Black and gray colours drop to 3rd and 4th, respectively, worldwide
White and white pearl has emerged as the fastest growing colour to tie with silver as the world's leading automotive colour choices, according to the 2011 DuPont Automotive Colour Popularity Report.
A substantial increase in the popularity of white/white pearl globally in 2011 has enabled it to surpass longstanding rivals black and gray, to join silver at the top of the world colour ranks in this year's report. The DuPont report, in its 59th year, is the longest running and largest of its kind in the industry, includes automotive colour popularity rankings and regional trends from 11 leading automotive regions of the world.
In 2010, white/white pearl was tied for third with gray in the world colour ranks with just 16 per cent share, but its ongoing popularity in North America, combined with a surge in popularity in Europe, China, Korea, South America and South Africa, has helped to increase its position in 2011 to 22 per cent globally.
Black and gray dropped to third and fourth, respectively, in this year's report with red and blue strengthening and holding positions in fifth and sixth place.
The top global vehicle colours are:
1. White/White Pearl and Silver - tie, 22 per cent
3. Black/Black Effect - 20 per cent
4. Gray - 13 per cent
5. Red - 7 per cent
6. Blue - 6 per cent
7. Brown/Beige - 5 per cent
8. Green - 2 per cent
9. Yellow/Gold - 1 per cent
10. Others - 2 per cent
"While white/white pearl has historically been a popular colour for vehicles, we've seen a bigger shift in its popularity this year than DuPont expected," said Nancy Lockhart, DuPont colour marketing manager.
Silver and black have long been recognized in the top three for colour popularity. However, in the past few years, white/white pearl has been steadily growing in popularity outside of North America. In 2011, it jumped by more than four per centage points, according to Lockhart.
"There has been increased consumer acceptance for white, and our OEM customers are meeting consumer demand for the clean look it brings to vehicle design," she said. "Silver and black were once the top colours of luxury, but white has increased in this area. The overall trend for casual luxury has spread to numerous vehicle types. The expectation to have a luxurious feel to the vehicle is globally sought. Classic white and pearlescent white effects are inspiring luxury design.
Luxury segment dominated by black
In Europe, black/black effect continued its popularity, with 25 per cent share, led by the luxury/luxury SUV segment, with nearly 40 per cent segment share.
Black/black effect has maintained its leadership in the region since 2007. DuPont expects this trend to continue in the near future, especially regarding black effect. White/white pearl made a surprising surge of about five per centage points over 2010, to reach 20 per cent share, which is primarily because of the popularity of solid white across all model segments.
"White also is seen as inspiration for the ecological megatrend in Europe, because it represents modern minimalism and future technology," said Elke Dirks, DuPont colour designer for Europe. "This trend also resulted in a considerable increase in white/white pearl in the luxury segment," she explained.
Gray (18 per cent) and silver (15 per cent) decreased in popularity this year, and blue rounded out Europe's top five colours with 7 per cent of the vehicle market.
© Emirates 24|7 2011
