As the year comes to an end, PPG – a leading supplier of automotive paint globally – looks at the colours motorists chose for their new vehicles in 2019. Because PPG operates in some 70 countries, it has been able to get data on consumer preferences although it must also be said that the data can be influenced by local assemblers who pick certain colours.
Nevertheless, collaboration between PPG’s more than 20 colour experts generates a fact-based approach to trends and consumer preferences, resulting in a unified voice on colour direction. The company believes this is reflective of current consumer attitudes and spans cultures, regions and markets.
Blue reflects consumers’ desire for adventure, relaxation and reliability
For 2019, blue was found to be increasingly popular, albeit holding a steady 8% of the total global colour popularity data – second only to neutrals like white, black, silver and grey. According to the experts, blue reflects consumers’ desire for adventure, relaxation and reliability.
“We see bolder colours making a comeback in many consumer segments. The versatility of automotive blues – from light sky blue to rich indigo – allows consumers to make a statement, while also ensuring the colour maintains a certain level of practicality,” said Jane Harrington, PPG Manager, Colour Styling, Automotive OEM Coatings.
“Now more than ever, consumers have a desire to make a statement – whether it be through their colour choices or the brands they buy,” Ms Harrington said.
Europeans love the blues
Europe saw the largest number of consumers choosing blue for their vehicles in 2019, at a high of 11%, up 1% from last year. Close behind, in North America, blue was on 10% of vehicles leaving factories – the highest next to neutral hues. The Asia Pacific area saw 7% of consumers choosing blue, with South America having only 2% blue automobiles.
While it’s anticipated that we could see more blue automobiles for the next 4 years, the hue offers many nuanced shades that can be transformed with different pigment effects, fine or coarse metallic flakes, luminous micas and sparkling glass flakes. Chromatic blues with slight red or green undertones are already appearing across the automotive market and will continue to evolve over the coming years.
Consumers aren’t just choosing blue hues in their automobiles, but also gravitate toward the colour in their homes, electronics and automotive accents. The PPG paint brand earlier this year announced its 2020 Colour of the Year – Chinese Porcelain – a blend of cobalt and moody ink blue that imparts calmness, hopefulness and restful sleep – precious commodities in a restless world.
“The need for simplicity and escapism from technology is, in part, the reason that consumers are craving blues that bring us closer to natural elements such as the sea and sky – elements that represent peace and serenity,” said Dee Schlotter, Senior Colour Marketing Manager, PPG Paint Brand. “The increasing need for connection in an unmoored world was a reoccurring theme at PPG’s Global Colour Workshop.”
Blue for wheels too!
“Beyond colour preferences on the exterior of automobiles, consumers are looking to incorporate more colourful choices for their wheel accents,” said Jennifer Solcz, PPG Global Segment Manager for Wheels, Industrial Coatings. “We’re seeing wheel designers now opting for complementary blue and blue-grey tones, and bolder choices for logos, racing stripes and other embellishments for a cohesive, custom look.”
