In 2024, the global automotive color landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with consumers increasingly moving away from traditional favorites like white and silver. This shift is creating new opportunities for the rise of warm niche colors, as well as a more diverse color palette across the industry. According to BASF Coatings’ latest Color Report for Automotive OEM Coatings, the growing popularity of vibrant hues and warm neutrals is a key driver of this trend.

While white remains the top choice for consumers, the report notes that warm shades such as yellow and beige are becoming more appealing. Additionally, the popularity of green is on the rise across all regions. Achromatic colors like black and gray are also gaining traction.

In the EMEA region, the report highlights the steady growth of achromatic colors, which have increased from 72% in 2021 to nearly 80% in 2024. White continues to be the most favored color, followed closely by gray. However, the report notes that beige is gaining popularity, with its market share nearly doubling.

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“Beige and neutral colors evoke a sense of calm and sophistication, reflecting the desire for stability in a fast-paced world,” said Mark Gutjahr, global head of Automotive Color Design at BASF. “They allow consumers to express their individuality while ensuring a timeless elegance in automotive design.”

In the Americas, gray is emerging as a versatile and captivating color, with its market share now approaching 20%. The report also notes a decline in the popularity of black and white cars.

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“Gray is redefining automotive style, gaining popularity for its versatile sophistication as preferences shift away from traditional white and black,” said Victoria Fislage, Senior Design Manager at BASF Coatings.

In the Asia Pacific region, black remains the dominant color, with its market share increasing by 2 percentage points. However, the report also highlights the growing popularity of yellow, particularly in the form of softer tones like pastel and greige yellow.

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“Earthy and pastel yellows capture today’s values – functionality, sustainability, and coexistence with nature,” said Chiharu Matsuhara, head of Automotive Color Design for Asia Pacific.

The Color Report for Automotive OEM Coatings by BASF Coatings offers an in-depth exploration of color trends in the automotive industry, analyzing preferences on both global and regional levels. The report’s findings are based on BASF Coatings’ analysis of global automotive production and paint application to passenger cars.

*All images courtesy of BASF.