and fabric design, received the award on behalf of their respective companies. This is the first time that PPG and BYD have collaborated on a project that has received such significant industry recognition.

“At PPG, we are dedicated to advancing the possibilities for vehicle design and manufacturing, not only in China but globally, through continuous technological innovation and a deep understanding of market and consumer needs,” said Li. “That commitment to innovation and excellence is exemplified by Argyle Purple, which showcases advanced color science and application technology while also aligning with PPG's 2025 Color of the Year, Purple Basil.”

The International CMF Design Awards were established in 2017 and focus on recognizing innovation in color, material and finish (CMF) design. The awards are open to a wide range of industries, with a particular emphasis on the automotive sector.