Axalta Coating Systems announced Solar Boost as its 2026 Global Automotive Color of the Year. The warm orange tone is designed for modern vehicles and incorporates champagne-colored flakes to create a dynamic finish that shifts in appearance from sunrise to sunset.

“A vehicle’s color heavily shapes its initial perception, affecting how buyers feel about its safety, sportiness, elegance and even resale value, making color a significant influence in the buying decision,” said Hadi Awada, President, Global Mobility Coatings at Axalta. “In fact, Axalta’s own research has shown more than 80% of buyers consider it a key factor, which is why it’s so critical for OEMs to understand dynamic global consumer sentiments and align their vehicle color portfolio accordingly.”

Credit: Axalta

According to the company, Solar Boost reflects a shift toward individualistic design choices as consumers increasingly seek vehicles that express personal identity. The color aligns with growing interest in expressive shades beyond traditional neutral palettes, particularly among younger and trend-conscious buyers.

Axalta’s global color research indicates that orange is gaining traction across regions for its emotional resonance. In North America, the color is associated with warmth and optimism. In Latin America, it reflects vibrancy and celebration. Across Asia Pacific, saturated hues such as orange are increasingly used to help vehicles stand out in competitive and fast-growing segments, including electric vehicles.

“Solar Boost is the result of our team’s deep experience in both the art and science of color,” said Robert Roop, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Axalta. “Elements of human psychology and popular culture inform our choice of color; then we apply our expertise in color science, optics and coating formulations to transform color into a manufacturable coating that is beautiful, durable and sustainable.”

The 2026 selection marks the 12th year Axalta has named a Global Automotive Color of the Year as part of its ongoing color research and forecasting efforts.

This announcement reflects broader activity across automotive coatings, where manufacturers are responding to shifting design preferences and global mobility trends.